NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest - Now Open

Sunshine Week March 15-21, 2026

Consider a Gift to the NSNC Education Foundation

Join NSNC and Reap the Benefits!

NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest - Now Open

Contest submissions now open! We are accepting entries from columnists, bloggers, and serial essayists  for our 2026 Annual Columnist Contest (for work published in 2025). We will accept entries from columnists, bloggers, and serial essayists published in 2025.  Everyone is welcome to submit. You don’t have to be an NSNC member.

Sunshine Week March 15-21, 2026

We’re counting down to #SunshineWeek 2026, March 15-21. Together, we champion #OpenRecords and #OpenGovernment nationwide March 15-21. #FOIA #transparency. Free resources: sunshineweek.org

Consider a Gift to the NSNC Education Foundation

The National Society of Newspaper Columnists Education Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization [501(c)3] devoted to the education and training of new and experienced columnists everywhere. Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/NSNCEdFnd

Join NSNC and Reap the Benefits!

We are excited for What’s in-store for NSNC members this year. We are gearing up to launch the NSNC Annual Columnist Contest on January 15, so you’ll want to be sure your membership is up-to-date. Also, if you have ideas, suggestions, etc., please share them with our President Meredith Cummings at meredithcummings@gmail.com or Executive Director Ginny McCabe at nsncdirector@gmail.com. Thank you for your support of NSNC!

How to Pitch a How-To Column

Writers’ Academy Article previously published in Freelance Focus at PR Newswire, 3/21/2012   By Suzette Martinez Standring   Maybe you write an informational or how-to column or blog based on a passionate interest. A popular column is an unbeatable platform for self-expression. Whether it’s about woodworking, social media, or pets, prepare your pitch to an…

O’Connor – Scripps Howard Finalist

Brian J. O’Connor, The Detroit News, was named a finalist in commentary in the Scripps Howard National Journalism Awards, honors the best work in the communications industry and journalism education. O’Connor was Chair of the NSNC Annual Conference last year in Detroit and is currently a member of the Board of Directors. The Scripps Howard…

Macon, GA – NSNC Conference 2012!

It’s cherry blossom time in Macon, Ga. We lay claim to being the cherry blossom capital of the universe and the city’s more than 300,000 flowering Yoshino cherry trees are in all their glory for the 30th annual International Cherry Blossom Festival. We call it the “Pinkest Party on Earth!” Macon is the prettiest place…

Humor and Politics Mix at Macon

I Love Macon

By Ed Grisamore The (Macon) Telegraph NSNC 2012 Conference Chair Column writers attending the 36th annual NSNC Conference in Macon, Ga., May 3-6 will find a lively mix of humor and politics, served up Southern style A special guest will be Dedra Grizzard, widow of the late, great humorist Lewis Grizzard. She is expected to…