ROBINSON PRIZE
Celebrate excellence in editing. Nominate an outstanding editor today.
The Robinson Prize honors an editor whose work strengthens our profession through exceptional editing, mentoring, teaching, and community building. If you know an editor, even you, whose impact deserves recognition, submit a nomination.
About the Robinson Prize
Every year, ACES recognizes one editor whose work uplifts the field of editing. The Robinson Prize celebrates not only skilled editing but also the leadership, teaching, and collaboration that help our profession grow.
Named for Pam Robinson, cofounder and past president of ACES, the prize reflects her commitment to making editors more visible and strengthening the editorial community.
The winner receives a cash prize and a crystal trophy. The announcement takes place at our annual in-person conference.
Why nominate someone (or yourself)
- Recognize meaningful contributions. Nominate an editor who brings clarity to content, supports colleagues, and strengthens their organization or community.
- Celebrate leadership and mentoring. The Robinson Prize honors editors who guide others, share knowledge, and help create positive, constructive editorial environments.
- Highlight community impact. Many editors support their peers behind the scenes. This award brings that work forward and celebrates the people who help the profession thrive.
- Encourage professional excellence. By nominating someone, you help honor the values that shape ACES: collaboration, good judgment, initiative, and knowledge sharing.
Who can be nominated
The Robinson Prize is open to all editors working at least partly in English. Eligible work should be current but does not have to fall within a specific year or single project.
ACES membership is not required. There is no nomination fee.
You may nominate multiple people. If several nominations are submitted for the same candidate, judges will review the most complete and informative submission.
Not eligible: ACES board members, ACES staff, contest administrators, or judges.
How to participate
Describe their contributions and why they stand out (up to 1,000 words).
Share documents or links that show the nominee’s work or impact.
Include names and contact details. One must be a colleague or client.
Send all materials via the form between January 1 and January 31.
How judging works
Judges include former Robinson Prize winners and industry leaders. They review the nomination statement, supporting material, and reference feedback. A head judge administers the process and only votes in case a tiebreaker is needed. Judges may choose not to award the prize if the entry pool is too small or if submissions do not meet the standard.
The decisions of the judges will be final except under extraordinary circumstances. The ACES Board of Directors is empowered to resolve any disputes.
Past winners
The Robinson Prize has honored editors who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to the editing community. Recent recipients include:
2026: Nadia Geagea Pupa
2025: Jamaal D. Pittman
2024: Erin Brenner
2023: Lily Thomas
2022: Talysa Sainz
2021: Emily Ayubi
2020: Laura Poole
2019: Rob Reinalda
2018: Karen S. Conlin
2017: Karen Yin, Conscious Style Guide
2016: Sarah Grey
2015: Larissa Newton
2014: Katharine O’Moore-Klopf
2013: Doris Truong, Washington Post
2012: Kim Profant, Chicago Tribune
2011: Andy Angelo, The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press
2010: Beth Blair, Boy Scouts of America
2009: Michael Roehrman, The Wichita Eagle
2008: Adam Smith, The Augusta Chronicle
2007: Tim Lynch, Los Angeles Times
2006: Paul Soucy, USA Today
These editors represent excellence across the profession. Each has contributed to the field through strong editing, collaborative leadership, and support for others.