
Diamond Dagger
The most prestigious Dagger of all, awarded for a lifetime contribution to English-language crime writing.
The premier crime-writing awards in the United Kingdom.
Don’t forget our new eligibility criteria allow traditionally published authors to nominate their own titles for a Dagger from this year on. Self-published authors who are members of the CWA are also welcome to do so. Titles must be published and nominated in 2022 for the 2023 Daggers. Please see this page for full details, including eligibility criteria and deadlines. Prizes will be awarded to winners in 2023.
We award eleven Daggers in total. Seven of these are for books and short stories and are judged independently by industry professionals.
The most prestigious Dagger of all, awarded for a lifetime contribution to English-language crime writing.
This Dagger is given to the overall best crime novel of the year, from thrillers to mysteries, procedurals to psychological suspense.
Sponsored by Ian Fleming Publications, the Steel Dagger is for the best espionage, psychological, or adventure thriller novel.
Awarded to the best crime novel by a first-time author of any nationality, first traditionally published in the UK in English.
Awarded to the best historical crime novel set in any period up to 50 years prior to the year in which the award will be made.
Non-fiction is important to the genre, from true crime and biography to critical studies and literature. This Dagger is for the best such book.
Awarded to a crime novel not originally written in English, and translated into English for UK publication during the judging period.
Awarded to the best crime-focused short story of the year published or broadcast in the UK.
Also called the “Publisher’s Dagger”, this is given to the best publisher or imprint for their contribution to the genre throughout the year.
This Dagger is for a writer whose body of work is popular with library users, and who in turn supports libraries and borrowers.
A competition for the opening of a crime novel by an unpublished writer. The Debut Dagger is a talent finder, closely watched by the industry.
Sponsored by ProWritingAid.
From aspiring writers, to seasoned crime authors and publishers, find the right award below.
If you’re a publisher wanting to nominate a title for a Dagger, click here or select a specific Dagger from the list above.
If you’re an unpublished writer wanting to find out more about entering the Debut Dagger, click here.
If you’re a writer wanting to submit a short story, click here to find out more about the Margery Allingham Short Mystery Prize.
The CWA Daggers have enjoyed a long and prestigious history. Search our archive of previous winners, dating all the way back to 1955.
Become part of a thriving community of successful crime writers with invaluable support, expertise and marketing opportunities for all our members.