Young journalists have no fewer than three dedicated opportunities to showcase their talents in this year’s Guild of Motoring Writers annual awards – and they don’t necessarily have to be GoMW members to do so. They can also enter their work for further accolades among the Guild’s 24 prestigious awards, which offer trophies, widespread industry recognition and prize money totaling more than £20,000.
Specifically targeting young writers and/or students on Guild-endorsed university courses are the Phil Llewellin Student Journalist of the Year, headlineauto Young Writer of the Year and Sir William Lyons Awards.
Sponsored by CAR magazine, the Phil Llewellin Student Journalist of the Year Award is open to all students on the Guild-supported motoring journalism courses at Coventry and Cardiff universities and UCA Farnham. Named after one of the greatest motoring writers of all time, it was established in 2006 and most recently won by Tim Kendall. The successful entrant receives £1,000 plus two weeks’ work experience at CAR. All eligible students should already have received the 2012 entry questions, but please contact GoMW General Secretary Patricia Lodge at [email protected] if you would like another copy.
Meanwhile, the Jaguar-sponsored Sir William Lyons Award, won in 2011 by Alex Michaelides, has been awarded annually since 1966. Further past winners include such prestigious names as Angus Frazer, Tom Barnard, Tim Pollard, Alistair Weaver, Tim Watson and Guild Chairman Richard Aucock. Entry is via a two-part assignment: part one consists of a 500-word piece, and part two a 1,000-word article, both on a set choice of subjects. The prize is £2,000. At the entry closing date of 30 September 2012, entrants (who need not be Guild members) must be aged 17-23, hold or be eligible for a UK passport and be resident in the UK. More details and the specific SWL entry form can be downloaded at gomw.co.uk.
Finally, the headlineauto Young Writer of the Year Award is for Guild members only with less than three years’ working journalism experience. The winner, who must be under 30 at the end of this calendar year, will have consistently demonstrated a combination of thorough research and well crafted journalism in newspapers, magazines, online or broadcast media. As did 2011 winner Liam Campbell, they will receive a £1,000. Find out more details on the general 2012 awards entry form at gomw.co.uk or from Honorary Secretary Chris Adamson at [email protected].
Further Guild awards, some of which are open to non-members as well as members, cater for journalism specialties including consumer, commercial, regional, editing, classics, books, photography, overseas outlets, environment, safety, technology, business, new media, blogging, motorsport and design. They are spearheaded by the flagship Renault UK/GoMW Journalist of the Year Award. Overall there are 24 awards and a total prize fund of more than £20,000 – but you must enter to be in with a chance of winning. The closing date is midnight on 30 September 2012. Winners will be announced at the annual Guild awards dinner, to take place at London’s RAC Club on 6 December 2012.
* Budding automotive journalists will also be interested in the GoMW’s free booklet So You Want To Be A Motoring Writer. To download it, please see www.gomw.co.uk.
