We are pleased to announce that we have had a record breaking amount of entries. The winners will be announced at the NMPW Annual Conference. Come join us!
The annual NMPW Communications Contest provides an opportunity to compete in a broad range of categories. For the 2013 contest, entries must have been published or broadcast between Jan. 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2012.
Eligibility: Competition is open to all New Mexico residents. Non-members whose entries place first may have their work submitted to the National Federation of Press Women by joining NMPW and NFPW by March 1. You can pay online by credit card to NFPW at http://www.nfpw.org/join.cfm or send an $86 dues check ($30 for students or $35 for retirees who have been members of NFPW for five years) made out to NFPW, in addition to the check for your entries.
Awards: Judges will make the final decisions about awards in each category. A judge may choose to award no prize in a category. Awards are first, second, third, and honorable mention. There will be NO ties for places. Points are awarded for each place; individuals and employers with the highest cumulative total win Overall Excellence Awards. Individuals receive a cash prize.
Preparing your entries: Follow directions for individual categories. Be aware that the National Federation of Press Women has modified categories since last year. Place each entry in a separate 9” x 12” unsealed manila envelope. If the entry is too large, use the next larger size. The entrant’s name, state, category and subcategory numbers must be clearly marked on the envelope’s upper right front corner of the address side. Place all entries, with check, in a single larger envelope for mailing.
Keep copies of your work. Every effort will be made to return entries that do not go to the national contest, but please do not send your only copy.
Payment: Last year’s fees remain in place (see above). For example, if you are a member submitting 5 entries, your cost is $15 for one entry, plus $10 for additional entry ($10 x 4 = $40), or $55 total.
Entries must be postmarked by January 7, 2013, which is a Monday, so if you’re late in preparing entries, you have the weekend of Jan. 5 and 6.
Categories:
- Writing (Categories 1 – 12)
- Editing and Page Design (Print Publications) (Categories 13 – 16)
- Photography and Graphics (Categories 17 – 20)
- Radio and Television (Categories 21 – 26)
- Web and Social Media (Categories 27 – 32)
- Advertising (Categories 33 – 36)
- Public Relations/Promotion/Publicity
- Communications programs and campaigns (Categories 37 – 40)
- PR materials (Categories 41-47)
- Information for the media (Categories 48-50)
- Speeches (Category 51)
- Collegiate (Categories 52 – 55)
- Books/Fiction/Verse (Categories 56-64)
NMPW CONTEST DIVISIONS AND CATEGORIES
WRITING
Categories 1 through 12
General instructions: A tear sheet (full page or pages containing the article, special page, etc.) must be submitted for entries published in newspapers or other publications. Clearly mark the tear sheet by highlighting or underlining the headline or title. Photocopies or print PDFs of tear sheets are permitted when originals are not available, but they must show publication name and date of issue printed on the page. For web-based writing, please submit a hard-copy printout of the written piece, with a URL circled or written at the top of the page, if page is still accessible to the public. A CD, DVD, or other electronic file formatted for universal use on all operating systems may be submitted if appropriate.
If the same entry was published simultaneously in a print publication and online, entrant may submit it in either (but not both) subcategories, if the category has subcategories for both print and electronic publications.
Note: A single story OR a package (story, sidebars, and/or related information boxes) published on a single day constitutes one article. Each article may be entered only once. A story entered as a single feature or news story cannot also be entered in a multipart category such as series (though it may also be included in an entry in one of the editing or design categories, if it was also part of a section or supplement edited by the entrant.) If the work has been published both online and in print, entrant may choose either subcategory but may not enter the same work in both.
1. News story
Submit ONE (1) article. Judges will consider planning and general organization of story, initiative in obtaining story, news writing, readability and impact.
A. Print-based newspaper
B. Magazine, newsletter, or other non-newspaper print publication
C. Online publication
2. Continuing coverage or unfolding news
Open competition. Submit a maximum of SIX (6) articles representing the course of the story. The entry date is the date of the final article, which must be on or before Dec. 31 of the contest year. A ONE (1)-page written statement noting general chronology of the unfolding news and any special circumstances or events related to the topic MUST be included with the entry. Articles may have been published in print or online. Judges will consider the writer’s ability to stick with the story, the handling of the subject, writing style, readability and thoroughness of coverage (e.g., a trial underway with daily coverage, or surprising new facts discovered at a later date on a story that is not a planned series).
