Best New Magazine Writer
This award will go to a writer whose early work in
magazines shows the highest degree of craft and promise.
Is this a new
category?
The award for Best New Magazine Writer is a fusion
of two earlier awards, the Alexander Ross Award for Best New Writer and the Best Student Writer
Award.
Who is eligible for this
award?
Canadian writers, including students, who are new
to the magazine industry are eligible. The submitted article must have been published in a Canadian consumer
or university/college magazine in 2009, and must be at least 1,000 words in length. Eligible candidates must
have no more than three years' experience in professional journalism (must not have published a
feature-length (1,000 words or more) article prior to 2007). The intent is to restrict this award to emerging
writing talent in Canadian magazines. Only 1 entry per person.
All entries must comply with the NMAF's Rules &
Eligibility.
Editors are encouraged to apply on behalf of their writers. Individuals may apply on their own behalf.
How do I apply?
Candidates must complete the online application (opens December 1, closes January 15). The entry fee,
payable by credit card or cheque, is $25. The online application includes a requirement to
upload a PDF version of the article. Applicants must then send by post or courier the following items to
the NMAF office (must arrive in office no later than January 15, 2010):
- An original tear sheet of the article, unstapled;
- 3 sets of stapled photocopies of the article;
- 4 copies of a one-page letter of reference from the handling editor of the piece;
- A copy of your entry form (this is generated automatically when you complete the online
application);
- A cheque for $25 (unless paid online by credit card) payable to the National Magazine Awards
Foundation.
Please send material to:
Best New Magazine Writer
National Magazine Awards Foundation
425 Adelaide Street West, Suite 700
Toronto, ON, M5V 3C1
When are the finalists and winners announced?
A bilingual judging panel will evaluate all entries and come to an agreement on a shortlist of 3 finalists
and a single winner.
The finalists will be announced by May 1, 2010. All finalists receive award certificates.
The winner will be announced at the 33rd annual National Magazine Award gala on June 4, 2010 in Toronto.
The winner receives a certificate and a $1,000 cash prize.
Previous Winners of Best New Magazine Writer:
2008: Kris Demeanor, "Get a Real
Job" (Unlimited)
2007: Patrick White, "Red Rush" (The Walrus)
2006: Jeremy Klaszus, "Big Oil on Trial"
(AlbertaViews)
2005: Larry Frolick, "The Wired Cabin"; "Danger Signs" (Outpost)
2004: Sophie Lees (AlbertaViews)
2003: Chantal Srivastava (L'actualité)
2002: Jean-François Bégin (L'actualité)
2001: Jonathan Trudel (L'actualité)
2000: Matthew McKinnon
Previous Winners of Best Student Writer:
2008
Winner: Chris Watt, "Iraq's Walking Dead" (Maisonneuve)
Honourable Mention:
Canice Leung, "Investigating
Harvey" (Ryerson Review of Journalism)
Laura Trunkey, "Pennies in my Pocket"
(Prairie Fire)
2007
Winner: Julia Belluz, “I” (Ryerson Review of Journalism)
Honourable Mention:
Meena Nallainathan, "Staring
Down the Tigers" (Ryerson Review of Journalism)
Dan Yates, "Ringmaster" (the
Crow)
2006
Winner: Buffy Cram, "Man Hands," (Prairie
Fire)
Honourable Mention:
Joe Castaldo, "Whyte
Noise" (Ryerson Review of Journalism)
Erin Morrison, "To Dance" (the Crow)
2005
Winner: Leigh Doyle,
"So Long" (Ryerson Review
of Journalism)
Honourable Mention:
Keren Ritchie, "Rough, Tough
& Ready to Rumble" (Ryerson Review of Journalism)
Ben Sainsbury, "Houdini, Get Me Out Of
This!" (NOW Magazine)
For more information on this award, please contact us at 416.422.1358 or
staff@magazine-awards.com
