2024 Killer Nashville Awards
Mystery Writers, Thriller Writers & Suspense Writers Get Your Submissions In!
The Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference presents a number of prestigious awards annually. Make sure you are part of the action.
Calling all authors of mystery, suspense, thriller, action, and crime genres! Seize this unique opportunity to submit your work for one of the prestigious Killer Nashville awards. Whether you're an established author or a budding talent, our awards, including the Claymore Award, Silver Falchion Award, and Readers' Choice Award, are designed to recognize exceptional storytelling and creativity in the genre. Earn recognition among industry professionals, fellow writers, and devoted readers alike. Don't miss this chance to have your work celebrated at one of the premier literary events in the world. Submit your work today and take your writing career to the next level!
Ready to register for the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference?
The Claymore Award
The Claymore Award is a prestigious accolade presented annually by the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. This award specifically recognizes promising new talent in the field of thriller, mystery, and crime literature. The Claymore Award is unique in that it is given for the best first fifty pages of an unpublished manuscript, making it an opportunity for aspiring authors to gain recognition and potentially attract the attention of literary agents and publishers. This focus on unpublished works serves to encourage and spotlight emerging voices in the genres of crime, thriller, mystery, and suspense literature.
Silver Falchion Award
The Silver Falchion Award is a prestigious honor awarded annually at the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. This award celebrates the best books of the year in the genres of mystery, thriller, suspense, and crime literature. Authors of both fiction and nonfiction books are eligible for the Silver Falchion Award, showcasing the breadth and depth of these genres. The award is recognized for its rigorous selection process, where books are evaluated on their originality, structure, and overall excellence. Winning the Silver Falchion Award is a testament to the author's mastery of their craft and contribution to the world of crime and thriller literature.
Killer Nashville Readers’ Choice Award
The Killer Nashville Readers' Choice Award is a unique honor given annually at the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. What sets this award apart is that it's the readers themselves who determine the winner. The award recognizes a published work in the thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime genres that has made a significant impact on its readers. By putting the power in the hands of the readers, the Killer Nashville Readers' Choice Award celebrates the intimate connection between an author and their audience, affirming that a story's true value lies in its ability to captivate and resonate with its readers.
John Seigenthaler Legends Award
The John Seigenthaler Legends Award, bestowed at the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference, honors those who have made substantial contributions to the mystery and thriller genres. Named after John Seigenthaler, a renowned advocate for First Amendment rights, this award celebrates individuals whose work and influence uphold the richness and diversity of these genres. The award recognizes literary achievers who not only have an impressive body of work but also have significantly impacted the community of mystery and thriller writers and readers.
C. Auguste Dupin Detective Award
The C. Auguste Dupin Detective Award is a special recognition presented by the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. Named after the literary character created by Edgar Allan Poe, this award is bestowed upon an individual who has made significant contributions to the mystery genre, particularly in detective novels. By honoring the work of authors, the award seeks to celebrate the genre's rich history and the creative minds that continue to innovate and captivate readers around the world.
About Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference
For all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, suspense, or romance.
Unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in the world of mystery, thriller, suspense, and romance at the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. Situated in Franklin, Tennessee, this premier event will be taking place from August 17-20, 2023.
Killer Nashville offers an array of enriching activities designed to foster learning and networking among writers, agents, editors, and fans of the genre. From engaging master classes and breakout workshops with industry professionals to one-on-one manuscript critiques with expert authors and literary agents, you'll find numerous opportunities to hone your craft and advance your writing career.
The event also offers unique networking opportunities, such as the Agent Roundtables, where you can mingle with agents, editors, and publishers at network dinners, lunches, social gatherings, and classroom sessions. You can even showcase your work at book signings, which are open to the public.
The conference isn't just about learning and networking—it's also a celebration of the genre. The Shine 'n' Wine Shindig offers an opportunity to enjoy live music while rubbing elbows with bestselling authors and industry professionals. The highlight of the event is the Awards Dinner, a gala honoring the finest authors in the genre.
Killer Nashville is more than just a conference—it's your path to publishing. So, if you dream of weaving tales that leave readers on the edge of their seats, don't miss out on this event. Register now and become a part of the Killer Nashville community.