The British Fantasy Awards

The British Fantasy Awards are the longest running fantasy awards in the UK. We started with just one award and now have 16 different categories across different mediums, and for a variety of creators in the genre. They’ve been around since our inception and if you’d  like to see a list of award winners go here.  Read on to learn more about our different Award Categories…

Best Fantasy Novel

The Robert Holdstock Award

For Fantasy fiction over 40,000 words published for the first time in the English language, in any part of the world, in any format, during the relevant year. 

Best Horror Novel

The August Derleth Award

For Horror fiction over 40,000 words published for the first time in the English language, in any part of the world, in any format, during the relevant year. 

Best Novella

For fiction 15,000 – 40,000 words published for the first time in the English language, in any part of the world, in any format, during the relevant year. 

Best Short Fiction

For stories under 15,000 words published for the first time in the English language, in any part of the world, in any format, during the relevant year. 

Best Collection

For a collection of work by a single author, published for the first time in teh English language in any part of the world during the relevant year.

Best Magazine or Periodical

For non-fiction and fiction magazines, print and online, which were active during the relevant year. BFS publications such as BFS Horizons and the Journal are not eligible for this award.

Best Audio Work

For spoken word audio work (eg audiobook, radio drama, podcast) performed by one or more participants and published for the first time in the English language in any part of the world in any audio format during the relevant year.

Best Independent Press

Presented to the Independent Press judged on myriad factors including number of bestselling releases, and company culture. It is open to any Independent Press active during the relevant year.

Best Artist

For any artist who has produced work during the relevant year. This category covers artists who work in any format. The Jury of this award comprises at least one artist working within the genre.

Best Non-Fiction

Items eligible for this award include non-fiction books, chapbooks, magazine or online columns or single magazine or online articles. The non-fiction item must have been published in any format (book, magazine, small press or electronic) in any part of the world during the relevant year. 

The Special Award

The Karl Edward Wagner Award

This award can go to an individual or an organisation who has made an important contribution to the genre or to the British Fantasy Society throughout his/her/their lifetime. The BFS Committee will determine the winner of this award. 

Best Newcomer

The Sydney J. Bounds Award

The award is for a new fiction writer. The recommendations can be for  single works or a series.*

* This award is sponsored and funded by the estate of Sydney J. Bounds and the winner will receive a cheque for £100. The winner is decided by a special panel of readers appointed by the BFS and will include representatives from the Bounds estate and the BFS.

For a full list of eligibility and criteria please read the awards section of the British Fantasy Society Constitution, which can be found here.