Horror Writers Association (HWA)

Mission

HWA is a charity that promotes the consumption (reading) and appreciation (study) of horror, defines what passes for good horror through publications and awards, encourages literacy using horror, and organizes educational and networking opportunities for members.

From the Horror Writers Association Bylaws, Article III:

To encourage public interest in Horror and Dark Fantasy literature, and to encourage the reading of such literature through a wide use of school and public library facilities; to foster an appreciation of good Horror and Dark literature, both for pleasure and information, thus broadening the intellectual and cultural horizons of the general public and the members of the Corporation; to sponsor, edit, and disseminate writings, papers, books, pamphlets, and other publications which exemplify Horror and Dark Fantasy literature of high quality; to encourage literacy through the use of horror and dark fantasy literature; to conduct conferences, public discussion groups, forums, lectures, and seminar programs for the benefit of members and others, all for no pecuniary gain; and to use other lawful, appropriate, and genuine means for the attainment of these purposes.

Membership

See Horror Writers Association Bylaws, Article III for detailed requirements and qualifications.

See Joining the HWA for a more friendly breakdown of membership requirements, dues, benefits, and member services.

HWA has five (5) classes of membership, of which Active Members have full rights and privileges:

• Active Members

  Either writers or editors who meet certain criteria. Only active members in good standing are “…eligible to serve as an Officer or Trustee of the HWA, to make nominations for such positions, and to vote in elections thereof.”

• Affiliate Members

  Writers who meet certain criteria. Affiliate members pay same dues as active members, receive same publications and services as active members, but have limited rights.

• Associate Members

  Working professionals in the field of horror or dark literature who aren’t writers or organizations with a legitimate interest in the horror genre. Associate members pay same dues as active members, receive same publications and services as active members, but have limited rights.

• Academic Members

  Academics or people with an academic interest in horror or dark literature. Academic members pay same dues as active members, receive same publications and services as active members, but have limite rights.

• Supporting Members

  Readers or fans. Anyone who doesn’t qualify for one of the other membership classes but would like to support this charity and gain limited rights, such as access to message boards and “members only” areas of the website. Are also encouraged to volunteer to help the organization.

Financial (Fiscal Year 2013)

All data pulled from the HWA 990-EZ filing for 2013 Fiscal Year, ending 02-28-2014.

The single biggest expense is for the Bram Stoker Awards.

While there is a line item for “Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits”, all directors and officers are volunteer positions.

Line Item	Income	Expense
Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received	$131,048
Book & Merchandise Sales	$152
Investment Income	$121
Bram Stoker Awards - Expense		($72,628)
Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits		($19,240)
Book Festivals		($14,606)
Website Design & Maintenance		($8,673)
Office Expenses		($5,005)
Newsletter		($3,900)
Insurance		($3,709)
Royalty Expense		($2,659)
Payroll Processing Fees		($1,416)
Merchant Processing Fees		($1,214)
Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors		($810)
Penalty Expense		($600)
Contributions		($500)
Member Expense - Hardship		($500)
Bank Charges		($72)
Total	$131,321	($135,532)