Each of the four General Excellence categories honors print and digital magazines, including online-only and multiplatform publications. Each category recognizes editorial, visual and functional excellence. Publications may choose which category to enter, subject to the approval of the administrators of the awards. Multiplatform publications are encouraged but not required to submit both print and digital content. Print and digital editions of the same publication may not be entered separately. Judges will choose five finalists in each of the four categories. The categories are:

1. News, Sports and Entertainment
Honors publications covering politics, business and technology as well as pop culture and leisure interests

2. Service and Lifestyle
Honors publications covering health and fitness as well as fashion, design, food and travel

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

4. Literature, Science and Politics
Honors smaller-circulation general-interest magazines as well as publications covering the arts

Judges will evaluate entries based on the strength and consistency of both print and digital magazine making and the editors’ success in serving the interests of their readers. Print-only entries consist of three print issues. Digital-only entries consist of links to a magazine website and may include a tablet edition or smartphone app. Multiplatform entries consist of three print issues and links to a magazine website and may include a tablet edition or smartphone app. Email info@ellieawards.org if you are uncertain about your category or what to enter.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit one entry in General Excellence. Entries may include one issue dated December 2016/January 2017. Content entered in this category can also be submitted in other categories. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies each of three print issues and (2) a PDF of each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: 10 clearly labeled links to the magazine website. THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: platform-specific instructions for accessing one example of a tablet magazine or smartphone app.

This category honors overall excellence in magazine design. The category recognizes the effectiveness of the art direction, including typography, and the use of illustration and photography. Judges will evaluate entries based on the ambition and originality of the creative direction and its success in fulfilling the editorial mission of the magazine. Digital-only and multiplatform entries will also be judged based on design innovation and functional excellence. Print-only entries consist of three print issues. Digital-only entries consist of links to a magazine website and may include a tablet edition or smartphone app. Multiplatform entries consist of three print issues and links to a magazine website and may include a tablet edition or smartphone app.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit one entry in Design. Entries may include one issue dated December 2016/January 2017. Content entered in this category can also be submitted in other categories. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies each of three print issues and (2) a PDF of each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: 10 clearly labeled links to the magazine website. THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: platform-specific instructions for accessing one example of a tablet magazine or smartphone app.

This category honors overall excellence in magazine photography. The category recognizes the use of photography, including photo-illustration, to fulfill the editorial mission of the magazine. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the photography; on its ambition and originality; and on the inventiveness and skill with which photography, including photo research, are used throughout the magazine 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. Print-only entries consist of three print issues. Digital-only entries consist of links to a magazine website and may include a tablet edition or smartphone app. Multiplatform entries consist of three print issues and links to a magazine website and may include a tablet edition or smartphone app.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit one entry in Photography. Entries may include one issue dated December 2016/January 2017. Content entered in this category can also be submitted in other categories. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies each of three print issues and (2) a PDF of each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: 10 clearly labeled links to the magazine website. THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: platform-specific instructions for accessing one example of a tablet magazine or smartphone app.

This category honors the best use of original photography in a feature story, photo-essay or photo portfolio. The category is intended to recognize the outstanding use of photojournalism; portraiture; fashion, travel and nature photography; food, shelter and other still-life photography; conceptual photography; and photo-illustration. Judges will evaluate entries based on photographic achievement, art direction and editorial value. Judges may also consider the quality of the text in relation to the images. An entry consists of one article or a clearly branded editorial package incorporating one or more photographs. Entries may include a related cover image.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit two entries in Feature Photography. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content and may be dated December 2016/January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of the print issue containing the article and (2) a PDF of the article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) a clearly labeled link to the article or package or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone.

This category honors the editorial direction of a clearly branded print or digital department or section. Judges will evaluate entries based on the ambition and skill of the editors and designers as demonstrated by the quality and consistency of the reporting, writing, illustrations and photography; the originality and cohesiveness of the section; and the value and usefulness of the content. Digital entries will also be judged on the imaginative and skillful use of interactivity and multimedia. Print-only entries consist of three examples of the same front- or back-of-the-book department from three different issues. Digital-only entries consist of no more than three links to or examples of a department published online or on a tablet or smartphone. Multiplatform entries consist of three examples of the same front- or back-of-the-book department from three different issues and one link to or example of the department published online or on a tablet or smartphone. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of multimedia and videos.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit two entries in Magazine Section. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries may include one article dated December 2016/January 2017 or January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone.

