Robinson Prize Explained

The Robinson Prize is one of two awards given out by annually to one copy editor whose work demonstrates exceptional effectiveness.

History

Established in 2005, the prize is named for Pam Robinson, formerly a news editor at the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service in suburban New York. Robinson was the co-founder of ACES in 1997 and the society's first president.^[1]

Evaluation

Nominees are evaluated on a combination of elements, which 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. Says Teresa Schmedding, one of the drafters of the award, and a member of the Society's Executive Committee,

This award isn't designed to applaud the best speller in the newsroom or the best grammarian. 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.^[1]

Eligibility

The contest is open to all copy editors working for English-language news publications, though work considered for nomination must be current. Members of the Society's Executive Committee, employees, and the administrators of the contest are ineligible.^[1]

Winners

Winners of the Prize, in addition to recognition, receive $2,000.^[1]

• 2005: Paul Soucy, USA Today^[2]
• 2006: Tim Lynch, Los Angeles Times^[2]
• 2007: Adam Smith, The Augusta Chronicle^[2]
• 2008: Michael Roehrman, The Wichita Eagle^[2]
• 2009: Beth Blair, Boy Scouts of America^[2]
• 2010: Andy Angelo, The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press^[2]
• 2011: Kim Profant, Chicago Tribune^[2]
• 2012: Doris Truong, Washington Post^[2]
• 2013: Katharine O'Moore-Klopf, medical editor for ACES, American Medical Writers Association, Board of Editors in the Life Sciences, Editorial Freelancers Association etc.; Copyeditors Knowledge Base online^{[3] [4]}
• 2014: Larissa Newton, Central Penn Business Journal^{[2] [5] [6]}
• 2015: Sarah Grey, Grey Editing^[7]
• 2016: Karen Yin, Conscious Style Guide^[8]
• 2018: Karen S. Conlin, Grammargeddon^[9]
• 2019: Rob Reinalda, Ragan Communications^[10]
• 2020: Laura Poole, Archer Editorial Services^[11]
• 2021: Emily Ayubi, APA Style^[12]
• 2022: Talysa Sainz
• 2023: Lily Thomas, Washington Post^[13]
• 2024: Erin Brenner, Right Touch Editing^[14]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Robinson Prize. American Copy Editors Society. February 8, 2015.
2. Web site: Past Winners. American Copy Editors Society. February 8, 2015.
3. Web site: Katharine O'Moore-Klopf named 2013 Robinson Prize winner . ACES . March 22, 2014 . June 3, 2016 . Holdway, Neil.
4. Web site: Genn . Adina . East Setauket Copy Editor Wins 2013 Robinson Prize . Port Jefferson, NY, Patch. 2024-05-06.
5. Web site: Copy editor Larissa Newton wins ACES 2014 Robinson Award . ACES . March 27, 2015 . June 3, 2016 . Carlier, Taylor.
6. Web site: Roush . Chris . 2015-03-28 . Biz copy editor Newton wins top ACES award . 2023-03-28 . Talking Biz News . en-US.
7. Web site: Copy editor Sarah Grey wins ACES 2015 Robinson Award . ACES . April 1, 2016 . June 3, 2016 . Berendzen, Gerri.
8. Web site: Conscious Style Guide founder Karen Yin wins Robinson Prize . 2023-03-28 . ACES: The Society for Editing . en.
9. Web site: Grammargeddon co-owner Karen Conlin wins ACES Robinson Prize . 2023-03-28 . ACES: The Society for Editing . en.
10. Web site: Rob Reinalda, executive editor at Ragan Communications, wins ACES 2019 Robinson Prize . 2023-03-28 . ACES: The Society for Editing . en.
11. Web site: ACES 2020 Robinson Prize recipient, Laura Poole . 2023-03-28 . ACES: The Society for Editing . en.
12. Web site: Emily Ayubi wins ACES 2021 Robinson Prize . 2023-03-28 . ACES: The Society for Editing . en.
13. Web site: ACES awards Lily Thomas the 2023 Robinson Prize . 2023-03-28 . ACES: The Society for Editing . en.
14. Web site: Erin Brenner Wins Robinson Prize . 2024-05-06 . ACES: The Society for Editing . en.