RMMWA’s world-renowned Six-Word Mystery Contest is open for entries!
10th Annual RMMWA Six-Word Mystery Contest
Using only six words, write a mystery that fits one of five categories:
- Cozy
- Hard-Boiled/Noir
- Police Procedural
- Romance/Lust
- Thriller
$6.00 to enter one category, or submit to all five for $10.
Entering ONLY one category?
Follow this link.
Entering ALL FIVE categories?
Follow this link.
An esteemed panel of judges will select five finalists in each category, and the RMMWA membership will vote for the winners.
Judges
Anne Hillerman, NYT Bestselling Author, producer of Dark Skies streaming in Netflix
Linda Landrigan, Editor at Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine
CJ Box, best-selling writer, author of seventeen novels and best known for his “Joe Pickett” mystery series now on Paramount TV
Terrie Wolf, AKA Literary Management
John Charles of the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, AZ
Prizes
Winners of each category will earn a $25 gift certificate.
The overall winner will be awarded $100 in cold, hard cash.
Winners and finalists will be published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine.
Last Year’s Winners
Grand Prize: He fell for her. Ten stories. -John Roberts II
Cozy: Knitter avoided jail. Spun a yarn. -Chuck Brownman
Hard-Boiled/Noir: Single action, double indemnity, triple homicide. -Sue Hinkin
Romance/Lust: He fell for her. Ten stories. -John Roberts II
Police Procedural: Dirty cop found in washing machine. -Sarah Holmes
Thriller (tie): Dark woods, lost but not alone. -Lexie Price
Phone rings. Caller’s voice: “Run. Now.” ‘-Dita Dow
Dates for Submission
September 1, 2026 to October 5, 2026 at midnight (of course!).
One mystery. Six words. Good luck!