Dagger for Crime Fiction in Translation
しーだぶりゅーえー いんたーなしょなる だがー
An annual award by the Crime Writers' Association for the best crime novel translated into English for UK publication, honoring both the author and the translator.
- Established
- 2006
- Organizer
- Crime Writers' Association (CWA)
- Category
- Research, Translation, and Scholarship
- Selection Method
- Recommendation
- Target
- Professional
- Frequency
- 1 per year
- Status
- Active
Description
The CWA International Dagger is an annual award presented by the Crime Writers' Association for the best translated crime novel of the year. Established as its own category in 2006 (previously translated works were eligible for the CWA Gold Dagger), the prize recognizes both author and translator; winners receive an ornamental Dagger at an annual ceremony. The award has undergone name changes (formerly the Duncan Lawrie International Dagger and later Crime Fiction in Translation Dagger) and highlights excellence in translation and international crime fiction.
Prize
- Main Prize
- Ornamental Dagger trophy presented to the winning author and translator
- Official recognition and publicity by the CWA
- Attention from shortlist publication
- Recognition for the translator
Selection
Selection Process
| Stage | Judges | Pass Rate | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomination/Entry | Candidates are collected, including nominations from publishers and related parties, and accepted by the CWA | — | Entry details follow the CWA's guidelines |
| Shortlist Selection | Selection panel (judges) appointed by the CWA | — | The shortlist is announced on the CWA's official website and in the press |
| Final Judging (Winner Selection) | The CWA's judging panel (judges who make the final decision) | — | Winners are announced at the annual awards ceremony and in the CWA's official announcement |
Criteria
- Translation quality (reproduction of the original text's style and tone)
- Literary and entertainment value as a work
- Translator's contribution and creativity in translation
- Internationality and appeal to readers
Application Tips
Dos
- 翻訳の質を最優先する（文体・語感・登場人物の声を忠実に再現する）
- 翻訳者名を明確に表示し、翻訳経緯や版元情報を揃える
- 出版社や代理人を通じて適切にノミネート手続きを行う
- 応募条件（ジャンル、翻訳出版年など）を事前に確認する
Don''ts
- 翻訳の質に妥協すること
- 翻訳者のクレジットを省略すること
- 応募規程や締切を無視すること
From Judges
- 訳は単なる直訳ではなく、原作の声とトーンを再現することが重要です。
- キャラクターの発話や文体的特徴を自然な日本語で表現する工夫を評価します。
- 訳注や編集メモで特に工夫した点を示すと理解が深まります。
Related Awards
- CWA Gold Dagger
- MWJ Award for Mystery Fiction in Translation (Mystery Writers of Japan)
- International Booker Prize
- Other awards for translated literature and mystery