3. Investigative reporting
Open competition. Entry should demonstrate entrant’s ability to provide treatment of an issue that has an impact on the publication’s coverage area but that has not received prior coverage or would not have been told without the reporter’s diligence in uncovering or reporting of the subject. Submit a maximum of SIX (6) articles representing the course of the story. The entry date is the date of the final article, which must be on or before Dec. 31 of the contest year. A ONE (1)-page written statement MUST accompany the entry. It should include the entrant’s role in preparing the coverage, chronology of events, current status of issue covered and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of the series. Articles may have been published in print or online. Judges will consider the initiative, thoroughness of research, documentation, clarity of writing and/or presentation and technical excellence.
4. Enterprise reporting
Open competition. Entry should demonstrate entrant’s ability to expand on and add in-depth information to an issue that already has been reported and had an impact on the publication’s audience. Submit a maximum of SIX (6) articles representing the course of the story. The entry date is the date of the final article, which must be on or before Dec. 31 of the contest year. A ONE (1)-page written statement MUST accompany the entry. It should include the entrant’s role in preparing the coverage, chronology of events, current status of issue covered and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of the series. Articles may have been published in print or online. Judges will consider the initiative, thoroughness of research, documentation, clarity of writing and/or presentation and technical excellence.
5. Special series
Open competition. Submit a minimum of THREE (3), but not more than SIX (6) developed articles. The articles must be numbered or must otherwise indicate with an editor’s note, a consistent series title or a logo that the articles were intended as a series, published either over time or in the same issue. The entry date is the date of the final article, which must be on or before Dec. 31 of the contest year. A ONE (1)-page written statement MUST accompany the entry. It should include the entrant’s role in preparing the coverage, chronology of events, current status of issue covered and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of the series. Articles may have been published in print or online. Judges will consider the initiative, thoroughness of research, documentation, clarity of writing and/or presentation and technical excellence.
6. Individual achievement
This category includes work by a reporter, editor, or news team that reflects unusual creativity, unexcelled professionalism, courage under pressure, and effectiveness in presentation. The work will have “gotten something done”; for example, helped to change or introduce a law, spurred an investigation, or built support for a public-safety initiative. Work may have appeared in any format, including print, electronic, and broadcast, or in a variety of formats. If the work is submitted by a team, all entrants must be NFPW members, or the NFPW member who is the entrant must have done most of the work. Submit relevant material, but no more than TEN (10) pages or pieces, including samples of the work itself, supportive materials relative to the impact of the achievement, AND a ONE (1)-page written summary of the achievement. Submitted materials may include tear sheets, printouts, CDs or DVDs with audio or video content, and other relevant items.
7. Editorial/Opinion
Submit ONE (1) article, published either online or in a print publication. DO NOT SUBMIT personal columns. This category is for non-bylined pieces that appear on editorial pages, or for bylined op-ed pieces. In addition to considering relevance to readers, judges will consider clarity of style, sound reasoning, and effort to influence readers’ opinions in what the writer believes to be the right direction.
- A. Print-based newspaper
- B. Magazine, newsletter, or other non-newspaper publication
- C. Online publication
8. Feature story
Submit ONE (1) article, published either online or in a print publication. DO NOT ENTER interview as feature (see Category 8, Personality Profile). Judges will consider interest and unusual aspects of the feature material itself and/or the handling of it, writing style, readability and thoroughness of coverage.
- A. Print-based newspaper
- B. Magazine, newsletter, or other non-newspaper publication
- C. Online publication
9. Personality profile
Open competition. Submit ONE (1) article that gives a portrait of an individual based on interviews with one or more people. Judges will consider how well the writer reveals the personality of the subject by exploring the subject’s actions, background, motivation and character.
- A. 500 words or fewer
- B. More than 500 words
10. Specialty articles
Open competition for work published in online or print publications. Submit TWO (2) articles on the same basic subject in the subcategory. Examples: in subcategory O (Sports), both articles may cover various sports topics; each may focus on a particular sport, e.g., basketball; or each article may cover a different sport – one on basketball and one on hunting, etc. Or, in subcategory M (Reviews), one article may be a review of a play, while another is a review of a concert. The two articles equal one entry and both should be listed on the same entry form and placed in one envelope. The two articles may have been published in the same publication or in different publications. The same article may not be entered in two different subcategories; where categories overlap, the entrant should choose one category in which to enter the work. Judges will consider the same criteria as for news or feature stories and will include the author’s ability to write knowledgeably on the subject.
- A. Advertorials (writing done for special advertising supplements or special sections)
- B. Agriculture, Agribusiness, Aquaculture
- C. Arts and entertainment
- D. Business
- E. Education
- F. Fashion
- G. Food
- H. Government or politics
- I. Green/environmental
- J. History
- K. Hobby or craft
- L. Home (interior decoration, furniture, architecture, landscaping)
- M. Physical health, fitness, mental health, self-help
- N. Religion
- O. Reviews (any subject, personal opinion must be expressed)
- P. Science or technology
- Q. Social issues
- R. Sports
- S. Travel
11. Columns
Open competition, with subcategories by column type. Columns may have been published in a print or online publication. Submit TWO (2) columns. Column should have a headline or logo that indicates it is a regular feature of the publication, should entertain and/or educate, and should reveal author’s style. Judges will consider interest, organization, and ideas, as well as clarity, readability, style, and author’s ability to write knowledgeably on the subject. (Columns are NOT blogs; enter blogs in Category 30.)
- A. Humorous
- B. General
- C. Informational (how-to, Q&A, advice)
- D. Personal Opinion (bylined, not editorial)
12. Headlines
Submit FOUR (4) samples on marked tear sheets or printouts from electronic sites. Judges will consider appropriateness to story, originality, and appeal to the reader. Open competition. No subcategories as to type of publication or circulation.
EDITING AND PAGE DESIGN (PRINT PUBLICATIONS)
Categories 13 through 16
13. Single page, section, or supplement regularly edited by entrant
Specify frequency of page or section’s appearance and submit TWO (2) samples of the same type or subject (i.e., two food pages, two youth pages, etc.). Newspaper supplements such as Sunday magazines must be entered in the newspaper subcategory, not the magazine subcategory. Entry must specify the larger publication in which the section appeared. Judges will consider the planning and general organization of the page, the power of original editorial material, suitability and appeal of feature material, informational value, editing and headline writing, cohesiveness, and thoroughness of coverage, as appropriate.
- A. Newspaper
- B. Magazine, newsletter, or other non-newspaper publication
14. Sections or supplements edited by entrant – infrequent (e.g., one-time, annual, quarterly)
Submit ONE (1) sample. Regardless of frequency, newspaper supplements (such as Sunday magazines) must be entered in the newspaper subcategory, not the magazine subcategory. Entry must specify the larger publication in which the section appeared. Judges will consider planning and general organization, the power of original editorial material, suitability and appeal of feature material, informational value, editing and headline writing, cohesiveness, and thoroughness of coverage.
- A. Newspaper
- B. Magazine, newsletter, or other non-newspaper publication
15. Publications regularly edited by entrant
Submit TWO (2) issues in their entirety. Note that there are categories for public relations magazines and other types of publications in the Public Relations division. Judges will consider writing, editing, design and content.
- A. Newspaper
- B. Magazine, newsletter, or other non-newspaper publication
16. Page design
Submit TWO (2) examples of pages regularly designed by entrant. Entry may consist of two pages of one kind or of two pages of different kinds (for example, an Op-Ed page and a Science page, or two Op-Ed pages). Judges will consider the overall layout and design of the pages, typefaces, use of photographs, and arrangement of the various elements to appeal to readers.
