Specifications for the Herbert Ross Brown Prize in New England Literary History, 1820-2000
1. Basic Statement
The Herbert Ross Brown Prize in New England Literary History will be awarded annually, at the
judges' discretion, for a distinguished essay in New England literary history whose topic falls
within the time period 1820-2000. The prize award is two thousand dollars.
2. Time of Submission
All essays submitted for a particular calendar year must be postmarked by 30 June.
3. Definition of the Term "New England Literary History"
Essays should discuss works by authors, either deceased or still living, who have written
primarily about or have spent most of their lives in New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). The committee will consider essays discussing
literature in the broadest sense—from slave narratives, to poetry and novels, to political and
religious tracts—that were produced between 1820 and 2000. It is expected that the essay will
place any work discussed within a historical and/or biographical context.
4. Length of Essays
Essays should, as a guideline, range between 30 and 60 double-spaced typewritten pages.
5. Style and Format of Essays
Authors should follow the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition. Double space text and notes.
Contributions will be read blind, so your name should appear only on a detachable cover sheet.
Include hard copies of illustrations, if any. Submit four copies of the essay. Email submissions
cannot be accepted.
6. Criteria for Judging Submissions
Each essay will be judged according to three basic criteria:
Originality.
We expect the essay to represent an original contribution to the understanding of New England
literary history. Originality can be achieved either in the presentation of new materials or
in a fresh interpretation of familiar materials.
Scholarship.
We expect the essay to be scholarly—to demonstrate competence in the use of sources and in the
interpretation of them.
Composition.
We expect the essay to be well written—logically composed and felicitously expressed.
7. Publication
The Editors expect to publish the winning essay each year. The author of the manuscript must be willing
to grant NEQ copyright for that purpose.
To submit a manuscript for consideration, please contact:
Brown Prize Committee
c/o Linda Smith Rhoads, Editor
The New England Quarterly
Meserve Hall, 2nd Floor
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 02115
