The Crime Writers’ Association

Emerging Author Dagger Rules

Rules and Submission Guidelines Emerging Author Dagger The Emerging Author Dagger (formerly 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 de...


Capital Crime

Capital Crime, London’s first crime and thriller festival, is coming this September to Covent Garden. With over 30 CWA members appearing, such as Peter James, Antonia Hodgson, Ian Rankin, Dreda Say Mitchell, Mark Edwards, Will Dean and MW Craven, t...


Crime Writers in Residence – at home with Jem Tugwell

The CRA: Please tell us a little about yourself and the books you write. I’m a crime fiction author with a Crime Writing MA from City University. No Signal is the second book in the iMe series and follows my debut novel Proximity. In a past life,...


“Killing People for Fun and Profit” a guest lecture by Val McDermid

The Literary Leicester Festival welcomes bestselling author Val McDermid cto Leicester discuss her writing, her inspirations and the fatal attraction of crime fiction. CWA Diamond Dagger recipient, Val McDermid, has sold over 15 million books to d...


Helplines and Discounts

Helplines and Discounts CWA members enjoy a number of perks to help their day-to-day work and career, from a tax advice helpline to discounts on membership with sister organisations.Helplines The CWA has a close working relationship with accountant...


Simon Scarrow in conversation with David Young

On Thursday 8 April, 7pm, the CWA is hosting multi-million bestselling author Simon Scarrow, talking about his new novel, Blackout, with David Young, winner of the CWA Historical Dagger with Stasi Child. Blackout, Simon’s first crime thriller, in...


Kate Ellis headlines at Crediton Literary Festival with a crime focus

A one-day Literary Festival on Saturday 5 June presented online via Zoom. Sixteen authors are speaking on a range of genres throughout the day, with a 10pm crime panel, Victoria Dowd at 1.30pm and Kate Ellis headlining in the afternoon. Tickets are f...


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 ...


Tips 2017/2 for Debut Dagger Entrants

More tips from readers of Debut Dagger entries. Remember, each tip is only the view of one individual and, as we all know, individuals disagree. All Debut Dagger entries are read and scored by at least two readers. Avoid using too many commas, or...


Finding the Time to Write Your Debut Dagger Entry, by Antony Johnston

Finding time to write is something we all struggle with when we’re starting out. We have other commitments and obligations, things to do, a day job, maybe a family… ‘If only I could just have time to write and not worry about all this other stu...


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