The Associated Press

Stephen King doesn't have the literary reputation of Philip Roth or Arthur Miller, but now all three authors have something in common: an honorary National Book Award for lifetime achievement.

King, master of the horror story and e-book pioneer, is receiving this year's medal for Distinguished Contributions to American Letters. The prize is worth $10,000.

"This is probably the most exciting thing to happen to me in my career as a writer since the sale of my first book in 1973," King said.

"I'll return the cash award to the National Book Foundation for the support of their many educational and literary outreach programs ...; the medal I will keep and treasure for the rest of my life."