(There’s never a lack of puns when it comes to talking about crime-fiction books. I’ve tried my own take on the CWA website’s headline which reads “Fancy a stab at crime-writing?” Another option was “Would you murder for a chance to win the Debut Dagger?” The possibilties abound. Feel free to suggest others.)

But I digress. The point of this blog is to flag up the fact that The 2010 Debut Dagger Competition is now open. If you are an unpublished novelist, you’ll be thrilled to know this competition has helped launch the career of many of today’s bestselling crime authors – since many winners and even shortlisted entrants have subsequently been signed up to top literary agents and publishers.

The winner will receive £500, two free tickets to the CWA Dagger Awards ceremony and a night for two at a London Hotel. All the shortlisted entrants will win a generous selection of crime novels to inspire them further, as well as professional assessments of their entries. And they will also be invited to the Dagger Awards.

What you need to do:
Write the opening chapter(s) – up to 3000 words – and a short synopsis of your proposed crime novel and send it to the CWA by midnight 6th February.
For more information, tips and full details of how to enter click here.

So what are you waiting for?

Chiara Priorelli, Publicity Manager