This category honors magazine journalism that serves readers’ needs and aspirations by providing practical information about topics such as health care, personal relationships, parenting, career planning and personal finance. Judges will evaluate entries based on the strength and consistency of the reporting, writing, illustrations and photography and on the value and usefulness of the content. Special weight will be given to the quality of the magazine making, especially the use of graphics to provide instruction and advice. An entry consists of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles published together or separately; or a clearly branded editorial package. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of multimedia and videos. Articles published in a single-topic issue may be entered, but an entire single-topic issue is not eligible.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit two entries in Personal Service. Entries consisting of one article may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries consisting of two or more articles 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 2016/January 2017; entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated December 2016/January 2017 or January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone.

This category honors magazine journalism that provides practical information about recreational activities and special interests such as fashion and beauty; travel; decorating and gardening; food; fitness and active sports; cars and boats; and hobbies and crafts. Judges will evaluate entries based on the strength and consistency of the reporting, writing, illustrations and photography and on the value and usefulness of the content. Special weight will be given to the quality of the magazine making, especially the use of graphics to provide instruction and advice. An entry consists of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles published together or separately; or a clearly branded editorial package. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of multimedia and videos. Articles published in a single-topic issue may be entered, but an entire single-topic issue is not eligible.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit two entries in Leisure Interests. Entries consisting of one article may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries consisting of two or more articles 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 2016/January 2017; entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated December 2016/January 2017 or January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone.

This category honors magazines that have devoted a single print issue to the comprehensive examination of one subject or topic. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the reporting, writing, illustrations and photography and on the ambition and originality of the issue as a whole. An entry consists of one issue of the magazine that is clearly branded, on the cover or inside the magazine, as a special issue or as containing a special section, the content of which has displaced all or most of the feature well. Entries may also include related digital content. Newsstand-only issues and bookazines are not eligible in this category.

Rules and Eligibility:Any eligible print magazine may submit two entries in Single-Topic issue. Entries may be dated December 2016/January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT: (1) four copies of the print issue and (2) a PDF of the issue. THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: (1) one clearly labeled link to related web content or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing related content published on a tablet or smartphone.

This category honors magazine websites and digital-only magazines. The category recognizes the achievement of editorial, visual and functional excellence in fulfillment of the editorial mission of the publication. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the editorial content; the ambition and skill of the editorial direction; and the outstanding use of digital technologies to inform and engage media consumers, both as individuals and as a community. Special weight will be given to the quality of the mobile experience. An entry consists of links to a magazine website.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit one entry in website. Content entered in this category can also be submitted in other categories. WHAT TO SUBMIT: 10 clearly labeled links to the magazine website.

This category honors the use of interactivity and multimedia in the reporting of an event or coverage of a subject, including service and lifestyle. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the reporting and storytelling and, if applicable, the value and usefulness of any practical instruction or advice; the imaginative and skillful use of interactivity and multimedia; and the ambition and cohesiveness of the feature or package. An entry consists of a multimedia package published online or on a tablet or smartphone. Entries may also include a related article or editorial package published in print.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible publication, including news- and broadcast-media websites, may submit two entries in Multimedia. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT: (1) one link to a multimedia package or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone. the following may also be submitted: (1) four copies of a print issue containing a related article or package and (2) a PDF of the article or package along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue.

This category honors the outstanding use of video by magazine websites and digital-only magazines, including user-generated content. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the reporting and visual storytelling. Videos will be judged in their original context. Special weight will be given to entries that provide timely coverage of events and subjects, including sports, entertainment, service and lifestyle. An entry consists of one video or no more than three thematically linked videos.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine, including online-only publications, may submit two entries in Video. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT: (1) links to no more than three videos in their original context and the same three videos uploaded at ellieawards.org or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing video content published on a tablet or smartphone and the same video content uploaded at ellieawards.org.

