My market for you this week is ‘The Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger‘. It’s an annual competition for anyone who hasn’t had a novel published on a commercial basis. It’s well worth an entry as each submission is judged by top crime editors and agents. What’s more, the short listed entries are sent to publishers and agents.
To enter, you need to send the opening of your crime novel, up to 3000 words. A synopsis of between 500-1000 words is also required.
There is a first prize of £700, plus each shortlisted entrant will receive a professional assessment of his/her entry. If you win, it doesn’t mean you will automatically have your book published, but many of the past winning entrants have gone on to become successful crime writers. During the past fifteen years (how long the competition has been running for) over two dozen winners and shortlisted Debut Dagger entrants have been signed up by top agents and publishers.
For guidelines and to see past winning entries: http://thecwa.co.uk/debuts/debut-dagger/
Esther Chilton 
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