What can you submit for a ClearMark Award?
You may submit materials written in English, Spanish, or French. Entries must have been published in 2026.
Important: Spanish- and French-language entries must be submitted in the corresponding language category, regardless of format or delivery method. Do not enter them in format-based categories such as Apps and Games, Websites, or Emails and Letters. English-language entries may be submitted in any format-based category below.
What you can submit
- Apps and Games
- Emails and Letters (mailed or digital)
- Newsletters and Blogs (mailed or digital)
- Legal, Rights, and Policy Communications
- Posters, Flyers, and Infographics (one page)
- Fact Sheets (typically two to five pages)
- Lay Summaries
- Forms and Applications
- Presentations
- Books and Guides (typically 10 or more pages)
- Websites
- French
- Spanish
Don’t see a category that fits your material? Email us at info@centerforplainlanguage.org.
The Center for Plain Language may move an entry to a different category or combine categories when needed.
Grand ClearMark Award: The top honor recognizes the entry that best demonstrates plain language communication across all categories.
Best In Awards: Judges may also recognize standout work in specific areas of plain language with Best In Awards. You do not need to submit a separate entry to be considered. Judges select Best In recipients from all ClearMark submissions.
What you can’t submit
- Videos
- Audio
- Podcasts
Entry Rules
- Submit by the 2027 deadline.
- Your entry must be intended for a North American audience or developed in North America for an audience outside North America.
- You may submit as many entries as you would like.
- If you have a bilingual document and would like both versions to be judged, submit it twice: once in English and once in Spanish or French. The first entry is subject to the standard fee. Submitting the same document in a second language qualifies for the discounted Second Bilingual Entry fee.
Submission Process
How to submit your entry:
- Start your entry. When submissions open, use the online entry system to begin your submission.
- Complete the online entry form. Follow the instructions in the entry system and provide all required information.
- Pay the entry fee. Follow the payment instructions in the entry system. If you need an invoice or have questions about payment, email us at info@centerforplainlanguage.org.
Judging Process
Every submitter receives useful feedback from our judges, whether the entry wins or not. You can use that feedback to strengthen future content. Review our judging criteria to learn how judges evaluate each submission.
Judging CriteriaPrevious Winners
See who won in 20262027 Submission Fees — subject to change
Members: $200 | Non-members: $250
Second Bilingual Entry fee (the same entry submitted in a second language):
Members: $110 | Non-members: $165
Center MembershipCenter for Plain Language members get:
- Member rates on ClearMark entries and special events
- Information about international plain language standards
- The option to be listed in our Consultant Directory
When to submit
Submissions for the 2027 ClearMark Awards will open January 4, 2027.
Need Help?
Questions about the ClearMark Awards? Email us at info@centerforplainlanguage.org.