Backer Steps Up

In an apparent effort to further share the rising costs of its high-status annual awards presentations, the British Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) has roped in a new sponsor for one of its prizes. Here’s part of the news release that makes this deal known:

The Crime Writers’ Association has today announced the new sponsors for its prestigious Dagger for Non-Fiction. The new sponsors for the annual award are The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS).

ALCS is a membership organisation for writers and seeks to protect and promote the rights of authors writing in all disciplines and ensure they receive fair payment for their work. The Dagger for Non-Fiction is awarded in July each year.

Barbara Hayes, Chief Executive of ALCS, said: “ALCS is delighted to offer its support in sponsoring the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association’s Non-Fiction Dagger. It is part of ALCS’ remit to promote the work of all types of writers and we are delighted to be involved with the Crime Writers’ Association in promoting a genre that has captured the hearts and imaginations of British authors and readers for so long.”

Peter James, CWA Chair, said: “This is terrific news. The ALCS is an important organisation and we are delighted that they will be sponsoring next year’s award. Much is said and written about crime fiction but non-fiction is also important and needs to be recognised. This award has always sought to do that.”

The winner of this year’s CWA Non-Fiction Dagger was declared during this summer’s Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. It’s The Killer of Little Shepherds, by Douglas Starr (Simon & Schuster).

READ MORE: The Daggers Go Glitzy,” by Ali Karim (The Rap Sheet).