Nationwide headline contest to offer $1,200 in cash prizes

Copy editors can win prizes and recognition with national contest.

NEW YORK -- Enterprising copy editors can compete for a share of $1,200 in cash to be awarded to the winners of the national headline-writing contest sponsored by the American Copy Editors Society.

ACES has sponsored a headline contest for several years, but this is the first time that cash prizes have been offered.

Also for the first time this year, copy editors who are not members of ACES will be allowed to enter the contest, opening the competition to every headline writer in North America.

And, in another first, publications will be allowed to enter headline portfolios containing a compilation of their copy editors work.

To be adjudged the best at ones craft by a panel of ones peers is a great honor indeed, and such is the recognition afforded by these awards," said Hank Glamann, an ACES co-founder and the coordinator of the contest this year.

By making this contest a truly national competition, the society intends to shine a bright light on the tremendous contribution that headline writers make to the news world."

Individuals may enter portfolios of three to five headlines in one of three circulation categories: 50,000 or less; 50,001 to 100,000; and more than 100,000.

A $350 cash prize and an engraved plaque will be presented to the winner in each circulation category.

Headline writers working at news magazines and news Web sites are welcome to enter in the professional categories.

There is a special category for student entries, with a first prize of $150 cash and a certificate. Entries should contain between three and five headlines.

Staff entries must contain between eight and 10 heads, and must represent the work of at least three editors.

The winner of the staff category will receive an engraved plaque as the best headline-writing team of the year.

All ACES members are eligible to submit one individual entry free, with a $10 charge for each additional entry. The entry fee for each entry by a non-member is $25. The fee for each staff entry is $50, regardless of membership status. There is no limit to the number of entries. Student entries are free, but are restricted to one per person.

Headlines included in a staff entry may also be submitted as part of an individual entry.

Entered headlines must have been published between Dec. 1, 2002, and Nov. 30, 2003.

Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 19, 2003.

For entry forms and more information, including the detailed requirements for preparing an entry, visit ACES on the Web at www.copydesk.org.