Nebula Award
The most prestigious peer-voted award in science fiction and fantasy, presented annually by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA).
About the Nebula Award
The Nebula Awards are given annually by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) for the best science fiction or fantasy fiction published in the United States. First presented in 1966, the Nebulas are one of the two most prestigious awards in the science fiction and fantasy genre, alongside the Hugo Awards.
Unlike the fan-voted Hugo Awards, the Nebula Awards are voted on by professional writers, making them a true peer recognition award. This gives the Nebulas a unique perspective on literary craft and storytelling excellence within the genre.
Categories
- Best Novel - 40,000+ words
- Best Novella - 17,500-40,000 words
- Best Novelette - 7,500-17,500 words
- Best Short Story - Under 7,500 words
- Best Game Writing - Interactive narrative
- Andre Norton Award - Young adult SF/F
Eligibility and Nomination Process
Works must be published in English in the United States during the calendar year. SFWA members can nominate and vote on works through a two-phase process: a recommendation period followed by final voting. The awards are presented at the annual SFWA Nebula Conference, typically held in May or June.
Recent Nebula Award Winners - Best Novel
| Year | Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Witch King | Martha Wells |
| 2023 | Babel | R.F. Kuang |
| 2022 | A Master of Djinn | P. Djeli Clark |
| 2021 | A Network of Echoes | Sarah Pinsker |
| 2020 | A Song for a New Day | Sarah Pinsker |
| 2019 | The Calculating Stars | Mary Robinette Kowal |
| 2018 | The Stone Sky | N.K. Jemisin |
| 2017 | All the Birds in the Sky | Charlie Jane Anders |
| 2016 | Uprooted | Naomi Novik |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can nominate for the Nebula Award?
Only active, associate, and lifetime SFWA members can nominate and vote for the Nebula Awards. Membership requires professional publication credits in the science fiction or fantasy field.
Can self-published works win a Nebula?
Yes, self-published works are eligible for the Nebula Awards as long as they meet the publication requirements and the author is a SFWA member or the work is recommended by a member.
What's the difference between the Nebula and Hugo Awards?
The Nebula Awards are voted on by professional writers (SFWA members), while the Hugo Awards are voted on by fans attending or supporting Worldcon. Both are highly prestigious, but they represent different perspectives on excellence in the genre.
When are Nebula winners announced?
Nebula Award winners are announced at the annual SFWA Nebula Conference, typically held in late May or early June. Nominees are announced earlier in the spring.