Do you like writing crime fiction? Are you looking to be published, or at least noticed by the industry? If so, there are two
competitions run every year by the prestigious CWA (the Crime Writers’ Association) that
might appeal. You’ll need to be quick, though.
Debut Dagger
The first 3,000 words of a crime novel and a maximum 1,000-word
synopsis. Entry fee: £30 + VAT. Prize:
£500 and an assessment for all shortlisted entries. Deadline: 28 Feb.
You must be an unpublished author and the novel or extract must
not have been published in any form.
Don’t be put off by the entry fee. If your extract gets through
the first stages and is presented to the judges, you’ll find it’s an amazing
way of you and your work becoming known to literary agents, respected crime
authors and publishers. Offers for representation and of publication have been
made on shortlisted work in previous years, so please consider this competition
if you’re at all serious about a traditional publishing contract.
More info: http://cwadaggers.co.uk/debut/termsdebut/
Margery Allingham
Short Story
A story up to 3,500 words encapsulating Margery Allingham’s
belief about what a mystery story should be ( see link below). Entry fee: £15 +
VAT. Prize: £1,000 and passes to CrimeFest 2017. Deadline: 1 March.
The same as for the Debut Dagger applies about agents,
authors and publishers reading your work.
You can be a published author, but this story mustn’t have
been published in any form.
