SFWA Issues December Press Release 2025
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) has issued a December press release detailing significant amendments to the rules governing the Nebula Awards. These alterations arise from an ongoing commitment to uphold the integrity of human creativity in literary work.
Key Changes to Nebula Awards Rules
In a recent board meeting, SFWA conducted two crucial votes that reshaped the eligibility criteria for the prestigious Nebula Awards.
Updated Eligibility Criteria
- Previous Rule: “Works that are wholly written using generative large language model (LLM) tools are not eligible.”
- Amended Rule: “Works that are written, either wholly or partially, by generative large language model (LLM) tools are not eligible.”
This change reflects a stricter position against the involvement of LLMs in the writing process. SFWA emphasizes that literary works created in part or in whole with these tools will not be considered for nomination.
Disclosure Requirements
- Previous Requirement: “Works that used LLMs at any point during the writing process must disclose this upon acceptance of the nomination, and the nature of the technology’s use will be made clear to voters on the final ballot.”
- Amended Requirement: “Works that used LLMs at any point during the writing process must disclose this upon acceptance of the nomination, and those works will be disqualified.”
This amendment eliminates the possibility of nominating works that have engaged LLM technology at any stage. Such works will now face immediate disqualification, reinforcing SFWA’s stance on human-authored creativity.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The SFWA looks to the future with optimism, advocating for literature that is both compensated and celebrated. They are committed to supporting writers who uphold traditional creative processes.
In the coming days, updated rules reflecting these changes will be made publicly available. SFWA invites all writers to continue their creative pursuits while adhering to these new guidelines.
