Entries in the first four classes — writing for newspapers, writing for magazines, writing within a specialized publication and promotional writing — must include a clipping or copy of the article as printed and the article as submitted. Include the name and location of the publication and the date published.

Entries in class 5, script writing for visual media, must include a copy of the script as written and a copy of the finished product, and a date and description of the circumstances of its completion or initial presentation.

Entries in Class 6 must include a URL as well as a printed copy of the Web page.

For all classes, include other pertinent supporting information. Judging will emphasize writing quality, not the technical quality of the surrounding publication or finished electronic product. Content, organization, writing style and proper format will be considered. In class 5, technical elements that usually are written into a script (such as natural sound or visual images) also will be considered.

Class 1 — Writing for newspapers. Submit one article published in a daily or weekly newspaper.

Class 2 — Writing for magazines. This includes articles in magazines and newspaper supplements that use a magazine format.

Class 3 — Writing within a specialized publication. This includes writing for internal or external publications and audiences, for newsletters, annual reports, books, guide sheets, instruction booklets and other publications, except those that fit into the promotional writing class.

Class 4 — Promotional writing. This includes copy for promotional brochures and catalogs, development/solicitation letters, legislative communications, advertisements and other promotional or marketing efforts.

Class 5 — Script writing for visual media. This includes television, videotapes and slide presentations.

Class 6 — Writing for the Web. Submit one article published on the Web, including the URL and a printed copy. The writing in Class 6 must be original content intended for online readership (i.e., not simply a PDF page or news release posted to the Web).

Back to Class Descriptions