2026 EXCELLENCE IN CRAFT

ELIGIBILITY

The purpose of this contest is to reward exceptional outdoor communication (writing, reporting, opinion/editorial, photography, illustrations, editing, and digital communications). Entries should have a clear connection to the outdoors, outdoor recreation, nature, wildlife, public lands, or craft improvement. All works must have been on a remunerated basis.

Although the EIC contest is sponsored by VOWA, in our continuing effort to further the growth of the outdoor communications field, eligibility is extended to all who qualify under the contest guidelines. Of c course, we would welcome any and all entrants as members of the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association as we strive together to learn from one another, grow our creative skills, and deepen our appreciation of the natural world.

CONTEST RULES

You may enter as many categories as you like but will be limited to two (2) entries per category. Remember this is an “excellence in craft” contest. Show us your best work!

1. Eligible works must have been released between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2026, except for books, which were published between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2026.

2. Entries should have a clear connection to the outdoors, outdoor recreation, nature, wildlife, public lands, or craft improvement.

3. Judges have the right to disqualify an entry should they determine it does not sufficiently represent the stated disciplines.

4. An item can only be submitted in one category. Choose the category that best fits your entry.

5. All works must have been on a remunerated basis or professionally provided as in-knd work for a 501(c)3

This contest honors professional excellence. All submissions must represent work for which the author, etc. has been paid or which were professionally provided as in-kind work for a 501(c)3. In the case of photography and art, the pieces must have been offered for sale or sold. For pieces that have been donated (such as to a non-profit for fundraising), a letter from that organization must be included. 

SUBMISSION PROCESS

1. All works, except books, must be submitted as PDFs or JPEGs.

2. Book entries must be accompanied by the following information:  Author's Name, Email, Telephone, and Postal Address. Three (3) copies of the book must be mailed to:  Nancy Sorrells, 3419 Cold Springs Road, Greenville, VA 24440. 

3. Images must be labeled to include the image title and entrant’s name.

4. Cloud storage links and publication URLs are also permissible. It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure links connect solely to the works they wish to have considered. 

5. Entries must clearly display submitter’s byline and publication date or include a letter stating the creator of the content and the date created.

JUDGING

Each category will have a judging coordinator who will determine the criteria for that category. The criteria will be assigned a point value as determined by the coordinator and will add up to 100 points. An entry must receive at least 80 points to be eligible for an award.

We are always looking for qualified judges. If you know someone who might be a good judge for a category or if you would like to be a judge for a category that you are not entering, please let us know.