Every year, the Creative Writing program offers the Walter and Nancy Kidd Memorial Writing Competition in Poetry and Fiction (“Kidd Prize”) to undergraduate writers for excellence in poetry and fiction.
The Creative Writing Program invites two nationally known authors (one poet, one fiction writer) to judge student manuscripts. First, second, and third place are awarded in each genre. Certificates with judges’ comments accompany this prize.
The Kidd Prize is awarded each spring and is open to all undergraduates currently enrolled at the University of Oregon. First, second and third place are awarded in each genre (poetry and fiction). Winners receive a monetary award and a certificate that includes remarks from the competition judge in their genre.
The Creative Writing program invites two nationally known authors (one poet, one fiction writer) to judge student manuscripts. Past judges have included Mark Jarman, Miriam Gershow, Frederick Busch, B. H. Fairchild, Mark Doty, Rosellen Brown, Mary Gaitskill, Yusef Komunyakaa, Sharon Olds, Gerald Stern, Susan Straight, Edward Hirsch, Charles Baxter, Eavan Boland, Tobias Wolfe, Antonya Nelson, Richard Bausch, Richard Tillinghast, Charles Wright, and N. Scott Momaday.
Eligibility
- Open to all undergraduates currently enrolled at the University of Oregon.
- Participation in the Kidd Program is not required.
- Submissions previously appearing in University of Oregon publications which showcase undergraduate work (such as UNBOUND) are acceptable; however, all other published work is ineligible.
Submission Guidelines
Entrants may submit in both genres.
- Fiction: One story up to 20 pages (double-spaced)
- Poetry: Up to two poems on separate pages (single-spaced is acceptable)
Entries must be typed in black using a 12-point standard font (such as Times New Roman). Manuscrips must be identified in the following manner:
UO ID Only (no name)
Title of work submitted
Page #
Manuscripts will not be returned and those not meeting submission guidelines will be disqualified. Judges’ decisions are final.
Entries must be submitted online by the end of the day on Monday, April 3.
Selection and Award
This contest is judged by guest authors participating in the Creative Writing Program’s Reading Series (Spring term). Winners are announced during the last Reading Series event, so all contestants are encouraged to attend.
All disbursements are made through Student Accounts (balances due may be subtracted from the award amount).