2011 Official Rules and Entry Information
Download the Application form
- Eligibility:
- The contest is open to all writers, editors, publishers, photographers, artists and others whose work falls into the designated competition categories. Entrants do not have to be DWAA members, but work must be published.
- All work must be original and published during the competition period from September 1, 2010 through August 31, 2011.
- Revisions, updates of previously published work, and electronic books are not eligible.
- There is no limit as to the number of times an individual or entity may enter; however, the same material may be entered only once in a regular category. If material is published in more than one format, only one format is eligible.
- Magazines and newsletters must be published at least quarterly.
- Submissions may be made starting June 1, 2011. The contest closes August 31, 2011. All entries must be postmarked by September 6, 2011.
- Submission Format:
- Entries must be submitted in hard copy format, including internet articles, websites and blogs. Other media, such as videotapes, CDs, DVDs, broadcast tapes and podcasts may be submitted as published.
- Since material is judged by three judges simultaneously, entries must be submitted in triplicate, with only one entry form per entry. (One entry form, three copies of material.)
- Neatness and clarity are prerequisites for submission. Please use staples judiciously.
- Columns and series are eligible. Please submit entire series or three regular columns in triplicate. Only one three-column entry by the same author in the same publication is permissible. Work by different authors in the same publication or multiple publications is not considered a column or series.
- Material may be photocopied, or tearsheets may be submitted, with publication date verified.
- Only two issues are required for magazines, newsletters and club publications. Please submit three sets of two issues.
- Submit one additional copy of material for each special award entry, along with an additional entry form.
- Entry Fees:
- Each regular category entry must be accompanied by a $10 entry fee for current DWAA members and $15 for non-members.
- Each special award entry must be accompanied by a $7 entry fee.
- All entries should be combined in a single check or money order, payable in U.S. funds to DWAA.
- Mailing INSTRUCTIONS:
- Entries must be postmarked by September 6, 2011. No late entries will be accepted.
- Mail entries to Sue Jeffries, DWAA Contest Chair, 1918 Milburt Dr., Louisville, KY 40223.
- Entries cannot be returned, and all material becomes the property of DWAA for the purposes of administering the contest.
- DWAA is not responsible for entries lost in transit.
- Entrant Responsibilities:
- It is the responsibility of the entrant to comply with all rules and guidelines. Deviation may result in rejection of the entry and forteiture of the entry fee.
- The maximum liability of DWAA is limited to refund of the entry fee.
- If the work is entered in the wrong category, DWAA reserves the right to make the correction, at the discretion of the Contest Chair, upon notification to entrant.
- Entries may be made on behalf of someone else, but the name of the person creating the work must be listed as the "entrant." The entrant's address and contact information are required, as well as the submitter's. The submitter is responsible for obtaining written permission from entrant to submit the work prior to making an entry.
- Judging and Awards Information:
- Each entry will be judged by a panel of three judges not affiliated with DWAA. A composite of the judges' scores will determine the nominees and winners.
- The decisions of the judges are final.
- A complete list of judges, approved by the DWAA Board of Directors, will be posted to the Judges List July 15, 2011. However, they will be in alphabetical order, with no designation as to which categories they will judge.
- Nominees will be notified by mail between December 1, 2011 and December 12, 2011.
- Names of nominees will be published on DWAA's website starting December 15, 2011, and in the January 2012 DWAA newsletter.
- Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet held in New York City Sunday evening, February 12, 2012.
- Nominees in the regular categories will receive certificates; winners will also receive the DWAA Maxwell Medallion, named in honor of the late Maxwell Riddle.
- Special Awards:
- Special awards are made possible through the generosity of individuals and organizations, and consist of cash grants as noted in the Special Awards list.
- Material must be entered in a regular category to be considered for a special award. See submission format for specifics.
- Judges for special awards will be comprized of a committee of DWAA officers.
- Winners will be announced at the February 12, 2012 Awards Banquet.
Please feel free to contact the Contest Chair by email, or by telephone at (502) 245-1070 (day or night, Eastern time zone). QUESTIONS ARE ENCOURAGED!