General Questions
How do I enter?
All entries must be entered through AwardForce. Enter here beginning Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. Entries must be submitted here by Friday, Feb. 4, 2022 at 11:30 p.m. (GMT -5).
When do I find out if I won?
Judging for all categories will take place in March and the results will be announced the following week.
Who will be judging the work?
Team of judges selected by SND print and digital competition committees will evaluate each entry on how well it accomplishes its editorial and design objectives. Judges for the competition are journalism, new media and design experts from around the world. If judges have any apparent conflicts of interest on particular entries, they will not be assigned to evaluate those entries. Email competitions@snd.org to nominate judges for future contests.
How many winners will be selected in each category?
SND recognizes excellence in news design, beyond technical or aesthetic competency. Entries are not judged against one another but only on their own merits, so there is no cap to the number of entries that can receive awards. Historically, judges have given awards to 10-30% of entries and medals to less than 5% of entries. Judges are asked to be tough but fair. Award of Excellence winners are not expected to be “perfect” and may be honored for daring or innovation.
What if my entry is not in English?
For non-English entries, give a thorough summary of the story/project in English. SND will try to have a translator if needed for print, but the more information you give judges about the story and how to navigate the experience, the better. For digital entries, judges will attempt to use Google Translate. (Some organizations have submitted an English language version of their work alongside the original.) See examples of previous winning entries here.
What if my entry was submitted in the wrong category?
The competition retains the right to move an entry into another category if they think it would fare better in another category or disqualify an entry if it fails to meet the rules.
Who do I include in credits?
Please include all of the people who had a part in creating the project. Please include names and job titles, separated with semicolons. For example “Jane Doe, developer; John Doe, illustrator”
How to format your organization name
Please write out your full organization name, including “The,” if your organization name includes it. Do NOT use abbreviations or a shortened version of the name. Example: “The Washington Post,” not “Washington Post.” “The New York Times,” not “New York Times” or “NYTimes.”
Do I need to be a member of SND to enter?
No, the competition is open to everyone.
What is the Federal tax ID number for SND?
23-2129331
What happens if I want to modify my entry?
After submitting, you will receive an email from AwardForce. If you need to make a change, please use that email to log back in and update your entry as needed.
What will get my entry disqualified?
Reasons for disqualification include: Duplicate entries, incomplete entry forms, not following directions for subcategories. We will attempt to contact you if there are questions.
Can I volunteer to help during judging?
Yes! The competition is entirely run by members, so volunteer support is essential. Many opportunities are available, from posting live results to assisting judges with medal discussions. Email competitions@snd.org by Jan. 15, 2022, if interested.
How to reach us
Email us at competitions@snd.org
Digital Questions
Can I enter the same story or page more than once, and is there any reason to do so?
Yes! It is not uncommon to see the same story or URL repeated in multiple categories when appropriate. This may give an entry the opportunity to be evaluated by different groups of judges or in an alternative context. However, there are limitations. Single-URL entries should not be submitted in more than two subcategories within page design, infographics or page elements. For multiple-URL entries, the same page should not be repeated within a subcategory (line of coverage or portfolios).
If I enter a single URL with links to additional pages (such as a landing page), will judges consider those as part of the entry as well?
No. Please submit each URL to be judged individually. Judges cannot be expected to determine which additional links within a page should be included as part of an entry, even when a note is included. As a reminder, line of coverage and portfolios are limited to a maximum of five URLs per entry. If a landing page is submitted, judges will only be asked to consider that individual page as an entry on its own merits.
What if I don’t have a URL for my entry?
When submitting entries, it’s important to remember that technology continues to evolve with this competition, and submitting a URL does not always give judges a complete impression of how your site/product/story felt to the reader. In other words, we want to experience your entry as a reader would have experienced it. If the site had live aspects, show us a video of it in play. If we are comparing redesigns, before/after images are necessary and if judges need specific hardware to view the story, please say so. The judges understand this tricky dilemma and will look at an assortment of materials before making their decisions. The key is always going to be overall user/reader experience.
What is the difference between single pages and line of coverage?
Entrants may enter a single piece of work in as many “single page” categories as make sense and also as part of “line of coverage” submissions. Remember that judges will evaluate portfolios and “line of coverage” submissions on the strength of the entire package. Be selective and enter your strongest pieces.
Print Questions
Will I need to submit tear-sheets or PDFs this year?
The Best of News Design competition will accept only PDF entries this year. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, judging and entering will be hosted digitally and entrants will be asked to submit all entries in PDF form. Entries must not be edited and must appear as they were published. If an entry was published in black and white, the PDF must also be entered in black and white. PDFs that have been altered after publication will be disqualified.
How do I enter multiple-page entries?
Multipage entries should be bundled together into single PDFs. In some categories, such as illustration or graphics, entries will be viewed for the individual element, not the entire page. If only one element is to be judged, identify it when entering in the notes field. Do not mark on the PDFs.
Are there any print publications that are not eligible?
Specialty publications, advertising, publicity and promotional materials are ineligible.
What are the award levels for print?
Winning entries will receive Awards of Excellence, Silver or Gold medals, for outstanding work. At their discretion, judges may choose to give no awards in one or more categories. Judges may also select a single Best of Show award from all Gold medal winners, if any.