James Herbert Horror Writing Prize

James Herbert

Details have been released of the James Herbert Horror Writing Prize, which was created by his old publisher Pan Macmillan in honour of the bestselling author who died last year aged 69.

The prize of £2,000 plus will include a specially designed commemorative statue, making it surely the most prestigious prize in horror fiction.

The announced judges, chaired by Tom Hunter, director of the Serendip Foundation (which manages the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Science Fiction), will include Ramsey Campbell, Dr Tony Venezia, Rosie Fletcher, Sarah Pinborough and James Herbert's daughter Kerry Herbert.

To be eligible, novels must be in English and have been first published in the UK and Ireland during 2014.

There is an online submission form for publishers to use, linked here: online form

The shortlist of the five finalists will be revealed in January next year. The winner will be announced in March.

The James Herbert Award for Horror Writing

This is great news and certain to help raise the profile of the horror genre in general, especially novels.

 

For immediate release, Monday 7 April 2014

Horror Writing Prize in memory of James Herbert is launched    

 ‘I didn’t plan to write horror; it just poured out of me’ James Herbert

To celebrate the life and career of one of the world’s best and most loved horror writers, Pan Macmillan and the estate of James Herbert have announced the launch of The James Herbert Award for Horror Writing.  
The announcement coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the first publication of The Rats for which Pan Macmillan will be releasing special anniversary paperback and collectors’ hardback editions in May and September respectively and which will contain an exclusive new introduction by Neil Gaiman.
The prize, which will be awarded annually, aims to discover and publicise a new generation of horror authors working today and celebrate the boldest and most exciting talent in the genre.  The winning author will receive a cheque for £2,000 and a specially-designed commemorative statuette.

The inaugural award will be open to horror novels written in English and published in the UK and Ireland between 1^st January 2014 and 31^st December 2014. Entries should be submitted to Pan Macmillan via their online submission form available at www.jamesherbertaward.com by 1^st October 2014.
James Herbert’s daughter, Kerry, will head up the panel of five judges whose names will be announced in the summer.
A shortlist of five novels will be announced in January 2015 with the winner announced at an awards ceremony in March 2015.
Eileen Herbert, James Herbert’s wife, says, “I was thrilled when Jeremy talked to me about this Award. Throughout his years as a storyteller Jim encouraged new and upcoming writers and I know he would be delighted and honoured that his name will continue this tradition.
“Thank you Pan Macmillan.”