The Crime Writers’ Association

The Big Read with Mari Hannah

Big Read Celebrates Ian Rankin in Landmark Year The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is on tour this summer with its ninth Big Read, hosting free reading group events across Yorkshire. The 2017 Big Read is Ian Rankin’s breakthrough R...


Emerging Author Dagger Submission Info

The deadline is Monday 28 February, 6pm GMT. Read the full rules here; remember eligibility has changed this year. You can purchase your entry voucher before you enter so as to make the process less stressful.   If you chose to pre-pay y...


The Debuts: What are you going to call it?

Choosing the title of your novel is almost as big a decision as deciding to write it in the first place. Do you go for something quirky and run the risk of people not understanding it – or choose a more obvious title which then doesn’t sound inte...


Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition – Rules

Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition - The Rules Please read all terms carefully before submitting your entry. Please pay attention to the Margery Allingham’s definition of a mystery and the chronology it outlines. Submission of an entry...


Video submission guide

Video submission guide We are not currently running a video series. But following the success of our YouTube member videos in 2020-21, we’ll be inviting you to send in themed videos again soon. Keep an eye on Red Herrings and members' email upd...


London Book Fair and Byte the Book

London Book Fair runs at Olympia this year from Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 March. As a book-lover, it's always a fabulous event to visit, whether or not you have business there. http://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/ Byte the Book also have a few seminars...


Crafting Compelling Coppers – celebrate National Crime Reading Month with the CWA

Join the Crime Writers' Association as we celebrate National Crime Reading Month on Tuesday 15 June at 7.30pm. Authors Jane Bettany (creator of DI Isabel Blood), Liz Mistry (writer of the DI Gus McGuire and Nikki Parekh series), Roz Watkins (DI Meg ...


“Proof Behind the Plot” – a forensic workshop for crime writers

In celebration of National Crime Reading Month, Think Forensic are hosting an interactive workshop led by their forensic and crime investigation experts, in Huddersfield. The workshop has been designed specifically to give all writers, whether new...


2021 winning story

Heartbridge Homicides - Camilla Macpherson ‘Haven’t seen you before,’ said Janet, as she approached the thin, nervy-looking man waiting at the red and white parking barrier. Beyond the barrier (so near, but yet so far) lay the studio where H...


2020 winning story

A Time to Confess - Della Millward “In my experience, those who beg for mercy seldom deserve it.” Alex Mason’s clear voice carried across the dry air of the cavern and Peter was glad there weren’t many people around to hear her. Sometim...


Join the CWA

Become part of a thriving community of successful crime writers with invaluable support, expertise and marketing opportunities for all our members.


Advertise with us