Minotaur Books/MWA First Crime Novel Competition A project of Mystery Writers of America (see other related projects). About No about statement available. No Fees! This contest does not charge mandatory fees. Important: They recommend submitting early. Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to those who have not yet had a novel published. Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Mystery/Crime Subgenre: CrimeLengths: Novel: More than 60,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional advance (US$2000 or more) + Unknown royalties Professional advance. Unknown royalties. Details: USD $10,000 advance against royalties.Submissions:Method: Online form. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @mysterywriters.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @mysterywritersofamericaX (Twitter) @EdgarAwards For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Minotaur Books/MWA First Crime Novel Competition Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 1 report within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Other Information Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 09:03 UTC (less than a minute ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsEdgar Awards DNQMWA Anthology Series DNQRMMWA Six-Word Mystery Contest BELIEVED DEFUNCT Charges fees for all submissions Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 28 Jun 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only