The following information about this, the world's biggest award for crime fiction, should be read in conjunction with the General Rules.
It is an absolute condition of entry that publishers agree to pay £500 for each of their titles that are placed on the shortlist. This will be used by the CWA to offset the costs of organising the Daggers and the Awards Dinner.
JUDGING CRITERIA
The broadest definition of the crime novel defines eligible books including thrillers, suspense novels and spy fiction by an author of any nationality, as long as the book, originally written in English, was first published in the UK between June 1 2007 and May 31 2008. In the final weeks of the judging period, bound proofs are acceptable; otherwise finished copies must be sent. After November 1 2007, any title submitted more than 30 days after its original publication date may be excluded. Deadline for submissions is April 17 2008.
The same book may be entered for more than one award, provided it meets the relevant conditions for eligibility. There is no limit to the number of titles a publisher may submit, but please select only those with a realistic chance of winning.
An entry form must be completed for each title submitted and sent to the Chair of the judging panel. The entry form can be photocopied as required.
One copy of each book should be sent to the Chair and to each judge. Please ensure that the label on each parcel bears the name of the award. Do not send books to any papers or magazines for which the judge reviews.
It is an absolute condition of entry that publishers put the award logo and“Winner of the Duncan Lawrie Dagger” or “Shortlisted for the Duncan Lawrie Dagger” on the cover of subsequent editions of winning/shortlisted books. Submission of any entry will be taken as complete acceptance of this.
Publishers of shortlisted books should make every effort to ensure that the authors attend the Awards ceremony and will be available for media interviews immediately afterwards and/or on the following morning.
JUDGING PANEL
Chair: Richard Reynolds
Heather O'Donoghue
Barry Forshaw
Margaret Kinsman
Dr Ann Ferguson
Stephen Pound MP
Shortlists will be drawn up at the end of May 2008 with the winners announced at the Awards Ceremony at the end of June 2008. The date and location of the dinner will be announced once they have been finalised.
Further details, including the full rules, entry forms and judges' addresses, may be obtained from the CWA Dagger Liaison Officer, Margaret Murphy, by emailing
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Any queries should also be addressed to her.
