The Crime Writers’ Association

2022 CWA Dagger Awards Announced

Ray Celestin, MW Craven, Janice Hallett and Mark Billingham awarded 2022 CWA Daggers. The winners of the 2022 CWA Daggers, which honour the very best in the crime writing genre, have been announced. [For photos of the event, see: https://thecw...


Become a crime scene investigator for the day or night …

For all real -life crime fans and forensic science enthusiasts comes 4 exclusive events which reveal the wonders of forensic science in crime scene detection. Join eminent forensic scientists Tracy Alexander and Jo Millington as they guide you throu...


Festival Time!

There are plenty crime-writing and general book and literary festivals going on in June. They’re mentioned on the Crime Reading Month website above, but just to bring them to your attention: Crossing the Tees: http://www.crossingthetees.org Slaugh...


2023 Debut Dagger Competition Opens for Entries

The most hotly contended competition for would-be crime novelists is now open for entries. Aspiring crime novelists have until the end of February 2023 to enter the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Debut Dagger, renowned for opening doors for as...


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...


Self-published author membership checklist

Self-published author membership checklist Thank you for your interest in joining the CWA. Membership is subject to meeting the membership criteria and completing the application form does not guarantee membership. Your eligibility will be assess...


Elite Sponsorship Package

Elite Sponsorship Package Gold Dagger Ian Fleming Steel Dagger* John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger* Twisted Dagger Whodunnit Dagger   * indicates that the award currently has a sponsorSponsoring an Elite Dagger provides the f...


Prestige Dagger Sponsorship

Prestige Sponsorship Package Historical Dagger Gold Dagger for Nonfiction* Dagger in the Library Crime Fiction in Translation* Short Story Dagger Emerging Author Dagger   *indicates that this award has a current sponsor...


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...


Short story guide

Short story guide We accept short story submissions for the CRA website, to provide you with a platform to win over new readers and expand your fan base. It might also be useful to showcase your writing skills if you’re looking for a new agent or ...


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