The Science Fiction Poetry Association was established in 1978 by Suzette Haden Elgin to bring together poets and readers interested in science fiction poetry. In 2015 the president of the SFPA was Bryan D. Dietrich, with Bryan Thao Worra starting as president in September 2016, with Vice-President Sandra J. Lindow and Secretary Shannon Connor Winward.
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Awards
Since its inception in 1978 the organization has administered the Rhysling Award for best science fiction poetry of the year. The award is given in two categories: "Best Long Poem", for works of 50 or more lines, and "Best Short Poem", for works of 49 or fewer lines. It also bestows the Dwarf Stars Award for short poem (up to ten lines). Since the 1980s the Rhysling-winning poems are included in the Nebula Awards anthology published by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, along with (since 2008) the Dwarf Stars winning poems. The two awards involve the publication of annual anthologies of nominated works.
In 2013, SFPA inaugurated the Elgin Awards for poetry collections, named after SFPA founder Suzette Haden Elgin. Two awards are given annually, for best speculative chapbook and best full-length speculative poetry collection.
The SFPA awards Grand Master status to poets who have been actively publishing genre poetry of high caliber, given “to an individual living at the time of selection whose body of work shall reflect the highest artistic goals of the SFPA, who shall have been actively publishing within the target genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy for a period of no fewer than 20 years, and whose poetry has been noted to be exceptional in merit, scope, vision and innovation.”
Magazines
The organization has published the journal Star*Line since 1978. Star*Line publishes poetry as well as providing market listings and industry news to members. The current editor of Star*Line is F. J. Bergmann.
It has published the online magazine Eye To The Telescope since 2011. Eye To The Telescope has a rotating editorship, in order to broaden the scope of the organization's literary footprint.
Anthologies
Books
Anyone who aspires to writing fantastic poetry should read this handbook carefully." – Joe HaldemanCS1 maint: Uses editors parameter (link)
This collection presents more than twenty-five years of the best poetry in the field of speculative literature.CS1 maint: Uses editors parameter (link) Reviews: