Over the past few years — and most recently the past few months — I’ve volunteered as a judge for journalism and writing awards. The organizations I’ve worked with have made the process genuinely manageable, and I know these awards wouldn’t happen without volunteer judges. But what am I getting out of it personally? Quite a bit, as it turns out.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲
Reading strong entries side by side quickly clarifies what separates a good piece from a great one. It usually comes down to what you’d expect: storytelling that uses the techniques of fiction — character, setting, structure. Finding a great interview subject and letting their quotes carry part of the story. Making a reader care about a topic they’d never considered before. And anticipating reader questions well enough to provide context that makes every quote land. That last one, honestly, is often the mark of a good editor as much as a good writer — making sure no gaps are left open.
𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸
The organizations I’ve judged for have put good systems in place, and the one I appreciate most is having explicit judging criteria. An article might be a strong business story but a weak profile entry. Sometimes a piece is clearly in the wrong category even if it’s excellent work. When you’re evaluating really strong entries head to head, the criteria can be what tips the decision — and having them spelled out keeps the process fair and the feedback meaningful.
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿
The unexpected bonus of judging is the inspiration. Reading high-level work reminds you what’s possible — and also surfaces techniques you might not have tried lately, or ever. We all develop our craft and then, if we’re honest, sometimes get stuck in our own habits. Seeing what works (and what doesn’t) in someone else’s storytelling is a useful nudge to try something new in your next piece.
If you get the chance to volunteer as a judge, take it. You’ll give something back and come away with more than you expected.
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