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NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARDS 2010
1-6. General Excellence, Print
This category recognizes editorial achievement in print. Awards are presented in six circulation categories: Under 100,000; 100,000 to 250,000; 250,000 to 500,000; 500,000 to 1 million;1 million to 2 million; Over 2 million. The category honors the effectiveness with which reporting, writing, editing, photography and design come together to command the reader’s attention and fulfill the editorial mission of the magazine. Entries consist of three entire issues dated 2009 (December 2009/January 2010 is acceptable). The submission statement must include a reader profile and explain how these issues meet the editorial mission of the magazine.
Eligibility: Print magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: (1) PDFs of three entire print issues dated 2009 (December 2009/January 2010 is acceptable; December 2008/January 2009 is not). (2) Four print copies of each of the three issues.
Eligibility: Print magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010.
What to Submit: (1) PDFs of three entire print issues dated 2009 (December 2009/January 2010 is acceptable; December 2008/January 2009 is not). (2) Four print copies of each of the three issues.
7. Design, Print
This category recognizes excellence in magazine design. It honors the effectiveness of overall design, artwork, graphics and typography in enhancing the unique mission and personality of the magazine. Entries consist of three entire issues with covers dated 2009 (December 2009/January 2010 is acceptable). The submission statement should explain how these issues fulfill the editorial goals of the magazine.
8. Photography, Print
This category recognizes excellence in magazine photography. It honors the effectiveness of photography, photojournalism and photo illustration in enhancing the unique mission and personality of the magazine. Entries consist of three entire issues with covers dated 2009 (December 2009/January 2010 is acceptable). The submission statement should explain how these issues fulfill the editorial goals of the magazine.
9. Photojournalism
This category recognizes the informative photographic documentation of an event or subject in real time. Although photo essays accompanied by text will be eligible, they will be judged primarily on the strength of the photographs. Digitally altered images are not eligible. Entries consist of a single essay by one or multiple photographers.
Eligibility: Print magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: (1) A PDF of the photo-essay as it was printed in the magazine. (2) Four print copies of the issue containing the photo-essay.
Eligibility: Print magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010.
What to Submit: (1) A PDF of the photo-essay as it was printed in the magazine. (2) Four print copies of the issue containing the photo-essay.
10. Photo Portfolio
This category honors creative photography and photo illustration (including portraiture or specially produced layouts on food, fashion, travel, decorating, arts and entertainment and similar subjects). Although photo essays accompanied by text will be eligible, they will be judged primarily on the strength of the photographs. Entries consist of a single portfolio by one or multiple photographers.
Eligibility: Print magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: (1) A PDF of the photo portfolio as it was printed in the magazine. (2) Four print copies of the issue containing the photo portfolio.
What to Submit: (1) A PDF of the photo portfolio as it was printed in the magazine. (2) Four print copies of the issue containing the photo portfolio.
11. Single-Topic Issue
This category recognizes magazines that have devoted an issue to an in-depth examination of one topic. It honors the ambition, comprehensiveness and imagination with which a magazine treats its subject. Each issue counts as one entry. Note that the overwhelming majority of the feature well must be given over to the single topic.
Eligibility: Print magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: (1) A PDF of the entire issue. (2) Four print copies of the entire issue.
What to Submit: (1) A PDF of the entire issue. (2) Four print copies of the entire issue.
12. Magazine Section
This category recognizes the excellence of a regular, cohesive section of a magazine, either front- or back-of-book and composed of a variety of elements, both textual and visual. Judges will select finalists based on the section's voice, originality and unified design and packaging. Entries should include complete examples of the same section from three separate issues.
Eligibility: Print magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: (1) Three PDFs showing the same section in its entirety from three separate issues. (2) Four print copies of each of the three separate issues.
What to Submit: (1) Three PDFs showing the same section in its entirety from three separate issues. (2) Four print copies of each of the three separate issues.
