The Crime Writers’ Association

Sponsorship packages

Sponsor a CWA Dagger The Daggers were established in 1955 to celebrate the very best in crime writing. More than half a century later they’re still recognised as the most prestigious crime-writing awards in the UK, and renowned across the globe as...


Seven Writing Tips from Leigh Russell

Chair of the CWA Debut Dagger judges, Leigh Russell, has sold well over a million books. Writer’s Block The best cure for writer’s block is a deadline. If you’re not fortunate enough to have an external deadline set by a publisher, you can ...


Debut Dagger Competition ends

The CWA Debut Dagger Competition for 2014 is closed. We are now busy ensuring all of the entries are logged, referenced and sent to our teams of readers whose job it is to consider all submissions and to draw up the shortlist. This year our judging p...


Kirkcudbright Book Week

Designed to showcase the developing literary scene in Kirkcudbright and the wider Dumfries and Galloway area, join us for the second Kirkcudbright Book Week. Book Week features appearances by professional authors as well as affording community wri...


First Monday Crime Writing Special in London Feb 6

First Monday is a monthly crime fiction/thriller social night held in Central London. A mix between a social evening and a literary festival panel, First Mondays offer the crime fiction community – readers, writers and industry professionals – a ...


Libraries

Supporting libraries The places where many of us first discovered a love of books, and the places that for many form the centre of their reading experience, libraries are a national treasure. The CWA does not assume a political role – we leave tha...


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


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...


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...


Join the CWA

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


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