This award honors print, digital and multiplatform publications for editorial excellence and audience engagement. The award also recognizes the importance of editorially driven brand extensions, including conferences and events. Judges will evaluate entries based on the achievement of editorial and visual superiority in print, online and in person; the cross-platform integration of print, digital and experiential content; and the editors’ success in serving the interests of their readers. Digital-only and cross-platform entries will also be evaluated based on the outstanding use of digital technologies and the overall quality of the mobile experience. Judges may take into consideration the size and composition of the editorial staff as well as efforts by editorial leadership to achieve diversity and inclusion in both hiring and assigning. Print-only entries consist of three print issues. Digital-only entries consist of website content and social media and may include an app. Multiplatform entries consist of three print issues, website content and social media and may include an app. Entries may include one special-interest or newsstand-only publication or one example of a newsletter. As many as three examples of editorially driven print, digital or experiential brand extensions may also be submitted but are not required. The General Excellence award is presented in four categories organized by audience and content. Publications may choose which category to enter, subject to the approval of the administrators of the awards. The four categories are:

News, Sports and Entertainment
Honors publications covering politics, business, science and technology as well as society and culture

Service and Lifestyle
Honors publications covering fashion, food, travel and design as well as health, parenting, personal finance and active sports

Special Interest
Honors publications serving highly defined reader communities, including city and regional magazines

Literature, Science and Politics
Honors publications with print circulations under 250,000 or average monthly unique visitors of less than 1 million, as well as magazines and websites covering media and the arts



Rules and Eligibility: Magazines and websites may submit one entry in General Excellence. Entries may include one issue dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Content with comparable dates, such as Fall 2021/Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Multiplatform brands that fail to submit both print and digital content may be disqualified. Content entered in General Excellence can be submitted in other categories. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: Three copies each of three print issues and a PDF of each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: 10 clearly labeled links to a website and examples of social media (links need not be related to print issues submitted as part of the same entry; screenshots or video files may be substituted for content that is no longer accessible online). THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: instructions for accessing one example of a tablet magazine or mobile app and descriptions of or links to no more than three examples of editorially driven brand extensions.

This category honors the outstanding use of audio content by media organizations. Judges will evaluate entries based on the originality and creativity of the production, the expressiveness and insight of the participants and the quality and the depth of the reporting and storytelling. Special weight will be given to entries that display the traditional characteristics of magazine storytelling, most notably stylishness and concision. An entry consists of one podcast or a series of no more than three podcasts linked by host or topic.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Podcasting. Other organizations may submit two. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Content must have been largely produced in 2021. Programs primarily intended for radio are not eligible for entry. Content entered in Podcasting can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Podcasting can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT: links to no more than three podcasts in their original context and audio files of the same content uploaded at nationalmagazineawards.org.

This category honors the outstanding use of video by media organizations, including user-generated content. Judges will evaluate entries based on the originality and creativity of the production and the quality and consistency of the reporting and storytelling. Special weight will be given to entries that display the traditional characteristics of magazine storytelling, most notably stylishness and concision. An entry consists of one video or no more than three thematically linked videos.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Video. Other organizations may submit two. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Content must have been largely produced in 2021. Programs primarily intended for television are not eligible for entry. Content entered in Video can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Video can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT: links to no more than three videos in their original context and video files of the same content uploaded at nationalmagazineawards.org.

This category honors excellence in the art direction of print and digital publications as exemplified by no more than three articles or examples of work, including editorial packages and single-topic issues. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and effectiveness of the visual content of the magazine or website and the ambitious use of graphic design to fulfill the editorial mission of the publication. Digital-only and multiplatform entries will also be judged based on design innovation and functional excellence. Special weight will be given to multipart entries that demonstrate consistency. An entry consists of one or as many as three related articles or examples of work, which may include an editorial department, a clearly branded editorial package, a newsletter or a single-topic issue.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Design. Other organizations may submit two. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2022. Content with comparable dates, such as Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Content entered in Design can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Design can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: PDF of each article or example that is part of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which each article or example appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: clearly labeled links to each article or example that is part of the entry.

This category honors excellence in the photo direction of print and digital publications as exemplified by no more than three articles or other examples of work, including editorial packages and single-topic issues. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and effectiveness of the photographic content of the magazine or website and on the inventiveness and skill with which photography, including photo research, is used to inform and entertain readers. Digital-only and multiplatform entries will also be judged based on the use of photography that demonstrates the unique capabilities of digital media. Special weight will be given to multipart entries that demonstrate consistency. An entry consists of one or as many as three related articles or examples of work, which may include an editorial department, a clearly branded editorial package, a newsletter or a single-topic issue.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Photography. Other organizations may submit two. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2022. Content with comparable dates, such as Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Content entered in Photography can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Photography can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of each article or example that is part of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which each article or example appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: clearly labeled links to each article or example that is part of the entry.

This category honors publications that have devoted a single print issue or a major digital package to the comprehensive examination of one subject or topic. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the reporting, writing and artwork and on the ambition and originality of the issue or package as a whole. An entry consists of a clearly branded special issue or section; a clearly defined digital package; a newsletter; or a special-interest or newsstand-only publication. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of podcasts or videos. Entries may also include examples of social media.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Single-Topic Issue. Other organizations may submit two. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Content entered in Single-Topic Issue can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Single-Topic Issue can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which the entry appeared and, if submitted, links to examples of social media (screenshots or video files may be substituted for content that is no longer accessible online). WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: a clearly labeled link to the package and, if submitted, links to examples of social media (screenshots or video files may be substituted for content that is no longer accessible online).

