The VanArsdel Prize is awarded annually to the best graduate student essay investigating Victorian periodicals and newspapers. The prize was established in 1990 to honor Rosemary VanArsdel, a founding member of the Research Society for Victorian Periodicals, whose groundbreaking research continues to shape the field of nineteenth-century periodical studies.
The winner of the VanArsdel Prize receives $500 and publication of their submission in Victorian Periodicals Review. A list of past awardees can be found here.
The VanArsdel Prize winner is typically announced in August of the prize year. See our awards calendar for all relevant deadlines. Please note that deadlines are subject to change and if needed, will be announced via our social media channels promptly.
For most awards, grants, and prizes (with the exception of the Microgrants program), RSVP does not require applicants to be a member of RSVP, but we urge all who receive funding and recognition to join our community by becoming a member of the organization.
Submission Guidelines
Essays should be approximately 4,000–7,500 words (or 15–25 pages), excluding notes and bibliography. Formatting should be double-spaced throughout with one-inch margins and a standard font (such as Times New Roman 12). Please also note:
- Authors must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at the time of submission. The winner will be required to provide a transcript or letter from their graduate program verifying student status.
- Manuscripts should not be under submission elsewhere or previously published.
- Submissions should be emailed as an MS Word attachment.
For further details about the prize or to submit your essay, contact the VPR Editor (vpr[at]rs4vp[dot]org).