Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) is officially launching its search for enthusiastic and qualified judges for the 2027 Awards of Excellence. Organizers are inviting authors, editors, librarians, reviewers, and avid crime fiction fans from across Canada to help select the country’s next great mystery and thriller masterpieces. 

As Canadian crime fiction continues to gain global acclaim, the contest relies on a diverse panel of experts to evaluate submissions across ten categories: 

• Best Crime Novel 
• Best Crime Short Story 
• Best Crime First Novel 
• Best French Crime Book 
• Best Traditional Mystery (Whodunit) 
• Best Juvenile or YA Crime 
• Book Best Crime Novel Set in Canada 
• Best Non Fiction Crime Book 
• Best Crime Novella 
• Best Unpublished Manuscript 

Judging Details and Commitments:

• Remote Evaluation: All reading and scoring are completed digitally from home. 
• Timeframe: The reading period is mid-December through March, followed by email jury consultation and sometimes a final Zoom meeting to formalize the shortlist and winner. 

"Our judges are the backbone of this contest," says Brenda Heald, CWC’s Jury Selection Committee Chair. "They help unearth brilliant new voices and celebrate established authors who keep readers on the edge of their seats." 

For more information or to apply, contact Brenda Heald at awardsjudging@crimewriterscanada.com 

Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) is a national non-profit organization for Canadian mystery and crime writers, associated professionals, and others with a serious interest in Canadian crime writing. Our mission is to promote Canadian crime writing and to raise the profile of Canadian crime writers with readers, reviewers, librarians, booksellers, and media.