The Waterston Desert Writing Prize, flyer.

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize 2025 | How to Apply ($3000)

Apr 16, 2025 Chinaza James-Ibe

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize 2025

Deadline: May 1, 2025 | Prize: $3,000 + Public Reading in Oregon

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize, established in 2014, celebrates literary nonfiction that reflects a deep connection to desert landscapes and ecosystems. Inspired by poet and author Ellen Waterston—Oregon’s current Poet Laureate—the prize supports emerging and established writers working on book-length nonfiction projects.

Award Details

Prize: $3,000
Public Reading & Reception: September 25, 2025 at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon
Travel assistance provided for the winner to attend the event

Eligibility

Open to nonfiction writers (all nationalities welcome)
Work must focus on the desert as subject and setting
Writers must be working on or proposing a book-length manuscript
Submissions must be authored solely by the applicant
No AI-generated content is allowed

Submission Requirements for the Waterston Desert Writing Prize

Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025 by 11:59 PM PST
Submit via: Submittable (link active after Jan 6)
Format: ONE Word or PDF file (no identifying information)

The file must include:

Biographical Statement (1 page)
- Educational, professional, publication, and writing experience
- How the prize would support your work
- Your commitment to desert literature
Project Proposal (1 page)
- Title and description of the proposed manuscript
- Desert locations involved
- How your work contributes to desert literature
Writing Sample (up to 10 pages)
- Must be nonfiction and relevant to the project’s style/subject
- Published or unpublished work accepted
- No fiction, poetry, juvenile lit, or co-authored material.