This category honors reporting excellence as exemplified by one article or a set or series of articles. Judges will evaluate entries based on the enterprise and skill of the reporter or reporters and reward entries for insightful analysis and compelling narrative. Magazines will also be recognized for exclusive or innovative news coverage of topics such as politics, business, sports and entertainment. Special weight will be given to original, substantive reporting. Judges are permitted to choose seven finalists in this category. An entry consists of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles published together or separately; or a clearly branded editorial package. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of multimedia and videos.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible publication, including news- and broadcast-media websites, may submit three entries in Reporting. Entries consisting of one article may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries consisting of two or more articles 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 2016/January 2017; entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated December 2016/January 2017 or January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone.

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. Judges are permitted to choose seven finalists in this category. An entry consists of one article, which may be published in multiple parts.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible publication, including news- and broadcast-media websites, may submit three entries in Feature Writing. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may be dated December 2016/January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of the print issue containing the article and (2) a PDF of the article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) a clearly labeled link to the article or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone.

This category honors interpretative and critical journalism on subjects ranging from the personal experience of the writer to politics, literature and the arts. Although essays may incorporate reporting and narrative, judges will evaluate entries based on the writer’s depth of insight, strength of argument and uniqueness of perspective. Essays incorporating photographs will be judged primarily on the quality of the text. An entry consists of one article.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible publication, including news- and broadcast-media websites, may submit two entries in Essays and Criticism. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may be dated December 2016/January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of the print issue containing the article and (2) a PDF of the article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) a clearly labeled link to the article or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone.

This category honors a series of articles published in a consistent format that expresses the point of view of a writer or group of writers, including but not limited to blogs, microblogs and podcasts. Content may include news analysis; political, social and cultural commentary; entertainment profiles; and reviews of products and services. Judges will evaluate entries based on the expressiveness and insight of the writer or group of writers. An entry consists of three examples of commentary linked by writer or topic.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible publication, including news- and broadcast-media websites, may submit two entries in Columns and Commentary. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content or as a combination of print and digital content. Entries may include one article dated December 2016/January 2017 or January 2017. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone.

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 published together or separately; or a clearly branded editorial package. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of multimedia and videos. Entries may also include examples of social media.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible publication, including news- and broadcast-media websites, may submit two entries in Public interest. Entries consisting of one article may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries consisting of two or more articles 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 2016/January 2017; entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated December 2016/January 2017 or January 2017. Content entered in one of these categories cannot be submitted in another category except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography, Website and Magazine of the Year. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) four copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article along with PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) platform-specific instructions for accessing content published on a tablet or smartphone. THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: no more than three links to examples of social media.

This category honors magazines for editorial excellence and audience engagement as demonstrated in print and on digital platforms and for the quality and consistency of magazine-branded content and services produced by or associated with the publication, including but not limited to social media; print or digital newsletters; podcasts; conferences and events; books; and radio and television programs. Judges will evaluate entries based on the success of the magazine as a consumer brand as well as on the strength of its editorial content. An entry consists of content and products, including merchandise, that support the achievement of both editorial and publishing goals. Magazines receiving recognition in this category must demonstrate cross-platform excellence and will likely submit one or more brand extensions as part of their entry. The editorial statement accompanying the entry should describe the role of the editors in the creation or direction of each brand extension and explain how it helped fulfill the editorial mission of the publication and drove audience or revenue growth.

Rules and Eligibility: Any eligible magazine may submit one entry in Magazine of the Year. Entries in this category may include one issue dated December 2016/January 2017. Content entered in this category can also be submitted in other categories. WHAT TO SUBMIT (1) four copies each of three print issues, which may include one special-interest or newsstand-only publication; (2) a PDF of each issue; (3) 10 clearly labeled links to the magazine website and examples of social media; (4) platform-specific instructions for accessing one example of a tablet magazine or smartphone app; and (5) descriptions, photographs or links to no more than three examples of magazine-branded content and products, uploaded at ellieawards.org.