- A. Newspaper
- Magazine, newsletter, or other non-newspaper publication
Photography AND GRAPHICS
Categories 17 through 20
General instructions: Photographs may have been published in print or online venues. In all categories, a photo, laser print, or copy of original (no larger than 8″ x 10″) must be submitted. A CD or DVD may also be submitted, but the entry MUST include a printed copy for ease of judging. DO NOT MOUNT PHOTOS. Prints, CDs, and DVDs will not be returned. A tear sheet, photocopy, printout, or print PDF of the entire printed page must be attached, but judges will consider only the photo, NOT the reproduction. Except for category 19 (Photographer-writer), text will not be considered. For prints published in black and white, originals may be color or black and white.
17. Single photograph
- A. News or feature photo
- B. Sports photo
- C. General photo (open competition)
18. Photo essay
Submit photographs in a layout that either have a narrative quality or present points of view on a single subject. Photographs may have been published in print or online. Judges will not consider text.
19. Photographer-writer
This category is for photograph or photographs that were published (in print or online) as a package with text. Both the photos and the text must be the work of the entrant. Layout will not be considered. Judges will consider the quality of both the photos and the text, the relationship of one to the other, and the completeness of the package.
20. Graphics. Submit an editorial cartoon, a single comic strip, or a graphic illustration. Work may be published online or in a print publication. Drawing and written elements, if any, must be the work of the entrant.
Radio / Television
Categories 21 through 26
General instructions: Content may have appeared on traditional radio or television stations or on online radio and television outlets. DVDs or CDs are required for submission of entries. In instances where more than one person contributed to the report, and only the person submitting the entry is an NFPW member, the entrant must have had an equal or the major role in creating/delivering the broadcast. The DVD or CD, the case, the entry form, and the envelope must be labeled with the following information: name of entrant, number and letter of the category/subcategory, length of cut.
Note: Digital podcasts should be entered in Category 29 in the Web and Social Media division.
21. On-the-scene report (news, features, sports)
Entry may be edited. Narratives or voice-overs are allowed only if they were part of the original piece that aired. A ONE (1)-page written statement detailing circumstances surrounding coverage of story and entrant’s participation MUST accompany the entry. Entrant must be the reporter. Judges will consider reporter’s ability to provide enterprising coverage of one event.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
22. Prepared report (news, features, sports, or opinion)
Entry may be limited to a single report or may include excerpts from a related series. A ONE (1)-page written statement detailing circumstances surrounding coverage of story and entrant’s participation MUST accompany the entry. Entrant must be the reporter, reviewer, or critic. Judges may consider initiative, ability to obtain a story with impact, clarity of writing/production, thoroughness of research, documentation of any allegations, technical excellence, and concise assembly.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
23. Special programming
Entry may be a single report or editorial, or may be a series of stories on the same subject, including documentary, public affairs, editorial, or investigative. Entrant must be the reporter. Entry may be edited, but narratives or voice-overs are allowed only if they were part of the original piece that aired. A ONE (1)-page written statement MUST accompany the entry and should include a synopsis of the subject matter, entrant’s role in preparation and how entrant’s coverage addressed the community/market need, a summary of any follow-up reports, and any unusual circumstances or difficulties encountered in preparation of the original piece. In addition to considering entrant’s ability to provide comprehensive and effective in-depth coverage of a community problem or significant news event, judges will consider creativity, clarity of writing and/or presentation, and technical excellence.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
24. Interview (radio or television)
Delete all commercial breaks, but no other editing may be done. No written statement is required. Entrant may be interviewer or person being interviewed. Open competition for radio and television entries.
25. Talk Show (radio or television)
Delete all commercial breaks, but no other editing may be done. No written statement is required. Entrant must be talk-show host. Open competition for radio and television entries.
26. Best newscast (commercial or noncommercial station)
Newscast must be under the overall supervision of the entrant. Delete all commercial breaks, but no other editing may be done. Narratives or voice-overs are allowed only if they were part of the original piece that aired. No written statement is required. Judges will consider excellence of news content and production values.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
Web and Social Media
Categories 27 through 32
General instructions: Judges will consider clarity of message, appropriateness to audience, and adherence to principles of web-based communication. Material written for print publication and reused on the web is NOT eligible. Whenever possible, the judge should be able to view the article or page in the form in which it was meant to be viewed. The entry should reflect the material as it appeared during the contest year.
