FAQs

Do I need to be a member of AOJ to enter? No. As the contest rules state, both contests are open to anyone who is eligible for active membership in the Association of Opinion Journalists (formerly the National Conference of Editorial Writers). That includes any professional opinion writer or editor, and any student or educator whose focus includes opinion journalism. Click here for membership information.

I want to enter the Opinion Journalist of the Year category. What type of samples should I enter? Samples for this category should include your best columns or editorials, whether in print, online, audio or video.

I want to enter the Top Opinion Pages category. What type of samples should I enter? Editorial pages and editorial sections are the best samples, but anything that reflects a single day's content or focus -- including op/ed packages and online supporting content, such as blog items, videos or interactive features -- can also be submitted.

How should I submit my sample? You are required to submit one sample from each quarter in 2012 (as specified in the rules) and three additional samples are optional. These samples should be uploaded as pdfs or Word documents.

Once I upload my entries and make my payment, can I go back and edit my entries? No. With this entry site, you are not able to save your entry form and/or edit the entry once it is submitted.

When will the winners be announced? The winners in each category will be publicly announced at the AOJ/NCEW Annual Convention, scheduled this year for October 13-15, in Newport, R.I. For more information about the convention, please visit www.opinionjournalists.org/convention.