Contest
MWA Barbara Neely Awards 2026
Mystery Writers of America
DeadlineNov 1, 2026
- Pay / prize
- $2,000 + one-year MWA membership (two awards: unpublished and published)
- Entry fee
- Free
- Length
- 300–500-word essay + 5-page mystery writing sample
- Eligibility & notes
- Black writers who are US citizens, 18+. MWA membership not required. Separate awards for unpublished and published (traditional or self-published) mystery/crime writers; past winners ineligible. Apply by email with form, essay, sample, bio and CV.
- Last checked
- 2026-10-27
Read the official guidelines →
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