Dark Scribe Magazine, the virtual magazine dedicated to the books that keep readers up at night, is proud to announce the launch of its annual awards program.

The Black Quill Awards will be handed out in (9) categories and will honor those works of dark genre literature – horror, suspense, and thrillers – from both mainstream and small press publishers. While six of the awards will be recognize literary efforts, three awards will recognize those supporting aspects of dark genre publishing – cover art, book trailer production, and author websites. The eligibility period for DSM’s yearly awards will run from November 1^st through October 31^st. Nominations will be announced on or around December 1^st each year; winners will be announced on or around January 31^st.

Nominations for the Black Quills will be editorial-based, with both the editors and active contributing writers submitting nominations in each of the (9) categories. Once nominations are announced, the readers of DSM will have an opportunity to cast their votes for their picks in each category. In a unique spin intended to celebrate both critical and popular success, two winners will be announced in each category – Reader’s Choice and Editor’s Choice. Winners will receive recognition in DSM, inclusion in press release materials announcing both nominations and winners, a virtual icon to be used on their own website, and a handsome award certificate.

The 1^st Annual Black Quill Awards will be handed out in the following categories:

• Dark Genre Novel of the Year (novel-length work of horror, suspense, or thriller from mainstream publisher; awarded to author)
• Best Small Press Chill (novel or novella published by small press publisher; awarded to author)
• Best Dark Scribble (single work, non-anthology short fiction appearing in print or virtual magazine; awarded to author)
• Best Dark Genre Fiction Collection (anthology or single author collection, any publisher; awarded to author for a single collection or editor(s) for a multi-author anthology)
• Best Dark Genre Book of Non-Fiction (any dark genre non-fiction subject, any publisher; awarded to author or editor)
• Best Dark Genre Short Fiction Magazine (any print or virtual magazine that published primarily short fiction during the eligibility period; awarded to publication’s editor)
• Best Cover Art (from any dark genre work of fiction, novel, novella, or anthology; awarded to artist)
• Best Dark Genre Book Trailer (book video promoting any work of fiction or non-fiction; awarded to video producer or production company)
• Best Author Website (any dark genre author, any active website; awarded to author and designer)

Nominations for this year’s awards will be announced on Monday, December 3^rd. All dark genre works published between November 1^st, 2006 and October 31^st, 2007 are eligible. DSM does not solicit nominations, nor are there any fees associated with the Black Quills. Although our editorial board and contributing writers are active readers and/or writers in the field and are widely aware of dark genre books published, authors and/or publishers wishing to ensure the visibility of a specific title (especially in the case of small press offerings and works of short fiction) are encouraged to take advantage of our reviews program throughout the year. By submitting materials for our review (whether a review is published or not) will guarantee that a title is brought to the attention of someone on our staff. Again, submission of review materials is not a prerequisite for consideration in the Black Quills.