Submit the specified number of examples in hard copy with URL circled or written at the top of the page (if still accessible to the public) AND a ONE (1)-page statement describing the role of the entrant, purpose of the site, target audience, goal of the item submitted, criteria for measuring effectiveness, and assessment of effectiveness in terms of those criteria. A CD, DVD, or other electronic file formatted for universal use on all operating systems may also be submitted if appropriate. See specific instructions under each category.
For more places to enter writing and photography published on the web, also see Writing categories (1-10) and Photography/Graphics categories (17-20) above.
Note: The same work may not be entered in more than one category. However, a story may be entered in a writing category while the web site on which it’s posted is entered in an editing or site-development category. It is not the intent to prevent writers and editors from entering their individual work when the work of both is published on the same site.
27. Writing for the Web
Submit ONE (1) example of a piece written as standing copy on a website; i.e., material that is a permanent or semi-permanent part of the site, such as an “About Us” or “How It Works” section. Include a ONE (1)-page statement, as described above. Entrant must be the writer. NOTE: To enter other kinds of web writing, see Writing (Categories 1-11) or look at categories for the specific type of writing (Blogs, PR, Fiction, etc.)
28. Web site edited or managed by entrant
Submit examples in hard copy AND a ONE (1)-page written statement, as described above. ALSO provide a URL or a CD, DVD, or other electronic file if appropriate, also as described above. The purpose of this category is to judge editorial and content-management skills, not coding skills. Judges will consider adherence to purpose, clarity of site, interaction options, design, and adherence to principles of Web-based communication.
- A. Nonprofit, government, or educational
- B. Corporate or for-profit
29. Podcasts
Entries in this category MUST be original content and not repurposed. If the material was on the air prior to being used in the podcast, it should be entered in one of the Radio categories (21-26) instead. Submit an MP3 audio file on a disk formatted for universal use on all operating systems. Judges will consider originality, creativity, content organization, and effective communication of message.
30. Blogs
Entrant must be the author of the blog. Submit TWO (2) examples of blog entries as hard copy printed from the web AND a one-page statement about the audience, reason for the blog, and number of views. If the entry is still accessible to the public on the site, circle or write the URL at the top of the printed copy.
- A. Nonprofit, government, or educational
- B. Corporate or for-profit
- C. Personal
31. Social Media Campaign
Submit examples of social-media components that are part of a comprehensive campaign to achieve a professional goal. Submit hard copy along with a one-page statement, as described above.
- A. Nonprofit, government, or educational
- B. Corporate or for-profit
32. Videos for website
Submit a link to the video or a CD, DVD, or other electronic file formatted for use on all operating systems AND a ONE (1)-page statement, as described above.
- A. Nonprofit, government, or educational
- B. Corporate or for-profit
- C. Special interest
Advertising
Categories 33 through 36
General instructions: Submit tear sheets of the ad or ads. For electronic ads, submit printouts with URL printed or circled at the top of the page (if content is still accessible to the public). Each entry MUST be accompanied by a ONE (1)-page statement including reason for the ad or campaign, special strategies, effectiveness in terms of results, and the role of the entrant in carrying out the project. A CD, DVD, or other electronic file formatted for universal use on all operating systems may also be submitted if appropriate.
Ads may be for retail products or services, or they may be institutional, image, or public-service ads. Judges will consider the originality of the selling idea or promotion, adaptability and suitability of the idea to the advertiser, appropriate choice of medium, appearance of ads, style and content of copy, and results. For ad campaigns or series, the final ad must have appeared by Dec. 31 of the contest year.
33. Single advertisements for print or electronic publication
Open competition for a single ad that appeared in printed publications or electronic-based media. Entry must include a ONE (1)-page statement, as described above.
