Society of Professional Journalists Entry Requirements
Entering a professional journalism competition requires careful attention to detail and a commitment to documenting the journalistic process. To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) maintains specific submission standards for all applicants.
Key Facts
- Member Fee: $60 (since 2007).
- Non-Member Fee: $100 (since 2007).
- Documentation: Three copies of the entry form are required.
- Scale: The 2012 contest saw more than 1,700 entries.
Submission Process and Fees
Participation in the contest involves a mandatory entry fee. Since 2007, the cost has been tiered based on membership status: members of the Society of Professional Journalists pay $60, while non-members are required to pay $100 per entry.
Beyond the payment, applicants must provide three physical copies of the entry form to complete their submission.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Cover Letter Requirements
A critical component of the application is the cover letter. This document serves as the narrative justification for the entry, allowing judges to understand the context and effort behind the reporting. Every entry must include a cover letter that addresses the following four areas:
- Story Summary: A concise overview of the story or stories being submitted.
- Findings and Results: A detailed discussion of the major outcomes and discoveries of the reporting.
- Process Review: An explanation of the methodology and steps taken to develop the story.
- Effort and Uniqueness: An account of the specific difficulties encountered or the unique nature of the effort required to obtain the story.
Contest Scale and Impact
The competition attracts a significant volume of professional work from across the industry. For example, the 2012 contest featured more than 1,700 entries, highlighting the competitive nature of the awards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Member Fee | $60 |
| Non-Member Fee | $100 |
| Form Copies | 3 copies |
| Mandatory Document | Cover Letter |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter the contest?
Since 2007, the fee is $60 for members of the Society of Professional Journalists and $100 for non-members.
How many copies of the entry form are needed?
All entries must be accompanied by three copies of the entry form.
What must be included in the cover letter?
The cover letter must include a summary of the story, a discussion of major findings, a review of the process used, and an account of the difficulty or uniqueness of the effort involved.
How popular is the competition?
The contest is highly competitive, as evidenced by the 2012 event which judged more than 1,700 entries.