Robinson Prize

Do you know a great copy editor? You can encourage great copy editing by nominating someone -- including yourself -- for the Robinson Prize. Each year, with that prize, the American Copy Editors Society honors one copy editor whose work demonstrates exceptional effectiveness. In addition to national recognition, the winner receives $3,000.

The call for 2009 nominations is closed. The winner will be announced at the 2010 National Conference, April 15-17 in Philadelphia. Nominations for next year's prize will open in May 2010.

Pam Robinson

The American Copy Editors Society's annual prize for excellence in copy editing is named for Pam Robinson, a co-founder and past president of ACES.

Nominees are evaluated on a combination of elements, which can include editing, design, mentoring and training, fostering a sense of teamwork and pride among colleagues, and anything else that furthers the role of the editing profession.

"This award isn't designed to applaud the best speller in the newsroom or the best grammarian," said Teresa Schmedding, one of the drafters of the award and a member of the ACES Executive Committee. "Being a good wordsmith isn't enough. Today's copy editors need to be skilled in conflict resolution, show excellent news judgment, demonstrate initiative and be able to find creative solutions to help their papers succeed in this era filled with increased competition."

Established in 2005, the prize is named for Pam Robinson, news editor of the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service in suburban New York. Robinson was a co-founder of ACES in 1997 and the society's first president. One of her goals was to make copy editors more visible and to encourage them to take on a more constructive role.

Eligibility

The contest is open to all copy editors working for English-language news publications. Work considered for nomination should be current but need not be tied to a specific calendar year. Members of the ACES Executive Committee, employees of ACES and the administrators of the contest are ineligible.

Entry fees

In 2009, ACES members in good standing may enter for $50; non-members may enter for $200. This rate is not expected to change for 2010.

To qualify for the lower rate, the nominee must be a member when the entry is submitted. A nominee who joins the society or renews a membership when the entry is submitted, qualifies for the member rate.

For additional information about the Robinson Prize, contact Alex Cruden at alexcruden@comcast.net.

   

Mission Statement

  • The American Copy Editors Society is a professional organization dedicated to improving the quality of journalism and the working lives of copy editors. Our main purpose is to educate our members and others in ways to raise the standards of editing and increase the standing of copy editors. We've created a community that's made copy editors more visible and given them a more constructive role in their careers. We hope you'll join us in continuing that effort.

Past winners

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