Login to complete an entry or to access judging materials
National Magazine Awards 2020 Categories
Click on a category for more information
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, visual and functional 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. Judges may also consider the effective management of the editorial resources described in the Editorial Statement accompanying the entry. The 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:
1. News, Sports and Entertainment
Honors publications covering politics, business, science and technology as well as society and culture
2. Service and Lifestyle
Honors publications covering fashion, food, travel and design as well as health, parenting, personal finance and active sports
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 media and the arts
Print- or digital-only entries may be submitted, but multiplatform brands that fail to submit both print and digital content may be disqualified. Print and digital editions of the same publication may not be entered separately. Print-only entries consist of three print issues. Digital-only entries consist of website content and social media and may include a tablet edition or mobile app. Multiplatform entries consist of three print issues, website content and social media and may include a tablet edition or mobile app. As many as three examples of editorially driven print, digital or experiential brand extensions may be submitted but are not required.
Rules and Eligibility: Eligible publications, including digital-only brands, may submit one entry in General Excellence. Entries may include one issue dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019) and may also include one special-interest or newsstand-only publication. Content entered in General Excellence can be submitted in other categories.WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies each of three print issues and (2) a PDF of each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: 10 clearly labeled links to a magazine website (links need not be related to print issues submitted as part of the same entry). THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: (1) instructions for locating one example of a tablet magazine or mobile app and (2) descriptions of or links to no more than three examples of editorially driven brand extensions, uploaded at ellieawards.org.
This category honors overall excellence in the art direction of print, digital and multiplatform publications. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the visual content of the publication and the effective 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. Print- or digital-only entries may be submitted, but multiplatform brands that fail to submit both print and digital content may be disqualified. Print and digital editions of the same publication may not be entered separately. Print-only entries consist of three print issues. Digital-only entries consist of links to a website and may include a tablet edition or mobile app. Multiplatform entries consist of three print issues and links to a website and may include a tablet edition or mobile app.
Rules and Eligibility: Eligible publications, including digital-only brands, may submit one entry in Design. Entries may include one issue dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019) and may also include one special-interest or newsstand-only publication. Content entered in Design can be submitted in other categories. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may be dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019). WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies each of three print issues and (2) a PDF of each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: 10 clearly labeled links to a website (links need not be related to print issues submitted as part of the same entry). THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: instructions for locating one example of a tablet magazine or mobile app.
This category honors overall excellence in the photo direction of print, digital and multiplatform publications. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the photographic content of the publication and on the inventiveness and skill with which photography, including photo research, is used throughout the publication 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- or digital-only entries may be submitted, but multiplatform brands that fail to submit both print and digital content may be disqualified. Print and digital editions of the same publication may not be entered separately. Print-only entries consist of three print issues. Digital-only entries consist of links to a website and may include a tablet edition or mobile app. Multiplatform entries consist of three print issues and links to a website and may include a tablet edition or mobile app.
Rules and Eligibility: Eligible publications, including digital-only brands, may submit one entry in Photography. Entries may include one issue dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019) and may also include one special-interest or newsstand-only publication. Content entered in Photography can be submitted in other categories. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may be dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019). WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies each of three print issues and (2) a PDF of each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: 10 clearly labeled links to a website (links need not be related to print issues submitted as part of the same entry). THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: instructions for locating one example of a tablet magazine or mobile app.
This category honors the graphic design of a feature story or editorial package, including editorial departments and single-topic issues, published in print or on a digital platform. Judges will evaluate entries based on the ambition and skill of the art direction and its effectiveness as magazine storytelling. Digital-only entries will also be judged based on design innovation and functional excellence. An entry consists of one article or a clearly branded editorial package. Entries may include a related cover image.
