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CWA Daggers cash prizes return as authors allowed to self-nominate
The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Daggers will award cash prizes again after more than a decade, with the rules also changing to allow authors to nominate their own books.
Prizes will be available in 2023 for titles published and nominated in 2022, with details of the cash sums for certain awards to be announced next year. “The CWA is delighted to reinstate this tradition, thanks to renewed support and sponsorship,” organisers said.
In the same year the CWA will accept Dagger nominations from authors themselves. Traditionally published authors who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to nominate their own titles for a Dagger, as will self-published authors who are members of the CWA.
This follows the change of rules earlier this year to allow self-published authors to become CWA members for the first time in its 68-year history. The move came after the CWA consulted its members, who voted with an 84% majority in favour.
The awards remain open as normal to traditional publishers of the genre, who are invited to nominate their authors’ titles. A 50% discount on the nomination fee applies to titles by CWA members, whether submitted by publisher or author.
Maxim Jakubowski (pictured), CWA chair, said: “The Daggers are assuredly the best and most accurate reflection of what's happening on the crime and mystery writing front. The time is right to reflect that prestige by again awarding a cash prize along with certain Daggers. It’s also true that the publishing landscape has changed in recent years. Self-publishing has become a route for professional writers, and indeed there are many trailblazers in this field. It’s important our awards recognise this, and of course if self-published authors can nominate their titles, then it’s important we extend that right to eligible authors who are traditionally published, too.”
He added: “We continue to be committed to quality. Successful self-publishing requires the same professional approach that publishers take. Our aim is to ensure the Daggers stay relevant, accessible and open to all talent.”
Authors wishing to enter the Debut Dagger competition, sponsored by ProWritingAid, cannot have had any fiction over 20,000 words of any genre traditionally published, or self-published in the last five years. Eligibility restrictions apply on particular Dagger categories. For more information, visit the CWA website.
