Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) President Russell Davis has announced that Victoria Strauss will be honored with the 2009 SFWA Service Award during the Nebula Awards Weekend. The award is made at the sole discretion of the President, and has previously been called the Service to SFWA Award.
Strauss is receiving the award for her work with Writer Beware, a publishing industry watchdog group which “shines a light into the dark corners of the shadow-world of literary scams, schemes, and pitfalls.”
Strauss responded to the announcement, saying “I’m thrilled and honored to receive this wonderful award (though by rights it belongs equally to Ann Crispin, Writer Beware co-founder and co-conspirator, without whom Writer Beware wouldn’t exist—or be nearly so much fun). Ten years ago, when WB was just getting started, I could never have imagined how much we would accomplish and how far we’d come. Beginning as a two-person committee and a modest subsection of the SFWA website, we’re now a major Internet resource that has warned thousands of writers about schemes and scams, and has helped to put literary scammers out of business and into jail.
“I’m deeply grateful to SFWA for its unflagging support, and for its commitment to the importance of educating writers about the scams, schemes, and pitfalls that make the publishing world a dangerous place. Thank you, and here’s to ten more years (at least) of scam-busting!”
Announcing the award, Davis said, “Victoria is one of those rare volunteers, who has been willing to give so much of her time and energy, and continues to do so. Her work with Writer Beware has been invaluable to our members and the writing community at large, so I’m very pleased to offer her this recognition of her outstanding service.”
Crispin previously received the Service to SFWA Award in conjunction with Michael Capobianco. Other receipients include Chuq Von Rospach, Sheila Finch, Robin Wayne Bailey, George Zebrowski and Pamela Sargent (joint), Kevin O’Donnell, Jr., Brook West and Julia West (joint) and Melisa Michaels and Graham P. Collins (joint).
The 2009 Nebula Awards Weekend will be 24-26 April in Los Angeles, California. Previously announced honorees for the weekend include Grand Master Harry Harrison, Author Emerita M.J. Engh, and Toastmistress Janis Ian.