New book prize honors retiring UW Press editor

The University of Wisconsin Press has established the Elizabeth Steinberg Prize for Excellence in Publishing, honoring Steinberg’s retirement as chief editor and assistant director after a 39-year career.

The annual prize will recognize the best work published by the University of Wisconsin Press within a two-year period. An independent panel will alternate annually in making two types of awards: for scholarly works written by Wisconsin scholars; and for works of regional significance, including Wisconsin’s history, culture, or natural history. A stipend will accompany the prize.

“We at the press believe that paying tribute to superior published works is the most fitting way to honor someone who has devoted much of her life to promoting the advancement of scholarship and to improving our larger cultural community,” says press director David Bethea.

Steinberg had been pursuing a Ph.D. in English when her husband suddenly died, and she took a job at UW Press in January 1961 to support four sons. Steinberg was startled to discover that the university didn’t provide life insurance for female academic staff members, and led a drive that eventually allowed women to enjoy the same life insurance benefits as men.

Over the years, Steinberg mentored many aspiring editors. She edited or supervised the editing of at least 1,500 manuscripts or book projects. Steinberg has worked closely with a number of university faculty, who credit her for her intelligence and vision in editing their works of scholarship. Last year, Steinberg received the Regents’ Administrative and Professional Academic Staff Excellence Award for Outstanding Service.

An endowment fund for the award has been established at the UW Foundation, and additional contributions to it in Steinberg’s honor are welcome. Contributions may be sent to: The UW Foundation, Elizabeth Steinberg Prize, attention David J. Weertz, 1848 University Ave., P.O. Box 8860, Madison, WI 53708-0781.