Recognizing Excellence

SIPF Editorial Awards

Spotlight your company's editorial achievements and win the recognition you deserve!


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Enter the SIPF Editorial Awards
30 years of recognizing excellence
in specialized-content publishing...
...in print, online and beyond

Enter your best editorial to earn:

  • awards in nine content-based categories.
  • $500 David Swit Journalism prizes for first place.
  • enhanced status within and outside the industry.
  • recognition from fellow editors and publishers for a job well done.

ENTRY DEADLINE:

APRIL 2, 2010


CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTRY FORM

EDITORIAL AWARDS
EXCELLENCE. RECOGNITION. RESPECT.

Impress our judges with your prowess in the following content-based categories:

Best Spot-News or Exclusive Single-News Story - for a story that exemplifies the tradition of news reporting. Consideration will be given to the scope and detail of coverage in the story and the timeliness or "exclusive" value.

Best Investigative Reporting - to be awarded to a single story or series of stories that exemplifies the tradition of investigative reporting and exposes an abuse or condition that was generally unknown prior to publication.

Best Interpretive or Analytical Reporting - awarded to the best single story, series of stories or special report designed to provide in-depth insight or actionable benefit to your audience.

Best Instructional Reporting - awarded to the best story or series of stories that offer instruction or professional assistance to a particular reader segment.

Best Financial-Advisory Product - awarded to recognize overall editorial excellence of financial advisory content. (Provide four consecutive print issues or the URL(s) for content to be considered.)

Best Single-Topic Product - awarded for an editorial treatment that focuses on a particular subject or procedure. This entry will be judged on overall excellence, clarity, thoroughness and usefulness to the intended audience.

Best Reference Publication - awarded to a looseleaf binder or online product (excluding directories) for overall editorial excellence, thoroughness, clarity and usefulness to the intended audience.

Best Directory or Database - awarded to a directory or database for its ease of use, comprehensiveness and value-added content.

Best Interactive Content - awarded to the provider of specialized content in an electronic, print or developing technology platform. This award will be based on the techniques employed to involve the user, value of original content, ease of use to the audience and relevance to the niche community.  For content not related to a new product launch, describe enhancements or significant changes made in 2009.

JUDGING

Judges selected by a committee of the Specialized Information Publishers Foundation will select the award winners. THe final judging panel will include, veteran publisher Helen Hoart (chair), Frank Quine, assistant dean, Phillip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland, and Ronn Levine, managing editor, Specialized Information Publishers Association.

Judges and the SIPF awards committee have the right to determine entry eligibility and to transfer entries from one category to another. Judges may decide not to give awards in any particular category. Decisions of the judges are final.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Each submission must be accompanied by an entry fee of $85 for SIPA members and $125 for non-SIPA members.
  • Only for-profit entities may enter.
  • Submitted stories must have been published during calendar year 2009.
  • Multiple entries within individual categories and in several separate categories are permitted.

    Every Entry Must:

  • Be made under separate cover;
  • Contain a separate entry form and cover letter;
  • Be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee, payable to SIPA. Fees for multiple entries may be included in one check.

HOW TO ENTER

Step 1: Choose the category to enter.
Complete the entry form, clearly marking the specific category in which you wish to compete.

Step 2: Provide a copy of the entry.
For print products: submit one copy of the item (story, directory, looseleaf or database piece) being nominated. For electronic entries: include the specific URL for the story, issue or database. If appropriate, also provide a print copy of the submission.

Step 3: Make your pitch to the judges.
Each entry must include a cover letter explaining why the material is award-worthy. Include relevant background information such as:

  • What was the genesis of the entry?
  • What sources, documents and research were used?
  • What were the entry's stated internal goals?
  • Describe the entry's outcome/results.
  • Were there follow-up stories?
  • What unique, difficult or special circumstances surround the entry?
  • How much time was spent on this project?
  • What advice can you offer to others setting out to craft similar content?
  • What kind of an impact does this entry have on your audience?
  • For Interactive Content entries, please provide appropriate measurement metrics along with results.
  • For Websites or ongoing editorial offerings, please provide details on award-worthy changes made during 2009.  The more specifics, the better.

Step 4: Mail entries to:
Specialized Information Publishers Foundation
Editorial Awards
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 260
Vienna, VA 22182

Questions? Call us at: (703)992-9339