Good writing is important because the sponsors of the Bert & Phyllis Lamb Prize in Political Science want the findings or products developed by the winner of the prize to be useful and useable. Good writing helps ensure the usability of the winner’s work.

For the purpose of the Lamb Prize, good writing includes, but is not limited to: proper use of grammar; appropriate use of tone in an individual voice capable of specificity; conventions that are correct and communicative; logical organization and clarity; and articulation of interesting and important ideas.

Written submissions in support of an application or nomination must be typed and include sufficient references to demonstrate that the applicant or nominee understands the literature upon which the submission is based. Applicants or nominees may use any citation style. However, the citation style must be employed consistently within any one document and among all documents.