34. Advertising campaigns
Open competition for an advertising campaign built around one subject. The series may feature the same product, service, or message, or may feature different products, services, and messages from the same advertiser. The series must be related by theme or design format. Advertisements may have appeared in print or electronic media, or any combination of the two. Entry must include a one-page statement, as described above.
35. Advertising posters, billboards, and banners
Single posters, billboards, or banners may be black and white or color. Originals may be any size, but entries will consist of one photo or printout no larger than 8½ x 11 inches. Entrant may also include a DVD with a .jpg file no larger than 3 megabytes. Entry must include a ONE (1)-page statement, as described above.
36. Radio and television advertising
Entrant may submit either a single commercial OR an advertising campaign built around one subject. Advertisements may have appeared on traditional radio or television stations or on online radio and television outlets. DVDs or CDs are required for submission of entries. In instances where more than one person contributed and only the person submitting the entry is an NFPW member, the entrant must have had an equal or the major role in creating/delivering the advertisement. The DVD or CD, the case, the entry form, and the envelope must be labeled with the following information: name of entrant, number and letter of the category/subcategory, length of cut. Entry must include a ONE (1)-page statement, as described above. If entry is a series of commercials in an advertising campaign, the series must be related by theme or design format. Ads in a series may all feature the same product, service, or message, or they may feature different products, services, or messages from the same advertiser.
- A. Radio
- B. Television
Public Relations / Promotion / Publicity
Communications programs and campaigns
Categories 37 through 40
General instructions: Attach major supporting items including brochures, press releases, speeches, CDs, DVDs (limit audio or visual sample to FIVE (5) minutes). If displays are too large to include in a 9” x 12” envelope, send photo/printout of entry (no larger than 8.5” x 11”) or DVD with a .jpg file no larger than 3 megabytes. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a ONE (1)-page statement that includes the research or reason for the program or campaign, audience, strategies used to reach the audience, theme (if any), timetable, budget, and how the program or campaign was evaluated. Entry must have been under the overall supervision of the entrant, with entrant’s role defined in the statement. In audiovisuals, for example, entrant must document role to state whether it included scripting only, scripting and photography, photography only, production, etc.
The PR program or campaign must have been completed by Dec. 31 of the contest year. Judges will consider clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives and in relating to audience, effective use of media, general impact of program, evaluation of effectiveness, and technical quality. NOTE: Materials submitted in this category as part of a campaign may also be submitted as individual entries in Categories 41-47.
37. Community, institutional, or internal relations
Entry should document a PR program or campaign designed to improve an organization’s relationship with key publics or a community, or to improve relations within the organization itself.
38. Public service
Entry should document a PR program or campaign for the public good.
39. Marketing program or campaign for new or existing service or product
40. Audiovisuals
Entry must be creatively directed, edited, and executed by the entrant. They may include still illustration or multi-image slides, video productions, PowerPoint presentations, or other types of audiovisual productions. Submit appropriate format (i.e. DVDs or CDs with viewable presentation), as well as hard-copy printouts where appropriate.
PR Materials
Categories 41 through 47
Both print and electronic publications may be submitted in these categories. Entry must be creatively directed, edited, and executed by the entrant. Submit ONE (1) sample. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a ONE (1)-page statement that includes description of entrant’s role in carrying out project, general objectives, audience, theme (if any), frequency, budget, and how entry was evaluated. Judges will consider clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives and in relating to audience, effective use of media, general impact, and technical quality.
41. Reports (including, but not limited to, annual reports)
42. Magazines
43. Magapapers/tabloids
44. Newsletters
- A. Nonprofit, government, or educational
- B. Corporate or for-profit
45. Brochures
- A. Nonprofit, government, or educational
- B. Corporate or for-profit
46. Catalogs, manuals, and handbooks
47. Direct-mail marketing
Information for the Media
Categories 48 through 50
48. News or feature release – single release
Submit a copy of original release and clippings of ONE (1) to THREE (3) published articles resulting from a single release (or reports of placement, with printouts if possible, if used by electronic media). Release may have been rewritten for publication. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a ONE (1)-page statement that includes general objectives, audience targeted, theme (if any), media contacted, timetable, budget, follow-up, evaluative measurement, and results statement. Judges will consider content and organization of copy, effective communication of message, clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives within the budget and in relating to audience, and general impact.
