Founded in 1997, the Backwaters Press has published award-winning books by some of America’s finest writers. The University of Nebraska Press acquired the Backwaters Press in 2018, with its impressive backlist in poetry and prose that contributes to the cultural landscape of our state and region. As a general interest imprint of UNP, the Backwaters Press continues to plant it roots firmly in the Great Plains, delighting readers with literature of enduring value and consequence. Nebraska is proud to announce that titles under the Backwaters Press imprint will be available as ebooks as well.

The Backwaters Press is excited to announce that the deadline for the Backwaters Prize in Poetry has been extended to May 31!

The winner will be awarded a $2,000 cash prize and the honorable mention will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize. Both winners will be awarded the publication of their book by the University of Nebraska Press under its imprint, the Backwaters Press. The judge for the 2020 contest is Nebraska State Poet, Matt Mason. Click here for more information.

The winner of the 2019 prize was Jennifer Sweeney for her collection, Foxlogic, Fireweed, available this September. The judge was Grace Bauer.