Mystery Writers of America

Mystery Writers of America
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Name	Mystery Writers of America
Founded	1945
Founder	Clayton Rawson, Anthony Boucher, Lawrence Treat, Brett Halliday
Headquarters	New York City
Key people	Sara Paretsky (President, 2024)
Focus	Crime fiction, Detective fiction
Website	https://mysterywriters.org/

Mystery Writers of America is a premier professional organization for authors and allied professionals in the crime writing genre. Founded in 1945, it is dedicated to promoting higher regard for crime fiction, protecting the rights and welfare of writers, and recognizing excellence through its prestigious awards. The organization is headquartered in New York City and has active chapters across the United States, fostering a national community of mystery and thriller writers.

History

The organization was established in 1945 by a group of prominent authors including Clayton Rawson, Anthony Boucher, Lawrence Treat, and Brett Halliday. Its formation was inspired by the model of the Authors Guild and aimed to elevate the literary standing of mystery and detective fiction, which was often marginalized in literary circles. Early meetings were held at the Hotel Margaret in New York City, and the group quickly gained influential members such as Erle Stanley Gardner and Rex Stout, who served as its first president. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it expanded its reach, establishing regional chapters and becoming a key advocate for writers during shifts in the publishing industry, including the rise of paperback novels and changes in copyright law.

Organization and governance

The organization is governed by a national board of directors, which includes officers such as the President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer, elected from its membership. Notable past presidents include Sara Paretsky, Harlan Coben, and Mary Higgins Clark. It operates through a network of regional chapters located in major areas like New England, the Midwest, and the Southwest United States, each organizing local events, workshops, and meetings. Key committees focus on areas such as awards administration, member services, and advocacy, working to address issues like contract negotiations and intellectual property rights for writers in the genre.

Awards and recognitions

Its most famous initiative is the Edgar Allan Poe Awards, commonly known as the Edgars, which were first presented in 1946 and are named in honor of Edgar Allan Poe. The Edgars recognize the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television, film, and theater across numerous categories such as Best Novel and Best First Novel. Other significant awards include the Grand Master Award, given for lifetime achievement to figures like Agatha Christie and Stephen King, the Raven Award for non-writer contributions, and the Ellery Queen Award for editors or publishers. These ceremonies, often held at the Edgar Awards Banquet in New York City, are major events in the literary calendar.

Publications and activities

The organization publishes a quarterly magazine, The Third Degree, which features market news, member profiles, and industry insights. It also produces specialized guides and anthologies, such as the annual Mystery Writers of America Presents collection. Key activities include hosting the annual Edgar Awards ceremony, providing professional development workshops on craft and business, and organizing symposiums like the Mystery Writers of America University series. Advocacy efforts focus on supporting Freedom of expression and engaging with institutions like the Library of Congress and BookExpo America to promote the genre.

Notable members

Throughout its history, the organization has counted many of the genre's most illustrious figures as members. Early luminaries included Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Dorothy L. Sayers. In subsequent decades, membership expanded to include bestselling authors like Sue Grafton, Tony Hillerman, and Walter Mosley. Contemporary members who have shaped modern crime fiction include Gillian Flynn, Tana French, and Michael Connelly. The roster also encompasses celebrated international writers such as P.D. James and Maj Sjöwall, as well as prominent figures from other media like television writer David Shore and filmmaker Rian Johnson.

Category:Writers' organizations Category:Literary awards Category:Crime fiction