Shamus Award
しゃますしょう
Annual award by Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) honoring outstanding works in the private eye (P.I.) genre.
Best P. I. Hardcover NovelBest First P. I. NovelBest P. I. Paperback OriginalTHE EYE – Lifetime Achievement AwardBest P. I. Short StorySt. Martins' Press/ PWA Best First Private Eye Novel ContestFriends of PWABest P. I. Series/Characters – The HammerBest Indie P.I. Novel
- Established
- 1982
- Organizer
- Private Eye Writers of America (PWA)
- Category
- Literature and General Literary Arts
- Selection Method
- Selection
- Target
- Professional
- Frequency
- 1 per year
- Status
- Active
Description
The Shamus Award is an annual accolade established in 1982 by Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) to recognize outstanding achievements in novels and short stories in the private investigator (P.I.) genre. It features multiple categories (hardcover novels, first novels, paperback originals, lifetime achievement awards, etc.), with winners announced officially by PWA or, in some cases, at the PWA Awards Banquet during Bouchercon World Mystery Convention.
Prize
- Main Prize
- Recognition (honor/trophy, etc.)
Selection
Selection Process
| Stage | Judges | Pass Rate | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility / Submission review | Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) or selection committee | — | Announced on the official website or at PWA Awards Banquet (in Bouchercon years, may be announced during the event) |
| Nomination / Shortlist | Nominations by PWA (recommendations from committees or members) | — | Shortlisted nominees may be announced through PWA's official channels |
| Final voting / Selection | Final selection by vote of PWA members and/or selection committee | — | Winners are announced at PWA's official announcement or award ceremony |
Eligibility / Submission review
Judges
Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) or selection committee
Announcement
Announced on the official website or at PWA Awards Banquet (in Bouchercon years, may be announced during the event)
Nomination / Shortlist
Judges
Nominations by PWA (recommendations from committees or members)
Announcement
Shortlisted nominees may be announced through PWA's official channels
Final voting / Selection
Judges
Final selection by vote of PWA members and/or selection committee
Announcement
Winners are announced at PWA's official announcement or award ceremony
Criteria
- Suitability to the private eye (P.I.) genre
- Quality of the work (writing, structure, plot)
- Originality
- Appeal and depiction of characters (especially the detective)
- Contribution to the genre (detective fiction)
Related Awards
- Edgar Award
- Anthony Award
- Macavity Award
- Bouchercon (World Mystery Convention)
Official Resources
http://www.privateeyewriters.comPast Winners
Jonathan Ames
Winner
S. J. Rozan
Winner
Benjamin Schutz
Winner
Michael Allegretto
Winner
L. J. Washburn
Winner
Dennis Lynds
Winner
Wade Miller
Winner
Benjamin Schutz
Winner
L. J. Washburn
Winner
Michael Allegretto
Winner
Dennis Lynds
Winner
Wade Miller
Winner