The Crime Writers’ Association

Traditionally Published membership

Join the CWA - Traditionally Published author 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 ...


Provisional membership

Join the CWA - Provisional 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...


Emerging author membership

Join the CWA - Emerging author 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 a...


Self-published membership – Application form

Join the CWA – Self-published membership - Application form...


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...


Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct The CWA aims to give all our members the ability to celebrate the crime-writing genre in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We welcome people of all backgrounds. This encompasses (and is not restricted to) members of any sexual o...


2024 Crime Writers’ Clinics

After the success of last year's Crime Writers' Clinics, the CWA is proud to announce the 2024 schedule of Clinics! These online events will take place from 8 October to 7 November, and are programmed and hosted by William Shaw. Tickets are £...


ILP John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger

ILP John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger This Dagger is for the best crime novel by a first-time author of any nationality with their first novel of any kind published in the UK in English during the judging period.  ‘Best crime novel by a first-ti...


Short Story Dagger

Short Story Dagger This award is for any crime short story first published in the UK in English during the Judging Period, whether on its own or within an anthology or collection. Upon publication it must have been for sale to the public, either in ...


Short Story Dagger

Short Story Dagger This award is for any crime short story first published in the UK in English during the Judging Period, whether on its own or within an anthology or collection. Upon publication it must have been for sale to the public, either in ...


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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