This month focuses on a crucial step in your program’s growth: entering yearbook contests and critiques. Whether your staff is brand new or experienced, submitting your book for review is one of the best ways to improve and gain national recognition for your hard work.
Why Critiques Matter
Submitting your yearbook isn’t just about winning – it’s about growing. A professional critique gives your staff the kind of detailed feedback that helps them improve immediately and plan smarter for next year. It also builds confidence, accountability and a sense of pride in the work your team produces.
National scholastic journalism organizations, including CSPA, JEA, NSPA and Quill & Scroll, offer annual contests and critiques to recognize outstanding scholastic media. When schools submit their books, judges review design, coverage, photography, writing and theme development — providing valuable insight into what’s working and where to improve.
Why submit your book?
- Professional Feedback: Judges offer specific notes your staff can use to grow.
- National Recognition: Awards like the NSPA Pacemaker and CSPA Crown highlight top programs nationwide.
- Motivation for Staff: Earning critiques and awards builds pride and momentum.
- Program Growth: Recognition attracts new members and strengthens your credibility.
Judge Insights
In the newest Walsworth Yearbook Training Video Series episode, award-winning advisers and Pacemaker judges Makena Busch, CJE, and Andrew Young, CJE, share what stands out in an award-winning yearbook – from innovative storytelling to consistent design. They reveal how judges evaluate entries, what common mistakes to avoid and how feedback helps staffs raise their standards each year.
On That Yearbook Podcast, hosts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, and Jim Jordan take the discussion even further, breaking down how the judging process works, what judges look for and why every staff should submit their book for review.
Submit and Shine
Participating in contests and critiques is one of the most effective ways to grow your yearbook program.
Watch the Training Videos, listen to the That Yearbook Podcast episode and explore our Contests and Critiques page to find everything you need to prepare for submitting your book.
▶ Access the Contests Page to Learn More
