Writing award submissions can feel overwhelming, a bit like being dropped into a chemistry lab without the formula. But unlike the Breaking Bad protagonist, Walter White, you don’t need to improvise under pressure. With the right steps, the process can be structured, simple, and successful.
At Bespoken, we specialise in writing award submissions and have put together a sure-fire recipe to give you the best chance of success. The process is simpler than you think, provided you follow a structured approach.
Before we share our five steps to writing a winning award submission, lets address the elephant in the room.
You’re busy, we get it, and this award writing business is taking time out of your already jam-packed schedule, so why bother entering in the first place?
Awards can elevate your brand and career
Being recognised as a finalist or winning an award can significantly boost your brand’s profile, strengthen credibility, and open new opportunities.
For executives and professionals, a win can elevate personal reputation, and position them as leaders in their field. For businesses, it can drive sales, talent attraction, and media exposure. Importantly, from the moment you win, you have the right to call yourself or your company “award-winning.” This powerful phrase can be used across social media, on your website, beneath your email signature and in client conversations.
Step 1. Choosing the right awards to enter
Not all awards are created equal, so choosing carefully is the first step in award submission writing. Before committing, confirm the award is recognised and respected in your industry. Some lesser-known programs, commonly known as vanity awards, charge hefty entry fees but deliver little reward. Research the credibility of the organisers, review past winners, and assess the quality of media coverage they received.
For businesses, align writing award submissions with your marketing and PR strategy, targeting categories that highlight your strengths. For executives, focus on awards that elevate personal leadership credentials. Outline deadlines well in advance and give yourself and your award writers ample lead time. Award writing is not a task to be rushed.
Step 2. Understand the criteria and key dates
Think of your criteria like your formula sheet. Without them, the chemistry falls flat. Read them carefully, because the criteria will outline exactly what the judges are looking for. That includes word counts, eligibility requirements, supporting documents, testimonials, supporting videos, or referee letters. Some award programs demand detailed evidence and supporting materials, while others are lighter in requirements.
Checking the criteria early allows you to plan. For businesses, this might mean collating financials, customer results, or case studies. For executives, it could involve gathering leadership testimonials or proof of impact.
Also, be sure to verify eligibility. There’s no benefit in entering a large-company category for instance, if your team size doesn’t qualify. Make sure to also pay close attention to the time period the judges are reviewing. For example, it may be the 12-month period from September last year to September this year. Your results must fall within these dates to count.
When writing award submissions, success comes down to data, detail and storytelling.
- Use measurable results: This is highly important. For businesses: Did sales rise 15 per cent? Did customer satisfaction hit a record high? For executives: Did team engagement improve? Did you lead a transformation that saved costs or boosted innovation? Use figures to demonstrate improvements.
- Read the award entry website: Many will offer, hints and tips and even links to previous winning entries. Following a similar style and inclusions will help you craft you own winning entry.
- Answer every question directly: Don’t avoid prompts, the judges will notice.
- Tell a story: Go beyond figures. Judges want to know the challenges you faced, your motivations, and what makes you unique. For executives, this might mean sharing a personal leadership journey; for businesses, highlighting how your culture or innovation made a difference.
- Use testimonials: Independent voices from clients, customers, staff members, or industry leaders carry significant weight.
- Stick to the rules: Respect word limits, avoid jargon and acronyms, and write in first person (“we” or “I”). This makes the submission more authentic and engaging.
Step 3. Support with attachments
Many award programs allow attachments like photos, case studies, media coverage, or videos. Don’t underestimate their value when writing award entries. These extras help bring your story to life. For a business, this might be a client case study, for an executive, perhaps a keynote speech video or media feature. Select the most relevant pieces of evidence that strengthen your claims.
Step 4. Review, refine, and submit early
Award entry writing should never be a last-minute job. Ask a colleague, or a professional award writing service like Bespoken, to review your draft. Fresh eyes will pick up errors, jargon, or assumed knowledge you may have overlooked. Carefully double-check your word counts, attachments, and submission details before hitting submit.
Final thoughts
Remember, Walter White had chemistry, you’ve got storytelling. It’s time to start breaking bland. Whether you’re writing award submissions for a business or an executive leader, the fundamentals remain the same: choose the right award, align with the criteria, provide strong evidence, and tell a compelling story. Award submission writing takes time and effort, but the payoff is well worth it with recognition, credibility, and the chance to be seen as the best in your field.
Bespoken’s team of former journalists and communications professionals are highly experienced at writing compelling and winning award submissions.
