As we usher in the new decade with renewed enthusiasm, energy and forward-motion now is the time to step back and reflect on what once was and what will be.
As Contest Chair I’m excited and pleased to welcome seven fresh faces to the panel of judges. All new to the contest, the selection of judges is as diverse in experience and personality as the columns they will review.
East Coast, West Coast, Midwest and the South, judges were chosen from different venues from across the United States to provide a realistic view to our country’s journalist voice.
The seven individuals all share a vested interest in the written word. All appreciate deadlines, research, road blocks, inspiration, frustration, hard work – all the components of a great article.
And they are thrilled to be part of this wonderful contest.
So toast that glass of champagne and then dust off your prized articles and submit your entry form. Whether you write for the Wall Street Journal, Sacramento Bee or on two-ply toilet tissue for a backwoods edition, you just may be the columnist with the winning article. There are seven categories to enter including print and online columnists. And yes, a special category for bloggers.
A category for someone just like you.
But you can’t win if you don’t play.
Entry fee for NSNC members is $25/entry; non-members $45/entry. Not a member? Now’s the time to take a peek at additional membership perks and to network with columnists of all levels.
The top three columns selected in each category receive a monetary prize: First place $300, second place $200 and third place $100.
Participants are limited to one entry per category. An entry is up to three columns. You are welcome and encouraged to enter additional categories.
The contest categories are listed below. Please review the contest guidelines carefully, prepare your entries properly and submit, submit and submit.
The seven categories are:
More than 100,000 circulation:
General Interest
Humor
Less than 100,000 circulation:
General Interest
Humor
All circulations:
Online
Blog-Column
Herb Caen Memorial Award:
All circulations
Notes/items
The contest deadline is March 15, 2010. Winners will be announced at the 2010 NSNC Conference in Bloomington, Indiana July 8–11.
Welcome the day with a bright smile, package your entry and now start shopping for that cocktail dress or sleek sport coat to wear at the award presentation ceremony. Practice your winning smile, too. We take pictures.
Good luck!
