Spherical precursors to YVO4 phosphors are reported that lead to fired materials of 1-5 mu m in size with the majority of particles below 4 mu m. The photoluminescence performance of the phosphors prepared by this method is as good as those of commercial phosphors, where the average size particle has a volume nine times greater than those reported here. The excitation and emission spectra for YVO4:M (where M = Bi3+: Th3+, Eu3+ Sm3+. or Er3+) are presented. The origins of the emission in YVO4 are briefly discussed.