The New Directions in Folklore Section of the American Folklore Society invites submissions for the annual Bill Ellis Prize competition. The prize will be awarded to the best graduate student essay that combines innovative research and analysis on folklore, broadly construed.  Topics can include, but are not limited to: digital folklife, popular culture, or other emerging methodologies.

The prize carries an honorarium of $100. The winning essay will normally be submitted for publication in the section’s journal, New Directions in Folklore. All unpublished research papers written within two years of the deadline on the desired topic are eligible. Students must submit their own essays. Previously published essays are not eligible for the competition.

Applicants must be members of the New Directions in Folklore Section at the time of submission (join today: https://afsnet.site-ym.com/store/default.asp). Electronic submission of essays is required. The deadline for the annual competition is *September 30*. Essays should be sent to newdirectionsinfolklore@gmail.com. Limit one submission per person.

Three judges who are members of the American Folklore Society, the New Directions in Folklore Section, and the New Directions in Folklore editorial board will evaluate the submissions. The winner will be announced at the annual section meeting on Thursday, October 18.

For more information and past winners: https://www.afsnet.org/general/custom.asp?page=BillEllisPrize.  Please contact prize committee chair John Price (newdirectionsinfolklore@gmail.com) with any questions.