49. News or feature releases – multiple releases
Submit TWO (2) news or feature releases dealing with the same topic or campaign. Submit copies of original releases and clippings of ONE (1) published article (or reports of electronic placement, with printout if possible) that resulted from each release. Releases may have been rewritten for publication. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a ONE (1)-page statement that includes general objectives, media contacted, audience targeted, theme (if any), timetable, budget, follow-up, evaluative measurement, and results statement. Judges will consider content and organization of copy, effective communication of message, clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives within the budget and in relating to audience, and general impact.
50. Media kit — tools to gain media coverage
Submit TWO (2) to SIX (6) examples that make up a single media kit, which may include, but not be limited to, tip sheets, expert lists, media advisories, and feature suggestion packets. In addition to the examples, results must be documented with at least two clippings (or reports of placement, with printouts if possible) if used by electronic media) resulting from the media kit. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a ONE (1)-page statement that includes objectives, media contacted, audience targeted, theme (if any), timetable, budget, follow-up, evaluative measurement, and results statement. Judges will consider success in meeting clearly stated objectives; in providing appropriate materials to selected media to assist with effective story-telling about client or event; and in achieving desired coverage and results.
Speeches
Category 51
Each entry will consist of a script for a speech that was written by the entrant and delivered to an audience during the contest year. Entry MUST be accompanied by a ONE (1)-page statement that includes the title of speech, title of speaker, type of speech (persuasive, motivational, informative, etc.), description of audience (including name of group and size), date, and goal of the speaker in reaching the audience. Judges will consider effective interpretation of subject matter, structure, appropriateness for audience and situation, writing for deliverability, organization of messages, and credible conclusion.
COLLEGIATE / EDUCATION
Categories 52 through 55
General instructions: Open to students in either a two- or four-year program who are working on an undergraduate degree. Entries may have been published in a campus, professional, or nonprofit print or electronic publication, media outlet such as television or radio station, or online venue. Submit tear sheets for print work. Submit hard-copy printouts for electronic entries, with URL written or circled at the top of the page, if page is still accessible to the public; if appropriate, also include with electronic entries a CD, DVD, or other electronic file formatted for universal use on all operating systems. Radio and TV entries must be submitted on CD or DVD and labeled the same as the entry form; disc cases should be labeled as well.
52. Writing Submit a single story written by the entrant for a print, internet, radio, or television outlet. For radio and TV stories, entrant must be the reporter.
- A. News
- B. Features
- C. Sports
- D. Opinion/Editorial/Reviews
53. Art and design Submit a single page design (web or print), a published photograph, or a graphic or illustration. Entrant must be the photographer, artist, or designer.
- A. Design (print or electronic)
- B. Graphics/Illustrations
- C. Photographs
54. Public relations campaign
General instructions: Include major supporting items including brochures, press releases, speeches, CDs, DVDs (limit audio or visual sample to FIVE (5) minutes). If displays are too large to include in a 9” x 12” envelope, send photo/printout of entry (no larger than 8.5” x 11”) or DVD with a .jpg file no larger than 3 megabytes. Each entry MUST be accompanied by a one-page statement that includes the research or reason for the program or campaign, audience, strategies used to reach the audience, theme (if any), timetable, budget, and how the program or campaign was evaluated. Entry must have been under the overall supervision of the entrant, with entrant’s role defined in the statement. The PR program or campaign must have been completed by Dec. 31 of the contest year. Judges will consider clearly stated objectives, success in meeting objectives and in relating to audience, effective use of media, general impact of program, evaluation of effectiveness, and technical quality.
55. Faculty adviser of student publication, station, or site
Submit ONE (1) example of a high-school or college newspaper, literary journal, website, television or radio station, yearbook, or other student publishing, broadcasting, or media venue. Entrant MUST include a ONE (1)-page statement about entrant’s role as adviser. The statement also should give information about the publication, such as circulation, print run, or number of views; role of publication, station, or site; brief background on the publication; and any special comments the adviser would like to make regarding the publication, such as staffing, budget, or other resources; impact on the audience; or special successes.
