Dark Poetry Scholarship | How to Apply ($1,250)
Calling All Dark Poets: The Horror Writers Association’s Dark Poetry Scholarship is Now Open!
If you’ve been quietly honing your dark, twisted verse or summoning gothic beauty into structured stanzas, this is your moment. The Horror Writers Association (HWA) is accepting applications for its annual Dark Poetry Scholarship, a prestigious $1,250 award dedicated to supporting the professional development of poets working in horror and/or dark fantasy.
First awarded in 2015, this scholarship recognizes that horror poetry is a vibrant, evolving art form. Whether you’re an emerging poet or a seasoned writer of the macabre, this opportunity is for anyone passionate about expanding their craft and career in the genre.
Click here to apply:
2025 Dark Poetry Scholarship Application Form
What’s on Offer?
- $1,250 to use over two years toward horror poetry-specific education.
- Funds can cover course fees, relevant software, poetry writing guides, subscriptions, registration for one horror convention or poetry festival per year, and more.
- The scholarship cannot be used for general college tuition, travel, meals, hardware, or HWA membership fees.
Eligibility Requirements for the Dark Scholarship
Anyone interested in writing horror or dark fantasy poetry—HWA membership is not required. The committee is looking for dedication, promise, and a clear plan for how the funds will benefit your writing career.
Application Requirements for the Dark Poetry Scholarship
You’ll need to submit the following via the Submittable form:
- A maximum of four horror or dark fantasy poems (PDF, Word, or RTF).
- A writing résumé detailing relevant experience or publication history.
- A statement of intent explaining your goals and how the scholarship will support them.
- An Education Plan: Be specific about how you would use the $1,250. It could be for poetry courses (online or in-person), horror conventions, or poetry anthologies.
- A brief financial need statement explaining why you’re applying for assistance.
Evaluation Criteria
The selection committee will consider:
- Quality and promise shown in your poetry samples
- Commitment to the horror/dark fantasy genre
- Benefit of further writing education to your career
- Thoughtfulness of your proposed Education Plan
- Financial need
- Potential contribution to the genre’s development and reach.
Pro Tips From the Scholarship Committee
Want to increase your odds? Here’s what previous committee members suggest:
- Read widely in the genre. Start with past Bram Stoker Award winners and finalists.
- Consider applying the funds to attend StokerCon, especially panels and workshops led by established horror poets.
- Take courses led by recognized genre poets or educators.
- Join small press or community-supported poetry initiatives.
- Build your education plan around tangible, realistic goals.
Need help polishing your submission? You might find these helpful:
- How to Get a Writing Critique
- How to Analyze a Poem
- Ten Brilliant Poets Discuss Their Writing Philosophies
The Dark Poetry Scholarship is a rare opportunity to fund your education and immerse yourself deeper in the genre. If you’ve ever dreamed of being counted among horror’s finest poetic voices, now’s the time to act.
Deadline and exact dates are determined annually—check the HWA site regularly or follow their updates on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.