13. Personal Service
This category recognizes excellence in service journalism. The category honors the outstanding use of print journalism to serve readers’ needs and aspirations. Entries in this category must provide readers with information, instruction or advice that will help them improve the quality of their lives in areas central to their well-being, such as health, relationships, family, careers and personal finance. Pieces that include practical information are preferable to straight narrative. Entries may consist of one article, a thematically related package or a series of not more than three articles (single-topic issues are not eligible in this category). Although three pieces should in most cases be sufficient, judges will consider submissions with more parts in which individual elements are short and clearly branded as a series or package.
Eligibility: Print magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: (1) PDFs of the article, package or series as it was printed in the magazine. (2) Four print copies of each issue or issues containing the article, package or series.
What to Submit: (1) PDFs of the article, package or series as it was printed in the magazine. (2) Four print copies of each issue or issues containing the article, package or series.
14. Leisure Interests
This category recognizes excellence in service journalism focusing on recreational activities and special interests. The category honors the outstanding use of print journalism to provide information on leisure pursuits both playful and serious. Entries must provide instruction or advice that should help readers enjoy food, fashion, travel, hobbies, crafts, decorating, cars, boats, fitness and sports as well as arts and entertainment. Pieces that include practical information are preferable to straight narrative. Entries may consist of one article, a thematically related package or a series of not more than three articles (single-topic issues are not eligible in this category). Although three pieces should in most cases be sufficient, judges will consider submissions with more parts in which individual elements are short and clearly branded as a series or package.
15. Public Interest
This category honors outstanding public service by a magazine. The category recognizes magazine journalism that illuminates issues of public importance, either local or national, and that has the potential to affect social or political debate, government policy or business activity. Entries may consist of one article, a thematically related package or a series of not more than three articles (single-topic issues are not eligible). Although three pieces should in most cases be sufficient, judges will consider submissions with more parts in which individual elements are short and clearly branded as a series or package. Submissions may include evidence supporting the impact of the entry.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines; entries may consist of content published in print or online or a combination thereof. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) PDFs of the article, package or series as it was printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of each issue or issues containing the article, package or series. For online submissions, (1) PDFs of the article, package or series as it was posted on the website and (2) links to each of the significant elements.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines; entries may consist of content published in print or online or a combination thereof. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010.
What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) PDFs of the article, package or series as it was printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of each issue or issues containing the article, package or series. For online submissions, (1) PDFs of the article, package or series as it was posted on the website and (2) links to each of the significant elements.
16. Reporting
This category recognizes excellence in reporting. It honors the enterprise, skill and analysis that a magazine exhibits in covering an event, a situation or a problem of contemporary interest and significance. If the reporting was exclusive, supporting evidence should accompany the entry. Entries may consist of one article, a thematically related package or a series of not more than three articles (single-topic issues are not eligible). Although three pieces should in most cases be sufficient, judges will consider submissions with more parts in which individual elements are short and clearly branded as a series or package.
17. Feature Writing
This category recognizes excellence in feature writing. It honors the stylishness and originality with which the author treats his or her subject. Entries consist of one story. Freshness counts, and brevity is not a negative.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the feature story as it was printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of the issue containing the story. For online submissions, (1) a PDF of the feature story as it was posted on the website and (2) a link to the story.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010.
What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the feature story as it was printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of the issue containing the story. For online submissions, (1) a PDF of the feature story as it was posted on the website and (2) a link to the story.
18. Profile Writing
This category recognizes excellence in profile writing. It honors the vividness and perceptiveness with which the writer brings his or her subject to life. Entries consist of one profile. Interviews are eligible, but pieces co-authored by the profile subject are not.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the profile as it was printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of the issue containing the profile. For online submissions, (1) a PDF of the profile as it was posted on the website and (2) a link to the profile.
What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the profile as it was printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of the issue containing the profile. For online submissions, (1) a PDF of the profile as it was posted on the website and (2) a link to the profile.
