The Crime Writers’ Association

On behalf of the late Seán Haldane – Book Launch with Music


Crime writing: How to write the science

Brian Price, author of "Crime writing: How to write the science” will be giving a talk on scientific errors in crime fiction, and how to avoid them, at the University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol on October 17th at 17:00. The...


Publishers, agents, editors and bloggers

Publishers, agents, editors and bloggers We raise the profile of crime-writing, and the publishers and agents behind the books, with our Dagger awards, the most prestigious for crime fiction and non-fiction in the UK. For the majority of the Daggers...


Cath Stancliffe a guest speaker at Northern Lights Writers’ Conference

Cath Staincliffe, author of a host of popular and acclaimed books, deviser of the Blue Murder ITV series and writer of the Scott and Bailey novels, is a guest speaker at a fascinating all-day conference on Saturday 18 March in Sale, Greater Mancheste...


Notes on Word Count for CWA Writing Competitions

Different competitions have different rules – and different levels of rigour in the way they apply them. For the Debut Dagger we are super-strict. We ask for entries not to exceed 3,000 words (1,500 words for the synopsis) by even a word. The ti...


CWA Dagger Awards – Shortlist

The Crime Writers’ Association has unveiled the shortlisted authors for five categories in the 2015 Dagger awards during an official reception at this year’s CRIMEFEST in Bristol.   Authors, publishers and delegates assembled to hear the Dag...


The Entry Process

The Entry Process There are four kinds of Dagger, differentiated by how they are nominated. See below for an explanation of the different entry processes, and who may nominate for each Dagger. Please do not hesitate to contact the Dagger Liaison Or...


CWA Brings Writers, Venues and Book Groups Together in National Crime Reading Month in May

May will be a time for murder and mayhem as National Crime Reading Month (NCRM) makes a welcome return – and the organisers are urging writers and venues to become involved. NCRM, which has run for a number of years, is a unique literary festival t...


New Chair for the Crime Writers’ Association

The Crime Writers’ Association is pleased to announce that Victorian crime specialist Linda Stratmann was elected as its new Chair in April 2019 and takes over her duties immediately. Linda writes two fiction series, both set in Victorian times: th...


Brighton Conference – Walking Tours

On Saturday 20 April, conference attendees and their guests are invited to join us on one of two walking tours. Both tours depart at 2.30PM and cost £15 (£18 with VAT). Book  your tickets here. Murder and Mystery Walk  A fascinating walk wh...


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