International Literary Properties (ILP), the global company that invests in, acquires, and manages the intellectual property rights to books, plays and other literary works, has announced their sponsorship of the 2023 Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger.

The Daggers were established in 1955 to celebrate the very best in crime writing, and The John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger is awarded in memory of the celebrated writer and founder of the CWA in 1953, John Creasey. This is our 70th anniversary year.

Maxim Jakubowski, Chair of the CWA, said:

It is with great pleasure that the CWA welcomes ILP to its roster of Dagger sponsors. And we are overjoyed by the fact that ILP represent the estate of the late John Creasey, who not only created the CWA but whose name is associated with the New Blood Dagger for best debut novel. There could be no better serendipity and we are delighted to welcome ILP on board.

John Creasey, MBE, (1908-1973) was a prolific, best-selling English crime writer who also wrote science fiction, romance and westerns. Over his long career, Creasey wrote over six hundred novels under twenty-eight different pen names. His work has sold over 80 million copies in more than 25 languages.

Hilary Strong, ILP Chief Executive Officer UK and Europe said:

Since ILP acquired the rights to the Estate of John Creasey in 2020, our dedicated international team has championed his work to publishers, producers and readers as we play our part in curating his important and influential legacy. We are proud to sponsor the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger Award as we continue our long term commitment to bring his work to new audiences and are delighted to partner with the Crime Writers’ Association, which does such important work to support writers at every stage of their career.

Emma Bell, SVP Creative and Brand and Executive Producer for ILP said: “John Creasey was a truly original talent. His tenacity and flair is an inspiration for writers everywhere and so it is fitting that his spirit is celebrated annually through the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger. Working closely with his son, Richard, to introduce his timeless stories and characters to new global audiences is a privilege”.

John Creasey’s son, Richard Creasey said:

“Lets slip back in time to Christmas Eve December 1935 – Dad is cycling home having finished his temporary job as a postman with fish and chips for his dinner. When he opens the newspaper they’re wrapped in, the Cracksman competition advertisement for a full-length crime novel jumps out at him. The last date for submission is six days off – New Year’s Eve.  Meet The Baron won first prize and Dad would tell me of how he founded the CWA with that life-changing win in mind.  I wish the winner of this year’s John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger Award all the luck in the world”.

The shortlist will be announced on 12 May at CrimeFest, Bristol, and the winner will be announced at the CWA Daggers Awards Dinner on 6 July in London.