19. Essays
This category recognizes excellence in essay writing on topics ranging from the personal to the political. Whatever the subject, emphasis should be placed on the author’s eloquence, perspective, fresh thinking and unique voice. Entries consist of one essay.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the essay as it was printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of the issue containing the essay. For online submissions, (1) a PDF of the essay as it was posted on the website and (2) a link to the essay.
What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the essay as it was printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of the issue containing the essay. For online submissions, (1) a PDF of the essay as it was posted on the website and (2) a link to the essay.
20. Columns and Commentary
This category recognizes excellence in short-form social, economic and political commentary, including humor. It honors the eloquence, force of argument and succinctness with which the writer presents his or her views. Entries consist of three pieces of commentary by the same author.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines; entries may consist of content published in print or online or a combination thereof. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the pieces as they were printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of each issue containing one of the pieces. For online submissions, (1) PDFs of the pieces as they were posted on the website and (2) links to each of the pieces.
What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the pieces as they were printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of each issue containing one of the pieces. For online submissions, (1) PDFs of the pieces as they were posted on the website and (2) links to each of the pieces.
21. Reviews and Criticism
This category recognizes excellence in criticism of art, books, theater, movies, television, videogames, music, dance, food, fashion, products and the like. It honors the knowledge, persuasiveness and original voice that the critic brings to his or her reviews. Entries can include as many as three pieces of criticism linked by subject or author.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines; entries may consist of content published in print or online or a combination thereof. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the pieces as they were printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of each issue containing one of pieces. For online submissions, (1) PDFs of the pieces as they were posted on the website and (2) links to each of the pieces.
What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the pieces as they were printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of each issue containing one of pieces. For online submissions, (1) PDFs of the pieces as they were posted on the website and (2) links to each of the pieces.
22. Fiction
This category recognizes excellence in fiction published in magazines. Entries consist of one to three pieces of fiction, by one or more authors, published in one or more print issues or together or separately on a website.
Eligibility: Print magazines, magazine websites and online-only magazines; entries may consist of content published in print or online or a combination thereof. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the piece or pieces as they were printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of each issue containing the piece or pieces. For online submissions, (1) PDFs of the piece or pieces as they were posted on the website and (2) links to the piece or pieces.
What to Submit: For print submissions, (1) a PDF of the piece or pieces as they were printed in the magazine and (2) four print copies of each issue containing the piece or pieces. For online submissions, (1) PDFs of the piece or pieces as they were posted on the website and (2) links to the piece or pieces.
The National Magazine Awards for Digital Media, comprising categories 23 to 34, will be presented in late March in New York City. Registration information will be available February 1, 2010, at http://asme.magazine.org.
23. General Excellence, Digital Media
This category recognizes editorial achievement in magazine websites and online-only magazines, including, if applicable, content created for and distributed to mobile devices. The category honors the outstanding use of reporting, writing and photography in digital media and the imaginative use of interactivity and multimedia in the fulfillment of the editorial mission of the publication. The category also honors the skillful and inventive packaging of information, instruction and advice. The website should be well designed, and the navigation clear. Websites entered in this category must convey a distinct editorial identity and create a unique magazine environment on the Web. Publications may also include, as part of their entry, links to mobile websites, services and applications and examples of social media that further the mission of the magazine.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: (1) Current home-page address. (3) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the website. (3) Optional: Platform-specific instructions, including user names and passwords, for accessing mobile websites, services and applications and examples of social media.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010.
What to Submit: (1) Current home-page address. (3) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the website. (3) Optional: Platform-specific instructions, including user names and passwords, for accessing mobile websites, services and applications and examples of social media.
24. Mobile Media
This category honors the outstanding use by magazines of mobile media, encompassing mobile websites, mobile applications and electronic readers. The category recognizes the skillful and effective creation and presentation of editorial content for mobile devices that realize the potential of the medium; the strategic use of mobile services to inform and engage the user; and the successful development of mobile applications and tools that serve the editorial goals of the publication.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: (1) Current mobile website address. (2) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the mobile website. (3) Optional: Platform-specific instructions, including user names and passwords, for accessing mobile services, applications and tools.
