Best Emerging Writer
Award sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation of Canada
The Reader’s Digest Foundation of Canada contributes financially to the support of university-level journalism education as well as national organizations directly involved in advancing fundamental journalistic principles and standards.
The National Magazine Award for Best Emerging Writer goes to a writer whose early work in magazines shows the highest degree of craft and promise.
2023 Winner
From three talented, promising nominees, Marina Wang was awarded the Best Emerging Writer title for “A Community’s Quest to Document Every Species on Their Island Home,” published in Hakai Magazine. The jury was impressed with the way Marina weaved a profile with observations and expert insights:
“In this thoughtful and thought-provoking story, Marina Wang takes the reader on a journey to not only unfurl the rarest moss in Canada (among other earthy treasures on B.C.’s Galiano Island) but the power of discovery in transforming a community’s relationship with nature. Marina weaves a profile with observations and expert insights to offer clarity and context on what is really being lost—from species to language to kinship. Kudos also to the Hakai Magazine Journalism Fellowship and editor J. B. MacKinnon for providing such important in-depth writing opportunities, mentorships, and support to emerging writers—including two of this year’s finalists.”
—NMA Jury
Previous Winners of Best Emerging Writer
2021 — Stephanie Bai — “Seeking Sanctuary” (Maisonneuve)
2020 — Sherina Harris — “The Butterfly Effect” (The Walrus)
2019 — Kate Black — “Awkward Cause” (Maisonneuve)
Note that, in 2019, the category was re-named Best Emerging Writer, with changes made to the submission requirements and eligibility.
Previous Winners of Best New Magazine Writer
2018 — Max Binks-Collier — “Distant Relatives” (Maisonneuve)
2017 — Jessica Rose — “Lost and Found” (Toronto Life)
2016 — Amorina Kingdon — “The Questionable Science of Vancouver’s Port Expansion“ (Hakai Magazine)
2015 — Desmond Cole — “The Skin I’m In“ (Toronto Life)
2014 — Genna Buck — “Finding a Place” (Maisonneuve)
2013 — Catherine McIntyre — “Clusterf*ck” (THIS Magazine)
2012 — Sierra Skye Gemma — “The Wrong Way” (The New Quarterly)
2011 — Liam Casey — “Suicide Notes” (Ryerson Review of Journalism)
2010 — Matthieu Aikins — “Last Stand in Kandahar” (The Walrus)
2009 — Danielle Groen — “This is Your Brain on Love” (Chatelaine)
2008 — Kris Demeanor —”Get a Real Job” (unlimited)
2007 — Patrick White — “Red Rush” (The Walrus)
2006 — Jeremy Klaszus — “Big Oil on Trial” (AlbertaViews)
2005 — Larry Frolick — “The Wired Cabin” (Outpost); “Danger Signs” (The Walrus)
2004 — Sophie Lees (AlbertaViews)
2003 — Chantal Srivastava (L’actualité)
2002 — Jean-Francois Bégin (L’actualité)
2001 — Jonathan Trudel (L’actualité)
2000 — Matthew McKinnon
Previous Winners of Best New Visual Creator
2014 — Hudson Christie — “A Portrait of the Artist with Testicles in Hand” (Maisonneuve)
2011 — The Coveteur — “Gifts” (Report on Business)
2009 — Byron Eggenschwiler — “Tales from Riverheights Terrace” (Swerve)
Previous Winners of Best Student Writer
2008 — Chris Watt — “Iraq’s Walking Dead,” (Maisonneuve)
2007 — Julia Belluz — “I,” (Ryerson Review of Journalism)
2006 — Buffy Cram — “Man Hands,” (Prairie Fire)
2005 — Leigh Doyle — “So Long,” (Ryerson Review of Journalism)