Entries must be from periodicals publishing two or more editions annually and your publication must have been a member of the Canadian Church Press within the last year.  Some categories have subdivisions for magazines, newspapers and newsletters. Ones with no subdivisions are open to competition from all three
sub-categories.

There is no restriction on the number of entries a publication submits in a category. There is no restriction on submitting the same item under different categories (e.g. a single photo could be entered in the appropriate photo category, photo spread and be part of a layout and design entry.)

Most categories are for original content.  They may be staff-generated or first rights publication from a freelancer.  The exception is in graphics, where stock graphics may be entered as part of front page or cover categories or in the layout and design categories.

Each entry must be accompanied by an appropriate entry form (attached).  Please complete these forms, stating your publication's editorial purpose in 25 words or less or photocopying your mission statement on a master entry form, along with your publication's intended audience.  This will help the judges in assessing your entry.  For author/artist/editor/designer, fill in only the blank applicable to this entry (e.g. writer for written material, editor for general excellence, designer for layout entries, etc.).  This is where names are obtained for the certificates.

The entry form must be stapled (no paper clips or tape, please) to the tear sheet, clipping or edition(s) and must be submitted in its published form, and not mounted or displayed.  Please use black metal clips if needed for multiple-copy entries.

Fees must accompany the entries.  Please include a cover sheet indicating how many entries you are submitting, the fee per entry, and the total amount payable.

One award and up to two honourable mentions may be given in each category; a publication may only win once per category.  If the judges do not feel and award is merited, none will be given.  Judges names will appear under the category they judged.

REPORTING AND WRITING

1. EDITORIAL
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: appropriateness to audience, clarity, economy, cogency and flair.

2. NEWS STORY
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
c. Newsletter
Criteria: timeliness, fairness/balance, significance to audience, clarity, economy and style.

3. IN-DEPTH TREATMENT OF A NEWS EVENT
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: timeliness, thoroughness, fairness/balance, significance to audience, clarity and style.

4. FEATURES (nonfiction)
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
c. Newsletter
Criteria: appeal and significance to audience, thoroughness, originality, impact, clarity, and flair.

5. OPINION PIECE
a. Magazine
Criteria: appropriateness to audience, clarity, economy, cogency and flair.

6. COLUMN
Submit examples from three issues as a single entry.
a. Newspaper
Criteria: appropriateness to audience, clarity, economy, cogency and flair.

7. DEPARTMENT
A section that appears regularly under the same heading. May involve different authors and non-original material (e.g. international news briefs). Submit examples from three issues as a single entry.
a. Magazine
Criteria: uniqueness or interest of content and consistency and flair of design.

8. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Submit examples from two issues as a single entry.
Criteria: intelligent, lively, diverse, engaging and inviting reply.

9. SERVICE JOURNALISM
Criteria: usefulness to individuals or congregations, use of info graphics, simplicity over complexity.

10. MEDIA REVIEW (books, film, etc.)
Submit examples from three issues as a single entry.
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: intelligent, critical judgment, engaging, relevant, level of clarity and insight.

11. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION (DOCTRINAL)
Criteria: engaging reflection (not exposition) on scripture, doctrine or tradition; originality, clarity, economy and use of supporting references.

12. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION (DEVOTIONAL/INSPIRATIONAL)
Criteria: the presence or approach to the holy in contemporary life; significance for audience, quality of writing, depth of expression.

13. BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
Criteria: intelligent, engaging original exposition of scripture, significance for audience, clarity, cogency and economy.

14. NARRATIVE (FICTION/NON FICTION)
Criteria: engaging writing; flair, originality of concept, significance for audience.

15. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE/FIRST PERSON ACCOUNT
Criteria: intelligent, lively, diverse, engaging and inviting reply.

16. INTERVIEW
Criteria: results of insightful questioning, relevance for audience, freshness of approach.

17. BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE (living or dead)
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: fairness/balance, relevance for audience, freshness of approach.

18. POETRY
Criteria: first publication rights, relevance for audience and a certain "nous ne savons crois."

GRAPHICS

Stock photography is not permitted. Photos must be first time periodical publication. Use of photographs from denominational or publication proprietor's source (e.g. relief agency photographs) is permitted if  first-time periodical publication.

19. BLACK & WHITE PHOTO                                    
Criteria: impact, composition, technique, relevance to article and/or audience.

20. COLOUR PHOTO
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: impact, composition, technique, relevance to article and/or audience.

21. COLOUR PHOTO SPREAD
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: choice of photos and layout, impact, composition, technique, relevance to article and/or audience.

22. ORIGINAL ARTWORK
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: originality and effectiveness in communicating its message.

23. MAGAZINE FRONT COVER (1-2 or 3-colour)
Criteria: captivating and engaging appearance, effective sell titles, use of typography, appropriateness to readership, overall execution.

24. MAGAZINE FRONT COVER 4-COLOUR
Criteria: captivating and engaging appearance, effective sell titles, use of typography, appropriateness to readership, overall execution.

25. NEWSPAPER FRONT PAGE
Criteria: captivating and engaging appearance, effective sell titles, use of typography, appropriateness to readership, overall execution.

26. FEATURE LAYOUT & DESIGN
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: captivating and engaging appearance, composition, creativity, use of typography, appropriateness to highlighting the content, overall execution.

27. LAYOUT & DESIGN OF AN EDITION
a. Magazine
b. Newspaper
Criteria: captivating and engaging appearance, composition, creativity, use of typography, appropriateness to mission of the publication, overall execution.
 
GENERAL EXCELLENCE

You must submit two sets each of three consecutive issues for this award as it will be judged by two judges.
Criteria: overall quality of the publication and appropriateness to its audience, including variety and quality of editorial content, design, photography, graphics and typography.

28. DENOMINATIONAL & INTERDENOMINATIONAL MAGAZINE
Denominational or ecumenical general-interest magazine.

29. GENERAL EXCELLENCE (SPECIALIZED MAGAZINE)
Denominational or ecumenical special-interest magazine.
Criteria: intelligent, lively, diverse, engaging and inviting reply.

30. GENERAL EXCELLENCE (NATIONAL NEWSPAPER)
Denominational or ecumenical general-interest newspaper.
Criteria: intelligent, lively, diverse, engaging and inviting reply.

31. GENERAL EXCELLENCE (REGIONAL NEWSPAPER)
Denominational or ecumenical general-interest newspaper.
Criteria: intelligent, lively, diverse, engaging and inviting reply.