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Join Now – Choose the Appropriate Category

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This and the following pages will walk you through the decisions you have to make before you fill out the application form, one step at a time. We recommend you take notes as you go about your choices.

Determine Your Membership Category

Whether you’re an aspiring writer working toward your all-important first pro-level sale or a seasoned novelist with a dozen books to your credit, the HWA can help further your career. If you’re a producer, publisher, editor, or agent, you’ll find our networking resources invaluable. If you’re a librarian or bookseller, you’ll have an inside track on talented writers, hot new books, and likely award winners. And if you’re a fan, you’ll have access to the writers you love and will get to be an important part of the oldest and largest organization dedicated to horror. If you have an interest in horror and horror writing, welcome! We have a membership level that’s just right for you.

Find the membership level that fits you best and review the qualifications. Click the button to learn about the next steps and the documents, if any, you will need to provide.

Note: Membership dues are due on January first. The amount will be prorated if you join after March 31st. All rates for qualifying sales are listed in USD. Equivalent amounts in other currencies are also eligible.


Supporting Ally

If you love horror and enjoy reading, watching or listening to horror, apply for Supporting Ally. You do not need to provide any documentation or meet any requirements, other than having an interest in the genre.

The Benefits:
  • Participate in the HWA’s Mentorship Program that pairs you with an established pro.
  • Join (or start) a local chapter and participate in events including signings, book fairs and genre conventions.
  • Receive the HWA’s monthly newsletter packed with writing information, horror articles, market reports, and more.
  • Enjoy members’ only discounts to workshops, editors, and more.
  • Access the Membership Directory
As a member, you can also:
  • Promote your new releases to members and to the public via HWA’s blog.
  • Submit to our exclusive members’ only anthologies.
  • Recommend works for the Bram Stoker Awards®️.
Documentation: You do not need to provide any documentation or meet any requirements.

Supporting Ally

Dues: $59 a year

To proceed, click on the Supporting Ally button.



Academic Ally

If you work in an academic profession and have an interest in the field of horror or dark literature, then apply for Academic Ally.

Documentation: You will need to provide documentation of your research, teaching, writing, or other activities within the genre. Details about qualifying documents are provided in the next step.

Academic Ally

Dues: $79 a year

To proceed, click on the Associate Ally button.



Affiliate Writer

If you have published at least one of the following at the listed rates, then apply for Affiliate Writer.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy short story of at least 500 words for payment of at least $25.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy non-fiction article, role-playing supplement, comic book script, computer gaming script, or theatrical play for payment of at least $50.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy book-length manuscript 40,000 words or more for payment of at least $200.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy self-published book-length manuscript 40,000 words or more earning at least $200 within two years of publication.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy screenplay or an option on a screenplay for payment of at least $200.
  • Three Horror or Dark Fantasy poems for a total payment of at least $15.
The Benefits:
  • Participate in the HWA’s Mentorship Program that pairs you with an established pro.
  • Serve on a jury for the Bram Stoker Awards®️.
  • Volunteer for a variety of positions.
  • Join (or start) a local chapter and participate in events including signings, book fairs and genre conventions.
  • Receive the HWA’s monthly newsletter packed with writing information, horror articles, market reports, and more.
  • Enjoy members’ only discounts to workshops, editors, and more.
  • Access the Membership Directory
As a member, you can also:
  • Promote your new releases to members and to the public via HWA’s blog.
  • Submit to our exclusive members’ only anthologies.
  • Recommend works for the Bram Stoker Awards®️.


Documentation: You will need to provide documentation of your publication and sales. Details about qualifying documents are provided in the next step.

Affiliate Writer

Dues: $79 a year

To proceed, click on the Affiliate button.



Active Pro Writer

If you are an established writer or editor meeting at least one of the following criteria, then apply for Active Pro Writer.

