Founded in 1965 by the American science fiction author Damon Knight and was originally named Science Fiction Writers of America. At that time, the distinction between science fiction and fantasy was less important and SFWA’s name was accepted as encompassing both. Later, the name of the organization was changed to Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, although the acronym SFWA was not changed. The acronym may be pronounced as either ‘SEFwa’ or ‘SIFwa’.
Today, SFWA is home to over 1800 authors, artists, and allied professionals, and is widely recognized as one of the most effective non-profit writers’ organizations in existence. Each year the organization presents the prestigious Nebula Awards for the year’s best literary and dramatic works of speculative fiction. It also publishes the SFWA Bulletin, which is its official public journal, and members-only SFWA Forum.
SFWA is a professional organization for authors of science fiction, fantasy and related genres. Esteemed past and present members include Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey, Ray Bradbury, and Andre Norton.
SFWA informs, supports, promotes, defends and advocates for its members. The organisation hosts the prestigious Nebula Awards, assists members in legal disputes with publishers, and administers benevolent funds for authors facing medical or legal expenses. Novice authors benefit from its Information Center and a 'Writer Beware' site.
[Source: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America website; Brian M. Stableford Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature (2004).]
