[1] The Association also promotes crime writing of fiction and non-fiction by holding annual competitions, publicising literary festivals and establishing links with libraries, booksellers and other writer organisations, both in the UK such as the Society of Authors, and overseas.

The CWA enables members to network at its annual conference and through its regional chapters as well as through dedicated social media channels and private website.

The CWA publishes a monthly magazine exclusively for members called Red Herrings, edited by Matthew Booth since 2020.

Anyone can join free of charge and receive two digital magazines: the bimonthly Case Files and the monthly CRA Newsletter.

The CWA enables writers to contact each other by various means, promotes crime writing with annual awards, and organises social events.

[3] The Secretary of the Crime Writers' Association is currently Dea Parkin, who also runs editorial consultancy Fiction Feedback.

Original Sins is the 2010 anthology of crime from a distinguished selection of British writers published by Severn House.