Locus Awards 1975: Complete list of winners

The Locus Awards have long served as the science fiction and fantasy community’s most democratic honor, determined by the passionate votes of readers themselves rather than critical gatekeepers. The 1975 Locus Awards proved no exception, cementing the preferences of devoted fans who were clearly captivated by Robert Silverberg’s melancholic novella “Born with the Dead.” Silverberg, already an elder statesman of speculative fiction by the mid-1970s, demonstrated his enduring ability to probe the philosophical implications of science fiction’s wildest conceits—in this case, exploring resurrection and the nature of identity through a narrative that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

That year’s selections reflected the tastes of readers navigating a rapidly evolving genre landscape. The mid-1970s represented a fascinating inflection point in science fiction history, with New Wave experimentation still resonating while more traditional space opera was experiencing a quiet resurgence. Silverberg’s win for Best Novella in the 1975 Locus Awards underscored what many readers valued during this period: sophisticated storytelling that took genuine emotional and existential risks, rather than merely spectacular premises. His victory speaks to the Locus Awards’ unique role in recognizing works that seized the imagination of the science fiction audience at large.

Below, you’ll find the complete roster of winners from the 1975 Locus Awards ceremony:

Best Novella

• Born with the Dead by Robert Silverberg