The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA), founded in 1953, is a vibrant community dedicated to supporting, promoting, and celebrating all forms of crime writing—both fiction and non-fiction. With a diverse membership that includes established authors, emerging talents, literary agents, and publishers, the CWA embraces a wide spectrum of crime genres, including thrillers, psychological suspense, and true crime. Members benefit from exclusive resources such as the monthly magazine Red Herrings, promotional support, and networking opportunities through events like the annual conference.

The CWA also connects readers with authors via its sister organization, the Crime Readers’ Association. Recognized for its prestigious CWA Daggers, the association celebrates outstanding contributions to crime literature through various award categories. In addition to its awards programs, the CWA supports new writers, including those without publishing contracts, through competitions and dedicated resources.

With initiatives like National Crime Reading Month, the CWA fosters a rich environment for both writers and readers of crime literature