The Crime Writers’ Association

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...


The Board

The Board The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales (no. 3495776). It’s a non-campaigning, non-sectarian body. Our primary objective is to promote the prestige and appreciation ...


CWA Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition – Winner Announced

The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) has announced the winner of its Margery Allingham Short Mystery Prize. Camilla Macpherson beat strong competition with her short story, ‘Heartbridge Homicides’. Camilla lives in The Hague in the Nether...


WhoDunit? CWA Dagger Shortlists announced

Every year the best crime writers in the country sharpen their skills to deliver stories that will strike at the very heart of our genre. Their talent is breath-taking, the stories are thrilling but who has got their hands on the Crime Writers Associ...


Our Chapters

The CWA has members around the world. Our regional chapters help members to connect with other writers in the same geographical area. There are also international specialty chapters for nonfiction and neurodiverse authors. Our geographically-based...


Who Wunnit? CWA Dagger winners announced

Some two hundred agents, publishers and authors were present at the glamourous awards dinner at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, to find out the winners of the 2014 CWA Daggers. Alison Joseph, Chair of the CWA said: “Our Daggers Awards dinner is a...


Gold Dagger

Gold Dagger This award is for the best crime novel by an author of any nationality, originally written in English and first published in the UK during the judging period. The broadest definition of the crime novel applies. Eligible books include thr...


Read the winning entry for the CWA Debut Dagger 2014

Jody Sabral is a journalist who lived in Turkey for ten years until 2012, working for various international broadcasters. Jody self-published her first book Changing Borders in 2012 but has transported Kate Roberts, her main character, back to a time...


Time to Get Crime Writing for Prestigious CWA Competitions

Two crime writing competitions are open now. 1)The CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition Not to be missed for lovers of short-story writing – and being shortlisted for this renowned competition brings attention and prestige to the writing C...


The CWA Daggers

Congratulations to the 2024 Winners! On 4 July, the 2024 Daggers winners were announced at the annual Dagger Awards' Dinner in London at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City. To learn more about each award and its 2024 winner, please click on the...


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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