Founded in 1997, the Backwaters Press has worked to produce award-winning books by some of America’s finest authors. UNP acquired Backwaters in 2018, adding an impressive backlist in poetry and prose that contributes to the cultural landscape of our state and region. As a general interest imprint of the Press, Backwaters continues to build on roots planted firmly in the Great Plains, delighting readers with literature of enduring value and consequence. The following are updates from our newest imprint!
The 2018 Backwaters Prize in Poetry winner, Skin Memory by John Sibley Williams, is a 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist in poetry and a finalist in poetry for the National Indie Excellence Awards.
The 2019 Prize winner, Foxlogic, Fireweed by Jennifer K. Sweeney, is now available! Stay tuned on social media for upcoming virtual events. Visit her website here.
In Big Other Mag, Jill Darling wrote an essay on reading Tyrone Williams’ The Hero Project of the Century (2009).
And Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason (the current judge for the 2020 Prize) shared his ongoing efforts in finding creative ways to serve the community. Speaking of the 2020 Prize, we’ll be announcing the new prize winner this fall!
UNP blog 