What to Submit: (1) Current mobile website address. (2) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the mobile website. (3) Optional: Platform-specific instructions, including user names and passwords, for accessing mobile services, applications and tools.
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25. Design, Digital Media
This category recognizes excellence in design for digital media. The category honors both the appearance and usability of magazine websites and online-only magazines. The design should engage the user in support of the editorial mission of the publication.
Designs will be evaluated on their visual appeal, the clarity of the navigation and the overall quality of the user experience.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: (1) Current home-page address. (3) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the website. (3) Optional: Mobile-website links.
What to Submit: (1) Current home-page address. (3) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the website. (3) Optional: Mobile-website links.
26. Photography, Digital Media
This category honors the outstanding use of photography by a magazine website or online-only magazine. The category recognizes the imaginative use of photography that demonstrates the unique capabilities of digital media. Entries may include, but are not limited to, the use of photographs in news and feature stories, as part of service articles or packages, and in multimedia presentations.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: (1) Current home-page address. (2) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the website. (3) Optional: Mobile-website links.
What to Submit: (1) Current home-page address. (2) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the website. (3) Optional: Mobile-website links.
27. News Reporting
This category recognizes excellence in reporting for digital media. The category honors the timeliness, accuracy and skill with which news and information are gathered and presented by magazine websites and online-only magazines. Judges will give special weight to original, substantive reporting. An entry may consist of a single story or a thematically related package or series, which may include news alerts, articles that show the development of the story over time and editorial elements such as interactive graphics and audio and video.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: No more than 10 links
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010.
What to Submit: No more than 10 links
28. Blogging
This category recognizes excellence in online reporting, commentary and criticism, published in the form of a blog. The category honors the expressiveness and insight of the blogger or bloggers, the level of reader engagement and, in the case of service-journalism blogs, the usefulness of the instruction or advice. Blogs must include a significant amount of original content, though they may incorporate extensive textual and visual quotations from other websites. An entry consists of a single blog (not a group of blogs), which may be written by one or more bloggers.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines; personal and group blogs are eligible if they include a significant amount of original content and adhere to commonly accepted standards of journalism. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: No more than 20 links to archived pages or individual posts
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines; personal and group blogs are eligible if they include a significant amount of original content and adhere to commonly accepted standards of journalism. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010.
What to Submit: No more than 20 links to archived pages or individual posts
29. Regular Department or Section
This category recognizes the excellence of a cohesive department or section of a magazine website or online-only magazine; to be eligible, the department or section must be updated regularly and must be a clearly delineated part of the website for an extended period. The category honors the editorial ambition and skill evident in the conception and direction of the department or section; the quality and consistency of the reporting, writing and photography; the usefulness of information, instruction or advice; and the effective use of interactivity and multimedia. Entries will be judged on their distinctive voice or purpose; unified design; and intelligent subnavigation.
30. Multimedia Feature or Package
This category honors an outstanding multimedia feature or package. The category recognizes the imaginative use of interactivity and multimedia, as well as traditional editorial skills, in the presentation of a single story or thematically related package. Entries will be judged on the ambition and cohesion of the feature or package; the quality of its elements, including reporting, writing and photography; and in the case of service features or packages, the usefulness of the information, instruction or advice. Multimedia and interactive elements may include, but are not limited to, some or all the following: slide shows, podcasts, video, databases, interactive tools and social media.
