The Grand Master Award is given to an individual living at the time of selection whose body of work shall reflect the highest artistic goals and ideals of the SFPA, including being actively published within the target genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror for a period of no less than twenty years, and whose poetry has been noted to be exceptional in merit, scope, vision, and innovation. In conjunction with having a scope of work worthy of recognition, the membership may also consider contributions to the poetic genre of science fiction, fantasy, and horror as part of the selection, such as nonfiction.
The individual nominated for the Grand Master title need not be a member of the SFPA, nor of any other writer’s organization, professional affiliation, or other body; nor shall such membership impede the selection of any individual.
A Grand Master shall be named no more than once annually and need not be conferred in any given year. The President may not self-confer the title of Grand Master, nor reserve this title for such time as the President leaves or has left office.
Process
- A call for Grand Master nominations will be published in Star*Line and sent to the membership through a missive and on social media with the deadline for receiving nominations clearly stated.
- Any member in good standing may propose a Grand Master candidate via letter or e-mail to the SFPA President that states the qualifications of the nominee. Grand Master nominations may be collected for up to two months.
- The names of Grand Master nominees, with bibliographies, will be published in SFPA social media channels as well as sent through a missive.
- No more than five, nor fewer than two candidates may be selected. A “No Award” option will be included on the ballot along with the names of the candidates.
- The President may, after reviewing proposed nominees choose to add one nominee who may have been overlooked.
- The Grand Master title will be conferred with the consent of the Board, who with the President, have the authority to break a tie vote in the balloting.
- If “No Award” wins the vote, then no award will be given in that particular year.
- A certificate signed by the President will be provided to the recipient acknowledging the honor, as well as any other form of physical/digital award as may be approved, appropriate, and available.
- The selection will be publicly acknowledged, and the SFPA shall undertake reasonable effort to communicate the Grand Master recipient to the appropriate major speculative associations and other awards bodies, in an attempt to have that honor acknowledged, if only by proxy. Similarly, the SFPA secretary will provide any appropriate information to these bodies.
To date, the SFPA has conferred eleven Grand Master Awards:
- Akua Lezli Hope (2022)
- Mary Soon Lee (2022)
- Linda D. Addison (2020)
- Ann K. Schwader (2018)
- David C. Kopaska-Merkel (2017)
- Marge Simon & Steve Sneyd (2015)
- Jane Yolen (2010)
- Ray Bradbury (2008)
- Robert Frazier (2005)
- Bruce Boston (1999)
