For the last decade, the Leon Burstein Scholarship has supported upcoming writers in all crime genres. Last year, our chapter board and our longtime patron Dan Burstein revised the scholarship into a CASH AWARD for ASPIRING crime writers. One winner will be awarded $4,000 and one runner-up will be awarded $1,000 at our annual Winter Revels. (The NY Chapter board may vote not to award the prize if no manuscript is deemed suitable.)
Eligibility: Affiliate status NY Chapter members are eligible. (Active members and Board members are not eligible. Previous winners are not eligible.)
Process:
By July 15, 2025, email the first 20 pages of your manuscript in any mystery/crime genre. Please do not put your name anywhere in the attachment. The filename should be the name of your manuscript title (but NOT your name). Download and complete the application form. Email your twenty-page submission and completed application form (scan or photo) to LeonBursteinAwardS@mwany.org There is no application fee.
On or around September 1, 2025, we will request full manuscripts from those writers who advance to Round 2.
By November 1, 2025, two finalists will be invited to the award ceremony at our chapter’s annual Revels.
Our chapter has many resources for upcoming writers: Each year, our Mentoring Program offers detailed feedback on 35 pages from published authors. Our Groups.IO page lists links and resources of interest, including where to locate agent lists, articles to improve craft and more. Virtual monthly CrimeCraft meetings on a variety of topics are on the third Tuesday of each month. In our annual Expert Panel in Morristown NJ, industry experts share insights. We are planning an online agent-led training on Query Letters. The MWA-NY Leon Burstein Award continues this progression to support upcoming writers’ successes. Good luck!
CLICK HERE FOR THE PDF APPLICATION FORM
Ken Wishnia and the NY Chapter Board
LeonBursteinAwardS@mwany.org