What the Edgar Award Is and Why It Matters
The Edgar Award is a prestigious accolade presented by the Mystery Writers of America (MWA) recognizing creative achievement in mystery and crime writing. Established in 1954, the award honors excellence in various fiction and nonfiction categories, including novels, short stories, television, film, and theater. Winning an Edgar can elevate an author’s reputation and increase a book’s visibility with readers, booksellers, and reviewers. The award is named after Edgar Allan Poe, often regarded as a foundational figure in detective and mystery fiction.
This guide explains the award’s structure, history, eligibility, and entry process, and offers practical guidance for writers and publishers. Because eligibility rules and category names can evolve, confirm current details on the official MWA website for any specific submission year.
A Brief History of the Edgar Award
The Edgar Awards were established in 1954 to honor creative achievement in mystery writing across multiple formats. Over the decades, the awards expanded to include television, film, theater, and young adult literature, reflecting the changing landscape of crime and mystery storytelling. The MWA periodically revises categories and rules to align with contemporary publishing and broadcast practices, ensuring the Edgars remain relevant to creators and audiences.
Notable Milestones
- 1954: First Edgars presented, focusing primarily on books.
- 1970s onward: Addition of television and film categories.
- 2000s: Creation of categories for young adult and paperback original works.
- Ongoing: Regular updates to category names and rules to reflect new media and formats.
Primary Edgar Award Categories
The MWA organizes Edgars into categories that distinguish format, genre, and audience. Categories may be added, merged, or retired over time, so always check the current list on the MWA site when preparing an entry.
| Category | Typical Eligibility Scope | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best First Novel | Debut mystery or crime novel by a published author | Author must not have previously published a novel in the genre |
| Best Paperback Original | Original paperback novel released in the eligible year | Previously hardcover titles may be eligible under specific rules |
| Best Mystery Short Story | Published short story in eligible periodical or anthology | Word count and first-publication windows apply |
| Best TV Series or Episode | Crime or mystery series or episode broadcast in the eligible window | Both series and individual episodes may be entered |
| Best Motion Picture Screenplay | Original or adapted screenplay for a theatrically released film | Released in the eligible year; rules distinguish original and adapted |
Eligibility and Entry Requirements
To be considered, a work must primarily fall within the mystery or crime genre and meet specific eligibility criteria, including first-publication windows and format rules. For book categories, publishers typically submit entries on behalf of authors, while television and film entries are often handled by studios or producers. Each category has its own rules regarding length, format, and publication dates, and some categories restrict the number of entries per publisher or producer per year.
Authors should confirm whether a category requires a physical submission, digital entry form, or both, and whether additional materials such as author biographies or marketing copies are required. Entry fees vary by category and may be waived for authors in certain circumstances at the discretion of the MWA.
The Judging Process
Judging is conducted by panels of volunteers who are experienced writers, editors, reviewers, and industry professionals. Entries are read or screened anonymously where possible, and judges evaluate works based on criteria such as originality of premise, strength of storytelling, character development, dialogue, and authenticity of research. For series, judges may evaluate a single representative work or, in some categories, the series as a whole.
Judges narrow ballots to finalists and then select winners through discussion and vote. Finalists are typically announced in advance of the awards ceremony, and winners are revealed during the Edgar Awards Event, which is usually held in spring or early summer. The MWA does not disclose judges’ names or detailed scorecards to preserve impartiality.
Practical Tips for Writers and Publishers
- Check the current year’s category rules and eligibility windows well before the submission deadline.
- Follow entry instructions precisely, including formatting, file types, and required supplemental materials.
- Keep copies of all submitted materials and confirm receipt if possible.
- If entering a series, understand whether the category considers a single book or the overall series arc.
- Use resources such as the MWA website, newsletters, and industry mentors to stay updated on rule changes and best practices.
The Value of an Edgar
An Edgar Award signals to readers, booksellers, librarians, and peers that a work has been vetted by experts in mystery and crime writing. While it does not guarantee sales, it often leads to increased media coverage, inclusion in curated lists, and longer availability in retail and library channels. For television and film, an Edgar can indicate strong writing and production values, helping a project stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Because the award is tied to enduring standards of craft and storytelling, its influence extends beyond a single season, making it a meaningful milestone for career-focused mystery and crime writers.
Status and Common Clarifications
The Edgars remain active and are presented annually by the Mystery Writers of America. Category names, submission periods, and eligibility criteria may shift from year to year, so it is essential to verify current information for each cycle. The awards cover works published or broadcast in the preceding year, and international authors and works translated into English are eligible in applicable categories.
Common Misconceptions
- The Edgars cover both fiction and nonfiction, including true crime.
- Only traditionally published works are eligible; self-published titles may qualify if they meet category rules.
- Winning is not based on popularity or sales, but on the judges’ assessment of literary and craft merits within the eligible period.
Summary
The Edgar Award is a long-standing recognition of creative achievement in mystery and crime writing across books, television, film, theater, and young adult literature. Understanding category definitions, eligibility rules, formatting requirements, and the judging process can help creators prepare strong, competitive entries. By following official guidance and verifying current requirements each year, writers and publishers can navigate the Edgars with confidence and clarity.
Continue to consult the official MWA resources for up-to-date category descriptions, deadlines, and submission instructions to ensure accurate and timely entries.
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