Books AND CREATIVE WRITING
Categories 56 through 64
Books, novels, short stories, poetry, and drama must have been written by the entrant (except where noted below) and published during the contest year. The year of publication (not the copyright date) governs eligibility. If the year of the copyright date (issued when an ISBN is assigned) printed inside the book or online is not the year of publication, please furnish documentation from the publisher verifying the publication date.
Books may have been issued as hard-copy books, eBooks, or audio books, but entrant must submit a hard-copy edition or printout for judging. If the book was issued only as an electronic or audio book, entry should also include the published book on a CD or DVD, or the URL of a website where the full text is published. A book may be professionally published or self-published, but it must have an ISBN. Submitted books must be first editions or, if a later edition (not a reprint) must not have been submitted previously in this competition.
Books that are ghostwritten or written under a pseudonym and do not include the entrant’s name on the book must be accompanied by BOTH a ONE (1)-page written statement describing the entrant’s role AND proof of the entrant’s role (for example, a copy of the book contract or written certification from the editor, publisher, or subject of the book).
Entries in this division are judged on the principles of writing for each specific category. In general, judges will consider quality of writing, organization of thought, expression of ideas, and originality.
NOTE: The entry deadline for Books/Creative Writing entries may be different from the general contest deadline. Check the rules for details.
BOOK-RETURN POLICY: Books will not be returned unless the entrant requests so at time of entry by checking the Book Return Requested box on the entry form and paying the $10 return fee. All first-place-winning books will be displayed at the annual conference. Winners attending the conference may retrieve books at the end of the conference. Books slated for return will be mailed to entrants after the conference.
56. Novels for adult readers (full-length, 40,000 words and up)
57. Nonfiction books for adult readers
- A. Biography or autobiography
- B. History
- C. Humor
- D. Cookbooks
- E. General nonfiction
58. Children’s books
Entrant must be the author but does not have to be the illustrator of picture-book entries. Judging is based on text only.
- A. Fiction
- B. Nonfiction
59. Young-adult books (generally describes works aimed primarily at readers who are about 11 to 16 years old)
- A. Fiction
- B. Nonfiction
60. Short stories
Short stories must have been published in print or electronic form, but hard-copy versions are required for judging all short stories. Submit tear sheets for stories published in print. For stories published on the web, submit printouts from the site, with the URL written or circled at the top of the printout. For eBooks and audiobooks, submit the story on a clearly labeled CD or DVD if appropriate, in addition to the hard copy.
- A. Single story
- B. Collection of short stories (written by the entrant and published together in book form, including electronic books)
61. Creative verse
Poetry must have been published in print or electronic form, but hard-copy versions are required for judging all poetry entries. Submit tear sheets for poems published in print. For poems published on the web, submit printouts from the site, with the URL written or circled at the top of the printout. For eBooks and audiobooks, submit the poems on a clearly labeled CD or DVD if appropriate, in addition to the hard copy.
- A. Single poem
- B. Book or chapbook of poetry (written by the entrant and published together in book form, including electronic books)
62. Script or screenplay
Submit ONE (1) script or screenplay that has been published. Entry must include a hard copy, which can be either the published script (for a script published in book or magazine form) or a web printout with the URL printed or circled at the top of the page (for a script published online and accessible to the public on the web).
63. Essay, chapter, or section in a book
This category is for entrants who have written a section of a larger, published book written by someone else. For example, the entrant may have written one entry in an encyclopedia that was otherwise written and compiled by others, or one essay in an anthology of essays by various authors. It may be a hard-copy or electronic book, but it must have an ISBN. Follow the same submission guidelines as for other books, but make sure the entrant’s essay, chapter, or section is well marked. Judges will consider quality of writing, organization of thought, expression of ideas, originality, and fit with the overall theme of the book.
64. Book edited by entrant
Open competition for editing of any type of book. Entry MUST include a ONE (1)-page written statement about the entrant’s role in the project and the extent or type of editing done.