THE WREXHAM CRIME WRITING PRIZE 2026

Discovering the next generation of crime and thriller writers

£2,500 Prize Fund  |  Winner: £1,750  |  Runner-up: £750

Entries open 1 September 2026  |  Closing date 30 November 2026

The Wrexham Crime Writing Prize is a new annual award created to discover and support exciting new writing talent from Wrexham.

Founded by internationally bestselling crime author Simon McCleave and supported by Stamford Publishing, the Prize is open to unpublished writers living in Wrexham County Borough who have an idea for a crime, mystery or thriller novel.

You don’t need to have completed a novel or have any previous publishing experience. We’re looking for a compelling idea, a distinctive voice and, above all, the ability to tell a great story.

The winner will receive £1,750, with £750 awarded to the runner-up. The winning writer will also have the opportunity to work with Stamford Publishing to explore the development of their novel, with the hope that it might ultimately be published. Publication cannot be guaranteed and any future publishing arrangement would be subject to separate editorial and commercial consideration and agreement.

What do I need to submit?

• The first chapter of an original crime, mystery or thriller novel – up to a maximum of 5,000 words.

• A novel proposal of no more than two A4 pages – outlining the central idea, main characters, setting and intended direction of the story.

• A short author biography – up to 250 words.

• ‘What Wrexham Means to Me’ – a short statement of up to 250 words about your connection with Wrexham and what the area means to you.

The novel itself does not need to be set in Wrexham or North Wales.

Who can enter?

• Be aged 18 or over.

• Live within Wrexham County Borough.

• Not previously have commercially published or self-published a full-length novel.

• Submit their own original work in the crime, mystery or thriller genre.

• Enter using their real legal name. Pseudonyms and pen names will not be accepted.

Previous publication of short stories, poetry, journalism or other shorter works does not prevent you from entering. Only one entry per person will be accepted.

Key dates

1 September 2026 – Entries open

30 November 2026, 11.59pm – Entries close

January 2027 – Longlist

February 2027 – Shortlist

March 2027 – Winner and runner-up announced

Judging

Entries will be judged on the quality and potential of the writing, originality and strength of the concept, storytelling ability and the potential of the proposed novel. The decision of the judging panel will be final.

Entrants will retain copyright in their work. Selection as winner or runner-up does not constitute an offer or guarantee of publication, representation or a publishing agreement. Any subsequent publishing arrangement with Stamford Publishing would be discussed and agreed separately.

The aim

The Wrexham Crime Writing Prize exists to discover writing talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.

You don’t need an agent, publishing contacts or a completed manuscript. If you live in Wrexham, have an idea for a great crime or thriller novel and believe you can tell a compelling story, we’d like to read it.

Entries open 1 September 2026

£1,750 Winner  |  £750 Runner-up  |  £2,500 Total Prize Fund

Read the terms and conditions