Rules and Eligibility: Any publication edited by an ASME member may submit three entries in Feature Design. Other eligible publications may submit two entries. No publication will be nominated more than twice in this category. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may be dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019). Content entered in Feature Design cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of the print issue containing the entry and (2) a PDF of the entry with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) a clearly labeled link to the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
This category honors the use of original photography in a feature story, photo-essay or photo portfolio. The category is intended to recognize outstanding 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 and editorial value. 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 publication edited by an ASME member may submit three entries in Feature Photography. Other eligible publications may submit two entries. No publication will be nominated more than twice in this category. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may be dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019). Content entered in Feature Photography cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of the print issue containing the entry and (2) a PDF of the entry with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) a clearly labeled link to the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
This award honors the overall excellence of magazine websites and digital-only publications. The award 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. The award is presented in two categories. Publications may choose which category to enter, subject to the approval of the administrators of the awards. The two categories are:
9. News and Opinion
Honors publications covering politics, business, science and technology as well as entertainment, literature and the arts
10. Service and Lifestyle
Honors publications covering fashion, food, travel and design as well as health, parenting, personal finance and active sports
An entry consists of website content
Rules and Eligibility: Eligible publications, including digital-only brands, may submit one entry in Website. Content entered in Website can be submitted in other categories. Content entered in Website can be submitted in other categories. WHAT TO SUBMIT: 10 clearly labeled links to a magazine website.
This category honors the outstanding use of digital technology by magazines and websites. Judges will evaluate entries based on the imagination and skill with which interactivity and multimedia are used, the quality and consistency of the reporting and storytelling and the value and usefulness of any practical instruction or advice contained in the article or articles. An entry consists of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles published together or separately; or a clearly branded editorial package, including newsletters. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of social media, podcasts or videos. Entries may also include a related print article or editorial package.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Digital Innovation. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. Content entered in Digital Innovation cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT: (1) a clearly labeled link to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app. THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: (1) two copies of a print issue containing a related article or package and (2) a PDF of the article or package with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue.
This category honors the outstanding use of social media to inform, entertain and engage media consumers. Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality and consistency of the work and on the innovative use of social media as an editorial platform. Special weight will be given to entries that provide coverage of one story or topic. An entry consists of examples of social media on one or more platforms. Entries may include a related article or editorial package published in print.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Social Media. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. Content entered in Social Media cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT: no more than 10 clearly labeled links to social media content. Screenshots or video files may be substituted for content that is no longer accessible online. THE FOLLOWING MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED: (1) two copies of a print issue containing a related article or package and (2) a PDF of the article or package with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue.
This category honors the outstanding use of audio content by magazines and websites. Judges will evaluate entries based on the originality and creativity of the production, the expressiveness and insight of the participants and, if relevant, the quality and depth of the reporting and storytelling. Podcasts will be judged in their original context. An entry consists of one podcast episode or a series of no more than three podcast episodes linked by host or topic.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Podcasting. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. Programs primarily intended for broadcast or streaming are not eligible for entry. WHAT TO SUBMIT: (1) links to no more than three podcast episodes in their original context and audio files of the same content uploaded at ellieawards.org or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app and audio files of the same content uploaded at ellieawards.org.
This award honors the outstanding use of video by magazines and websites, 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 subjects and events. The award is presented in two categories. Publications may submit entries in both categories. The two categories are:
14. News and Opinion
Honors video coverage of politics, business, science and technology as well as entertainment, literature and the arts
10. Service and Lifestyle
Honors video coverage of fashion, food, travel and design as well as health, parenting, personal finance and active sports
An entry consists of one video or no more than three thematically linked videos.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in both Video categories. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. Content entered in any of these categories cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. Programs primarily intended for broadcast or streaming are not eligible for entry. WHAT TO SUBMIT: (1) links to no more than three videos in their original context and video files of the same content uploaded at ellieawards.org or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app and video files of the same content uploaded at ellieawards.org.