Writers:

Three or more Horror or Dark Fantasy short stories, articles, or reviews totaling 7,500 words or more, each work earning payment of at least $.05 per word.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy book-length manuscript 40,000 words or more earning a minimum payment from a publisher in advances and/or royalties of at least $2,000.
  • One self-published Horror or Dark Fantasy book-length manuscript 40,000 words or more earning at least $2,000 within two years of publication.
  • One 90-minute Horror or Dark Fantasy TV movie, or two 30-minute teleplays earning at least WGA minimum rates.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy theatrical film script earning at least $5,000.
  • Three full-length Horror or Dark Fantasy comic book scripts earning professional rates and/or with professional print-run and distribution levels.
  • Three 10,000 word Horror or Dark Fantasy Role-playing Game projects, or one 40,000 word project, earning at least $.05 per word.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy script for a computer game or a single work of interactive fiction intended for electronic media earning at least $2,000.
  • One Horror or Dark Fantasy computer game earning a minimum payment of $2,000 or a computer game for which the creator didn’t receive payment in advance but with a paid circulation exceeding 1,000 copies.
  • Ten Horror or Dark Fantasy poems earning at least $.25 per line or $5 each or a published poetry collection that earned an honorarium of at least $50.
  • Full-time or part-time employees or contractors who primarily write horror or dark fantasy.

Note:
Self-published writers with publication earnings equivalent to the above may qualify for this category of membership.

Editors:

  • One book-length work of fiction, non-fiction, or translation containing elements of horror or dark literature of 40,000 words or more earning a minimum payment from a publisher in advances and/or royalties of at least $2,000 or payments of at least $5,000 in any combination of an advance and/or royalties of less than 5% but at least 1%. The book length work may also be scholarship, criticism, or commentary.
  • Six months of full-time employment in editing with at least 25% of editing responsibilities related to horror publications.
  • Payment of at least $2000 during one calendar year for editing horror books, periodicals or online publications.
The Benefits: Active members may:
  • Vote for the Bram Stoker Awards®️.
  • Serve as chair on award juries.
  • Mentor new members.
  • Serve as officers in the organization.
  • Volunteer for a variety of positions.
Here are a few reminders of the great benefits that ALL members receive:
  • Participate in the HWA’s Mentorship Program that pairs you with an established pro.
  • Join (or start) a local chapter and participate in events including signings, book fairs and genre conventions.
  • Receive the HWA’s monthly newsletter packed with writing information, horror articles, market reports, and more.
  • Enjoy members’ only discounts to workshops, editors, and more.
  • Access the Membership Directory
As a member, you can also:
  • Promote your new releases to members and to the public (via HWA’s blog)
  • Submit to our exclusive members’ only anthologies
  • Recommend works for the Bram Stoker Awards®️


Documentation: You will need to provide documentation of your publication and sales. Details about qualifying documents are provided in the next step.

Active Pro Writer

Dues: $79 a year

To proceed, click on the Active Pro Writer button.



Associate Ally

If you are a professional other than a writer in the field of horror or dark literature including, but not limited to, an editor, illustrator, literary agent, bookseller, film producer or publisher, or you are associated with an institution with an interest in the horror genre, such as a high school, college, university, library or broadcasting organization,, then apply for Associate Ally.

Documentation: You will need to supply documentation showing your professional affiliation. Details about qualifying documents are provided in the next step.

Associate Ally

Dues: $79 a year

To proceed, click on the Associate Ally button.



Other Options for Membership:


Corporate Membership

Dues: $135 a year

Corporate members receive one directory entry and ten user IDs for access to HWA’s Members Only website. The status is automatically “Associate Ally,” and the applicant must provide the same documentation as for an Associate Ally membership. All user IDs are considered part of the single corporate membership and do not equate to individual memberships. All official mail is sent to a single address.
To proceed, click on the Corporate Membership button above.



Family Membership

Dues: $99 a year

Family memberships include up to three members of a family. Each member receives a separate listing in the directory and separate user IDs for access to the HWA’s Members Only website. The family member’s status will vary according to their individual qualifications. All family members must apply individually and provide the documentation required for the level they are applying for.
To proceed, click on the Family Membership button above.

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