This category honors magazine journalism that addresses readers’ needs and aspirations by providing instruction and advice. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality of the reporting and writing, the value and usefulness of the content and the originality of perspective. Special weight will be given to skillful, innovative editorial packaging. An entry consists of one or as many as three thematically linked articles or examples of work, which may include an editorial department, a clearly branded editorial package, a newsletter or a single-topic issue. Entries may include or consist exclusively of no more than three thematically linked podcasts or videos. Entries may also include or consist exclusively of social media.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Service Journalism. Other organizations may submit two. Judges are permitted but not required to choose seven finalists in Service Journalism. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2022. Content with comparable dates, such as Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Content entered in Service Journalism can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Service Journalism can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of each article or example that is part of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which each article or example appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: clearly labeled links to each article or example that is part of the entry, which may include examples of social media (screenshots or video files may be substituted for content that is no longer accessible online).

This category honors magazine journalism that celebrates readers‘ interests and passions, including leisure and entertainment. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality of the reporting and writing, the value and usefulness of the content and the originality of perspective. Special weight will be given to skillful, innovative editorial packaging. An entry consists of one or as many as three thematically linked articles or examples of work, which may include an editorial department, a clearly branded editorial package, a newsletter or a single-topic issue. Entries may include or consist exclusively of no more than three thematically linked podcasts or videos. Entries may also include or consist exclusively of social media.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Lifestyle Journalism. Other organizations may submit two. Judges are permitted but not required to choose seven finalists in Lifestyle Journalism. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2022. Content with comparable dates, such as Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Content entered in Lifestyle Journalism can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Lifestyle Journalism can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of each article or example that is part of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which each article or example appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: clearly labeled links to each article or example that is part of the entry, which may include examples of social media (screenshots or video files may be substituted for content that is no longer accessible online).

This category honors reporting excellence as exemplified by one article or a series of articles. Judges will evaluate entries based on the enterprise and skill of the reporter or reporters and reward entries for original reporting, insightful analysis and compelling narrative. Special weight will be given to the innovative use of digital media. An entry consists of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles; or a clearly branded editorial package. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of podcasts or videos. Entries may also include examples of social media. Articles published in a single-topic issue may be entered, but an entire single-topic issue is not eligible. To facilitate the work of the judges, the administrators of the awards may request, for preliminary evaluation only, the submission of excerpts from entries longer than 18,000 words.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Reporting. Other organizations may submit two. Judges are permitted but not required to choose seven finalists in Reporting. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2022. Content with comparable dates, such as Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Content entered in Reporting can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Reporting can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of each article or package that is part of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which each article or package appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry, which may include examples of social media (screenshots or video files may be substituted for content that is no longer accessible online).

This category honors the best feature stories of the year. Judges will evaluate entries based on the accuracy and depth of reporting but primarily on the vividness and perceptiveness of the writing. Stylishness and originality will be favored over mere length. An entry consists of one article, which may have been published in multiple parts. To facilitate the work of the judges, the administrators of the awards may request, for preliminary evaluation only, the submission of excerpts from entries longer than 18,000 words.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Feature Writing. Other organizations may submit two. Judges are permitted but not required to choose seven finalists in Feature Writing. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Content entered in Feature Writing can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Feature Writing can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which the entry appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: a clearly labeled link to the entry.

This category honors news or feature stories that explore the character and background of an individual or a group of closely linked individuals. Judges will evaluate entries based on the accuracy and depth of the reporting and the vividness and perceptiveness of the writing. Special weight will be given to concision and timeliness. An entry consists of one article or no more than three articles linked by writer or format. No entry may be longer than 12,000 words in aggregate.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries Profile Writing. Other organizations may submit two. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2022. Content with comparable dates, such as Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Content entered in Profile Writing can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Profile Writing can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of each article that is part of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which each article appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: clearly labeled links to each article that is part of the entry.

This category honors interpretative and critical journalism ranging from political and social commentary to essays on the personal experience of the writer. Entries may include but are not limited to news analysis; book reviews and similar content; coverage of sports and entertainment; and writing about fashion, food, travel and design. Judges will evaluate entries based on the expressiveness and insight of the writer or writers and the value of the work to the readers of the publication. An entry consists of one article or no more than three articles linked by writer or format. No entry may be longer than 12,000 words in aggregate.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Essays and Criticism. Other organizations may submit two. Judges are permitted but not required to choose seven finalists in Essays and Criticism. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2022. Content with comparable dates, such as Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Content entered in Essays and Criticism can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Essays and Criticism can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of each article that is part of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which each article appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: clearly labeled links to each article that is part of the entry.

This category honors magazine journalism that illuminates issues of local, national or international importance. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality of the reporting, analysis, writing and graphics and on the potential of the article or articles to affect public or private policies or practices. Photo-essays will be judged on the strength of both images and text. Special weight will be given to entries that show long-term, in-depth coverage of an issue of public importance as explained in the editorial statement accompanying the entry. An entry consists of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles; or a clearly branded editorial package. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of podcasts or videos. Entries may also include or consist exclusively of social media. Articles published in a single-topic issue may be entered, but an entire single-topic issue is not eligible. To facilitate the work of the judges, the administrators of the awards may request, for preliminary evaluation only, the submission of excerpts from entries longer than 18,000 words.

Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit four entries in Public Interest. Other organizations may submit two. Judges are permitted but not required to choose seven finalists in Public Interest. The nomination of any publication more than once in any category is subject to the approval of the National Magazine Awards Board. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2021/January 2022 (but not December 2020/January 2021). Entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2022. Content with comparable dates, such as Winter 2022, may also be submitted. Content entered in Public Interest can be submitted in other categories, but no entry in Public Interest can duplicate an entry in another category. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: a PDF of each article or package that is part of the entry with a separate PDF of the cover from the issue in which each article or package appeared. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry, which may include examples of social media (screenshots or video files may be substituted for content that is no longer accessible online).