This category honors magazines and websites 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, illustrations and photography 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, the content of which has displaced all or most of the feature well, or a clearly defined digital package. Entries may also include related content published on another platform. Newsstand-only issues and bookazines are not eligible in this category.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Single-Topic Issue. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may be dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019); Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of the print issue containing the entry and (2) a PDF of the entry with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) a clearly labeled link to the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
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 use of graphics to provide instruction and advice. Print- and digital-only entries consist of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles published together or separately; a clearly branded editorial package; or one example of a department or section. Multiplatform entries consist of no more than three thematically linked print or digital articles; a clearly branded editorial package in print and related digital content; or one example of a print department or section and the same department or section on a digital platform. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of multimedia, podcasts or videos. Articles published in a single-topic issue may be entered, but an entire single-topic issue is not eligible.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Personal Service. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. 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 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019); entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2020. Content entered in Personal Service cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) no more than 10 clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
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 use of graphics to provide instruction and advice. Print- and digital-only entries consist of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles published together or separately; a clearly branded editorial package; or one example of a department or section. Multiplatform entries consist of no more than three thematically linked print or digital articles; a clearly branded editorial package in print and related digital content; or one example of a print department or section and the same department or section on a digital platform. Entries may include but not consist exclusively of multimedia, podcasts or videos. Articles published in a single-topic issue may be entered, but an entire single-topic issue is not eligible.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Leisure Interests. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. 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 except. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019); entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2020. Content entered in this category cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) no more than 10 clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
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 timely or exclusive coverage of politics, business, sports and entertainment. An entry consists of one article; no more than three thematically linked articles published together or separately; or a clearly branded editorial package. 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 three entries in Reporting. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. Judges are permitted to choose seven finalists 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 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019); entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2020. Content entered in Reporting cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article with separate 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) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
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 be 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 three entries in Feature Writing. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. Judges are permitted to choose seven finalists in Feature Writing. 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 except. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019); entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2020. Content entered in Feature Writing cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of the print issue containing the entry and (2) a PDF of the entry with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from the issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) a clearly labeled link to the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
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 as well as the value of the content to readers of the publication. 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 total.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Profile Writing. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. 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 in Columns and Commentary. Entries consisting of one article may be dated December 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019); entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2020. Content entered in Profile Writing cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) clearly labeled links to each article that is part of the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
This category honors interpretative and critical journalism ranging from essays on the personal experience of the writer to commentary on literature and the arts. Although entries may incorporate reporting and narrative, judges will evaluate essays and reviews based on the writer’s depth of insight, strength of argument and uniqueness of perspective. Entries incorporating photographs will be judged primarily on the quality of the text. An entry consists of one essay or three reviews by one writer.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Essays and Criticism. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. 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 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019); entries consisting of three articles may include one article dated January 2020. Content entered in Essays and Criticism cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article with separate 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) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
This category honors regularly published departments and features in which the point of view of the writer is expressed or topics of interest central to the editorial mission of the publication are explored. Entries may include but are not limited to news analysis; commentary on politics and society; 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 on the value of the content to the readers of the publication. Print-only entries consist of three articles published in a consistent format or three examples of a department or section. Digital-only entries consist of three articles published in a consistent format or one example of a department or section. Multiplatform entries consist of one example of a print department or section and the same department or section on a digital platform. No single story in the entry may be longer than 3,000 words.
Rules and Eligibility: Publications edited by ASME members may submit three entries in Columns and Commentary. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. Entries may be submitted as print or digital content. Entries may include one article dated January 2020. Content entered in Columns and Commentary cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article with separate PDFs of the cover and editorial masthead from each issue. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR DIGITAL: (1) no more than 10 clearly labeled links to each article or package that is part of the entry or (2) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
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, podcasts or videos. Entries may also include examples of social media. 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 three entries in Public Interest. Other eligible publications may submit two. No publication will be nominated more than twice in any category. 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 2019/January 2020 (but not December 2018/January 2019); entries consisting of two or more articles may include one article dated January 2020. Content entered in Public Interest cannot be submitted in other categories except as part of an entry in General Excellence, Design, Photography or Website. WHAT TO SUBMIT FOR PRINT: (1) two copies of each print issue containing an article that is part of the entry and (2) a PDF of each article with separate 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) instructions for locating the entry in an app.
Share