31. Interactive Tool
This category honors the outstanding use of an interactive tool, multimedia technology, community platform or software application, including mobile applications, that significantly augments the journalistic value of the website and enhances the user experience. The category recognizes the editorial ambition, insight and skill evident in the development of interactive tools that enable users to generate or share content, participate in communities, improve the quality of their lives or enjoy recreational activities. Such tools can be used as independent parts of the website or integral elements of sections or packages.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: A link to the tool and, if necessary, platform-specific instructions, including user names and passwords, for accessing the tool
What to Submit: A link to the tool and, if necessary, platform-specific instructions, including user names and passwords, for accessing the tool
32. Podcasting
This category honors outstanding audio podcasts on a magazine website or online-only magazine. The category recognizes the imaginative and skillful use of audio presentations, released episodically and focused on a single topic or theme. Such presentations may report news and information; convey analysis and commentary; or provide instruction and advice. Podcasts will be judged on the value of the content, the excellence of the reporting and the quality of the production. An entry consists of no more than five thematically related podcasts, featuring one or more podcasters.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: Links to no more than five podcasts
What to Submit: Links to no more than five podcasts
33. Video
This category honors the outstanding use of video by a magazine website or online-only magazine. The category recognizes the editorial ambition, skill and achievement evident in the development of videos and video series, either in support of other website content or as independent news and feature presentations. Videos will be judged on their originality of content, excellence of reporting and quality of production. Service-journalism videos will also be judged on the usefulness of the instruction or advice they contain. Publications may submit a single video or a series of no more than five videos.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: Links to no more than five videos
What to Submit: Links to no more than five videos
34. Community
This category honors the outstanding use of editorial skill, proprietary content, interactive technology and social media to establish and sustain user communities. The category recognizes the curatorial role of writers and editors in driving user participation and engagement and the effective use of Web technologies in support of the editorial mission of the publication. Entries must explain the nature of the community, describe the volume and variety of user participation and identify the editorial practices and technologies that foster community on the site, including but not limited to forums, content sharing and interactive tools. An entry consists of one community.
Eligibility: Magazine websites and online-only magazines. Maximum Number of Entries: Two. Deadline for Entry: January 12, 2010. What to Submit: No more than 20 links, which may include links to mobile media and offsite social networks. Entries including mobile media should provide platform-specific instructions, with user names and passwords, for accessing mobile services, applications and tools.
What to Submit: No more than 20 links, which may include links to mobile media and offsite social networks. Entries including mobile media should provide platform-specific instructions, with user names and passwords, for accessing mobile services, applications and tools.
35. Magazine of the Year
This category honors magazines that are superior both in print and online. The category recognizes the ambition, vigor and skill with which the editors of the publication use the fundamental tools of magazine journalism—reporting, writing, photography and illustration, graphic design—to achieve all-around excellence in print. At the same time, the category celebrates the ability and imagination with which the editors combine digital technologies with the traditional practices of journalism to serve readers most effectively on the Web and, if applicable, mobile platforms. Publications honored in this category are those that combine or integrate print and digital media most successfully in fulfilling the editorial mission of the magazine.
Eligibility: Any publication eligible to participate in the National Magazine Awards may enter this category; editors should be aware that magazines are judged on their achievements on multiple platforms, including print and online. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010. What to Submit: (1) PDFs of three entire print issues dated 2009 (December 2009/January 2010 is acceptable; December 2008/January 2009 is not). (2) Four print copies of each of the three issues. (3) Current home-page address. (4) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the website. (5) Optional: Platform-specific instructions, including usernames and passwords, for accessing mobile websites, services and applications.
Eligibility: Any publication eligible to participate in the National Magazine Awards may enter this category; editors should be aware that magazines are judged on their achievements on multiple platforms, including print and online. Maximum Number of Entries: One. Deadline for Entry: January 7, 2010.
What to Submit: (1) PDFs of three entire print issues dated 2009 (December 2009/January 2010 is acceptable; December 2008/January 2009 is not). (2) Four print copies of each of the three issues. (3) Current home-page address. (4) No more than 10 links to important or notable areas of the website. (5) Optional: Platform-specific instructions, including usernames and passwords, for accessing mobile websites, services and applications.
