The Crime Writers’ Association

Debut Dagger Rules

Rules and Submission Guidelines CWA Debut Dagger 2024 The Debut Dagger, an international competition for the opening of an adult/YA crime novel and synopsis, is aimed at debut writers. The CWA defines a debut writer for the purposes of this com...


Crime at Hertfordshire LitFest

Crime events James Runcie: Sidney Chambers and the dangers of temptation Come and find out what Sidney Chambers is up to in the new Grantchester novel (as seen on TV) and discover our stunning new library at Hemel Hempstead Wednesday 19th April, 7...


Kimberley Chambers – The Sting

Best friends Tommy Boyle and Scratch always had each other’s backs. Dragged up in care, and cruelly betrayed by everyone they trusted, they made a pact to fight their way out of the gutter – together. Old loyalties die hard on the streets of Lond...


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...


CWA Dagger Awards Terms and Conditions of Entry

CWA Daggers Terms and Conditions of Entry Three categories of people can nominate a title for the CWA Daggers. Approved publishers; Traditionally published authors whose book or title is published (not merely distributed) in the UK; ...


Associate membership

Join the CWA - Associate membership 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. Please fill in your details below and a m...


Corporate membership

Join the CWA - Corporate membership 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. Please fill in your details below and a m...


Daggers Live! – tickets still available

The CWA announces the winners of the 2021 Daggers at 7.30pm on 1 July in an online event where we go to winners live in their living rooms: bit.ly/cwadaggers2021 Our guest speaker will be Abir Mukherjee and our M/C for the evening will be the witty ...


Tickets Now On Sale for CWA Daggers Dinner on 25 October

All ten winners of this year’s CWA Daggers will be presented at a glittering black-tie occasion at the Grange City Hotel in Cooper’s Row, London at 6.30pm for 7pm on October 25. Everyone is welcome and many of the crime writing world’s most no...


Crime in the North East Festival

22 & 23 February 2019 Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts, Newcastle University. Whodunnit? NCLA in the frame for crime fiction festival. One of the most popular and intriguing forms of fiction comes under suspicion at Newcastle Univ...


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