R-J Business copy editor takes first place in national headline-writing contest

Review-Journal Business copy editor Matthew Crowley took first place in the 100,001-250,000 circulation division of the 2007 American Copy Editors Society's national headline writing contest.

The nonprofit society, the nation's largest trade group of copy editors from newspapers, magazines and online publications, announced the winners Thursday in Denver at its 12th annual national conference.

The society named individual winners in five categories, four circulation-based divisions (more than 250,001, and all non-newspaper entries; 100,001-250,000; 50,001-100,000; and 50,000 or less) and a student division.

Winners in the nonstudent and staff categories will receive a plaque and a $500 cash prize.

In comments posted on the society's conference Web page, contest judges said Crowley offered a "strong package of headlines with each standing on its own merit."

One judge wrote: "In a time when newspapers need more than ever to shake off the stiff, stentorian conventions of the past and work harder to connect with readers, Crowley's heads make the reader feel as if he or she is dropping into the middle of a coffee-shop conversation. And they make the reader want to dive into the stories and continue the conversation."

This is the first ACES headline contest title for Crowley, 40. He took honorable mention in the society's contests in 2001 and 2002. He won first place for headline writing in the Nevada Press Association contest, also in 2001 and 2002. He's been with the Review-Journal for 11 years, 10 on the R-J Business copy desk.

To see Crowley's ACES contest portfolio and the complete list of winners, visit http://www.copyblock.com/acesdenver/index.php/site/entry/headlines/.