The Locus Awards are an annual set of literary awards by the science fiction and fantasy magazine Locus, a monthly based in Oakland, California. The award winners are selected by poll of magazine readers.Currently, the awards are presented at an annual banquet. The publishers of winning works are honored with certificates, which is unique in the field.The awards were inaugurated in 1971 for publication year 1970 and the original purpose was to influence the Hugo Awards.