Young Crime Writers' Competition

Can you write a first rate crime story?

If you're 18 years or younger, that’s the challenge issued to you by the Crime Writers’ Association.

You have up to 1000 words to get the readers hooked, although you don’t have to write as much as that – perhaps you can create such a brilliant story that even 100 words will be enough to knock the judges dead…

Crime novels include a very wide variety of material – detective stories, creepy psychological thrillers, historical whodunits, spies, terrorist plots… from cops and robbers to vigilantes and robots, the choice is yours. If you’re short of inspiration, why not borrow some crime novels from the library and see how the professionals do it?

In April, all short listed entrants from your area will be invited to a regional award ceremony, where the name of the winning entry from your area will be announced. That entry will go forward to the national shortlist, and the overall winner will be announced during National Crime Fiction Week in June.

How to enter...

• Submit your entry at your local library.
• Post your entry to: Colm O'Reilly, Young People's Library Service, The Cottage, Little Green, Richmond Upon Thames, TW9 1QL.
• Or email: yps@richmond.gov.uk (don't forget to attach your completed entry form).

Download the entry form and competition details(pdf, 31KB) to take part.

The closing date for the competition is 18 February. Good writing and good luck!