Edgar Award For Best First Novel By An American Author
Edgar Awards, also known as the Edgar Allan Poe Awards, are annual awards presented by the Mystery Writers of America to recognize excellence in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television, film, and theater. One of the most coveted awards in the field of mystery writing is the Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author. This award recognizes the best debut novel written by an American author in the mystery genre.
History of the Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author
The Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author was first presented in 1946. The inaugural winner of the award was Malcolm R. Braly for his novel "It's Cold Out There." Since then, the award has been presented annually to recognize outstanding debut novels in the mystery genre.
Over the years, the award has been won by some of the most renowned authors in the field of mystery writing, including Michael Connelly, Harlan Coben, and Laura Lippman. Winning the award has helped propel the careers of many authors and has brought attention to their debut novels.
Criteria for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author
The Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author is judged based on the following criteria:
- The novel must be the author's first published novel in the mystery genre.
- The novel must be written by an American author.
- The novel must be original and not a derivative work.
- The novel must be of high quality and demonstrate excellence in the mystery genre.
The judges for the award are selected by the Mystery Writers of America and are typically authors, critics, and other industry professionals with expertise in the mystery genre.
Recent Winners of the Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author
Some of the recent winners of the Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author include:
- 2021 - "Blacktop Wasteland" by S.A. Cosby
- 2020 - "Miracle Creek" by Angie Kim
- 2019 - "Bearskin" by James A. McLaughlin
- 2018 - "She Rides Shotgun" by Jordan Harper
- 2017 - "Under the Harrow" by Flynn Berry
These novels demonstrate the high quality and diversity of the mystery genre and showcase the talent of American authors in the field.
Impact of the Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author
The Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author has had a significant impact on the careers of many writers. Winning the award can bring attention to an author's debut novel and help launch their career in the mystery genre.
Many past winners of the award have gone on to have successful careers as writers, including Michael Connelly, who won the award in 1993 for his novel "The Black Echo." Connelly has since become one of the most successful and critically acclaimed mystery writers of his generation.
Winning the award can also help an author secure a book deal or attract the attention of literary agents and publishers. For many writers, winning the Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author is a career-defining moment that can open doors and lead to future success.
Conclusion
The Edgar Award for Best First Novel By An American Author is a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in the mystery genre. Winning the award can have a significant impact on an author's career and can help launch their career as a writer. The award has been won by some of the most renowned authors in the field of mystery writing and continues to be a coveted prize for debut novelists.