Fantasy football writers can start mailing it in a little earlier this year.

The Fantasy Sports Writers Association has opened the nominating process for its end-of-year awards earlier than in the past and also moved up the deadline. All submissions must be in by 9 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, Dec. 21 — 10 days earlier than in prior seasons.

That’s particularly important to keep in mind during what can be an extremely busy time of year for anyone who deals in fantasy football.

The 15 categories include (required submissions are the number of articles that must be provided to make the entrant eligible):

Best Fantasy Football Writer of the Year (5 submissions required)
Best Fantasy Football Article of the Year, Web
Best Fantasy Football Article of the Year, Print
Best Fantasy Football On-Going Series (3 submissions required)
Best Fantasy Baseball Writer of the Year (5 submissions required)
Best Fantasy Baseball Article of the Year, Web
Best Fantasy Baseball Article of the Year, Print
Best Fantasy Baseball On-Going Series (3 submissions required)
Best Fantasy Basketball Writer of the Year (5 submissions required)
Best Fantasy Hockey Writer of the Year (5 submissions required)
Best Fantasy Golf Writer of the Year (5 submissions required)
Best Fantasy Racing Writer of the Year (5 submissions required)
Best Fantasy College Sports Writer of the Year (5 submissions required)
Best Fantasy Humor Article of the Year, Print or Web
Fantasy Newcomer of the Year (5 submissions required)

The “Newcomer of the Year” award is new in 2010 and is open to non-FSWA members. Eligible candidates must have published their first article since the start of this year. All other awards are open only to FSWA members. (Non-members can join here by Dec. 31 to become eligible.)

The FSWA has also extended the deadline for companies to submit magazines in the top print publication category. Two samples must be received by Monday, Dec. 13, and should be sent to:

FSWA
Attn: Mike Beacom
PO Box 296
Amherst, WI 54406

All awards will be presented at the Fantasy Sports Trade Association’s winter conference.

2009 winners: here and here
2008 winners: here, there and this place
Previous winners: elsewhere