Northern California Sisters in Crime presents

The Camille Award

A new yearly award for the best crime novel

Open only to members of Sisters in Crime

The Camille Award is named after Camille Minichino, a prolific mystery writer, teacher and beloved mentor and past president of the Northern California Sisters in Crime chapter.

The winner will receive $1,000.

The Camille Award

Details

  • Author must be a current member in good standing of Sisters in Crime. 
  • Work must be a crime novel published in 2026
  • Open to traditionally published and self-published authors.
  • Only first 200 books will be accepted.
  • Crime novels must be between 50,000 and 100,000 words.
  • Generative writing using AI will disqualify the crime novel.
  • There is no entry fee.

Deadlines

  • Work to be submitted between February 1, 2027 to March 15, 2027.
  • To be considered, books must be submitted by the deadline date.  (No late entries accepted.)
  • Only the first 200 books will be accepted.
  • Short List: Five books announced March 2028
  • Winner Announced July 2028

How to Submit 

  • Only one book can be submitted.
  • Only ebooks or pdfs will be accepted. Submit the entire content of your book, including front and back cover.  
  • Applications will be available soon.

AI

  • AI tools must only be used in a limited, assistive capacity (grammar checking, copy editing) and the work remains an authentic representation of the author’s creative intent and voice. No generative AI will be accepted.

Judging

  • All works will go through a screening process that ensures entry criteria are met.
  • Works will be judged based on opening, plot, characterization, setting style/voice and dialogue/narrative.

Best of luck to all of you submitting your crime novels for The Camille Award.

For more information, contact camilleaward@sincnorcal.org