Categories

For general rules, please see Guidelines. The early-bird fee for individual entries in each category is $110 each (+HST). The regular entry fee (after January 27) is $135 (+HST).

Magazine of the Year
The most prestigious Kenneth R. Wilson award will go to the publication that displays overall excellence in content and design, and that most consistently mirrors its mandate/mission (as published in the media kit) and most effectively engages and serves the needs of its readers.

Requirements: Submit FIVE sets of any three issues from the year 2011. (In the case where a publication only publishes twice per year, five sets of the two issues will suffice.) A PDF of the cover of at least one of the issues must also be uploaded during the submission process. Editors must include a one-page letter cover letter with the submission, which will A) Outline the mandate of the publication and B) Summarize the publication's achievements during the year, which include examples of compelling packaging, mix, reviews, reader feedback, writing and reporting, among other things.

Best Cover
Any single publication cover. Requirements: Submit FOUR unmounted covers for each entry. A PDF of the original must also be uploaded during the submission process.

Best Issue
The judges consider the impact, usefulness and importance of one single issue of the publication to its editorial mandate. Requirements: Submit FOUR copies of the issue for each entry. A PDF of the cover of the issue must be uploaded during the submissions process.

WRITING CATEGORIES (W1-W12)

These awards recognize insight, depth of research and excellent writing skills.

ALL WRITTEN CATEGORIES ARE ALSO OPEN TO DIGITAL ENTRIES

Requirements: Submit ONE set of original, unmounted tearsheets, plus SIX photocopies for each WRITING category. For web-only articles, submit ONE original print out and SIX photocopies for each WRITING category. A PDF of the original must also be uploaded during the submission process.

W1 Best Editorial
A specific editorial or a series of editorials on the same topic. An editorial is a column or short article that expresses the opinion of the publication carrying it.

W2 Best Technology/Industrial/Manufacturing Article
A feature article describing the application of a new technology, method, equipment, technique or practice in the technology, industrial or manufacturing sectors.

W3 Best Professional Article
A feature article describing the application of a new technology, method, equipment, technique or practice in the legal, medical or financial sectors.

W4 Best Resource/Infrastructure Article
A feature article describing the application of a new technology, method, equipment, technique or practice in the resource, engineering and construction or transportation sectors.

W5 Best Merchandising/Marketing Article
A feature article describing the application of a new technology, method, equipment, technique or practice that facilitates improved communication between buyers and sellers in any sector.

W6 Best Profile of a Person
A feature article offering readers insight into the unique leadership and colourful qualities of an individual who has made a valuable contribution to his/her company, industry, trade or profession.

W7 Best Profile of a Company
A feature article offering readers insight into a company, organization or trade/professional group, which has demonstrated excellence in its operational practices.

W8 Best Regularly Featured Department or Column
Three examples of a single, regularly appearing department or column from three different issues. The department or column must appear in at least one-half of the publication’s yearly issues. Do not enter editorials, guest editorials or listings.

W9 Best Feature Article
Any in-depth feature dealing with subjects, events or developments of importance to the publication’s readers and industry. Do not enter a regularly featured department or column or an editorial.

W10 Best News Coverage
A feature article offering readers timely information and background of an important news event affecting the marketplace served by the publication. Do not enter non-news departments, columns or an in-depth analysis. Explain in the background statement accompanying your entry why this coverage is important to your industry.

W11 Best How-To Article or Series of How-To Articles
A feature article informing readers how to do their jobs better, more efficiently, more productively, etc. The emphasis should be on direct instruction to the reader rather than on case studies or examples, although they may be used in the article. Do not enter news stories, editorials or analysis.

W12 Best One-of-a-Kind Article
Any article that does not meet the criteria in any of the above written categories. The intent is to make the competition inclusive and allow for entries that are not easily classified.

VISUAL CATEGORIES (V1-V4)

Please note that for most Visual Categories we no longer require original tear sheets. 

These awards recognize the special contribution that designers, illustrators and photographers, together with editors, make to effective communications.

Requirements: Submit FOUR copies of the complete issue for Art Direction of a Complete Issue (hard copies of V1, V2 and V3 are not required). A PDF of the original of all entries must also be uploaded for judging during the submission process (Art Direction of a Complete Issue requires only a PDF of the issue cover.)

Stock photography/illustration will be accepted in categories V1 and V4 but not V2 or V3.

V1 Art Direction of an Opening Spread or Complete Feature

V2 Best Photograph
Original work by a Canadian photographer, commissioned by the publication.

V3 Best Illustration
Original work by a Canadian illustrator, commissioned by the publication.

V4 Best Art Direction of a Complete Issue

DIGITAL CATEGORIES  (N1-N3)

Requirements: Submit a URL(s) plus a screen shot (PDF format) which must be uploaded when completing the online entry form. The site will be evaluated live - archived links are permitted. For sites requiring registration, please provide the judges with user IDs and passwords to provide them with access for judging for the period (start date to end date).
 

N1 Web Site of the Year: A Web site that successfully fulfills its editorial mission, effectively serves its audience, maximizes use of the Web and represents the highest journalistic standards. The sites will be judged on excellence of content, interactivity, rich media, design, navigation and community tools. Entries may consist of one main URL and up to three additional sub-URLs in the same domain (to highlight specific features). Editorial material must be clearly delineated from sponsored content, advertising and product sales as prescribed in ASME's Best Practices for Digital Media. 

N2 Best Multi-media Feature: A digital feature that best serves its intended audience through the use of interactivity and multimedia—including audio/visual elements as well as blogs and social media including forums, user-generated content, message boards etc.—combined with editorial in the coverage of an event or subject. An entry consists of one clearly branded multimedia package. 

N3 Best Digital Design: A digital magazine (web-only or companion site) with the most successful overall combination of appearance and functionality, including ease of navigation, readability of content, successful integration of audio/visual elements and a clear distinction between paid content/advertising and editorial content.  Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality of the user experience and the success of the site design in fulfilling the editorial mission of the publication.  A 300-word editorial mandate is required for this category.

DEADLINES

The submission process opens January 6, 2012 and concludes February 3, 2012 at 5pm Eastern Time and all submissions must be received in their entirety to be eligible. Applications received after 5pm on February 3 will not be accepted.

All entries must be delivered to the KRW Awards 425 Adelaide St West, Suite 700 Toronto, ON, M5V 3C1.