Spread the Word and C&W launch 'Case Closed' for underrepresented crime writers

Spread the Word has launched an initiative, Case Closed, with C&W to discover and develop crime, thriller and mystery fiction writers from diverse backgrounds.

The eight-month scheme will demystify the process of writing in these genres, supporting more writers from backgrounds underrepresented in publishing, ideally helping them secure agency representation and book deals. The project includes research to identity barriers, a guide on writing genre fiction, workshops and a ‘first chapter’ competition.

Case Closed launches on Thursday 27th April with a recorded Q&A with All That’s Left Unsaid (HQ) author Tracey Lien (pictured), agent C&W Emma Finn and Orion Fiction publishing director Leodora Darlington.

A survey has opened to writers to better understand the barriers to writing genre fiction and identify support required. Aspiring writers who complete the questionnaire before it closes on 24th May will be sent a free guide, Getting Started as a Crime, Thriller and Mystery Fiction Writer written by writer Fiona Cummins of the DC Saul Anguish series. 

Cummins will also deliver the first in a series of four free online craft and career workshops, running between 25th May and 13th September, featuring crime authors Olivia Kiernan and Elliot Sweeney as well as agents from C&W.

Another component of the project will be a "first chapter" competition, which opens on 5th July and is open to UK-based disabled, working class, LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Global Majority writers.

The first prize includes a one-to-one meeting with Lien, meetings with agents from C&W and professional development with Spread the Word. Four highly commended placed writers will also receive one-to-one meetings with the two agencies.

Lien said: “Genre fiction can be an incredible vehicle for powerful, moving and entertaining stories, and I’m glad that Spread the Word and C&W are demystifying the publishing process for crime/thriller/mystery novels.”

Finn said: “I’ve always admired the work that Spread the Word do and we at C&W are happy to be able to collaborate on this programme to help encourage and support writers taking their first steps in crime, thriller or mystery writing. These genres are fantastically popular but crying out for new perspectives, and the aim with this initiative is to strip away some of the jargon around what agents and publishers are looking for.”

Bobby Nayyar, programme manager at Spread the Word, said: “For a long time we’ve been keen to develop a new project to support those who have aspirations of being a genre fiction author. We’re excited to see what new writing comes out of it.”

The programme also has an access fund to support deaf and disabled writers. More information can be found here, and  #CaseClosed can be followed on social media.