About the WSC Press
The WSC Press is a literary press that celebrates contemporary literature of the Great Plains and publishes regional writing. The WSC Press also manages the Nebraska Territory, an online site for reviewing books by contemporary writers of the region that people might not otherwise hear about. At the Press, Wayne State College students are involved in all aspects of editing and publishing activities. Students also help facilitate the College’s biannual poetry and fiction slams and the Plains Writer Series. The WSC Press was established in 2004 and is housed within the School of Arts and Humanities at WSC.
Publishing at the Press
The WSC Press publishes several books each year, primarily poetry but also fiction and creative nonfiction. Notable authors published by WSC Press include William Kleofkorn (Nebraska State Poet 1982-2011), Twyla Hansen (Nebraska State Poet 2013-2019), William Trowbridge (Poet Laureate of Missouri 2012-2016), and Gailmarie Pahmeier (Poet Laureate of Nevada 2021-2024). Writers interested in publishing with the WSC Press can find more information about the submission process at wscpress.com or by sending inquiries to [email protected].
Contact the Press
WSC Press
Wayne State College
School of Arts and Humanities
1111 Main Street
Wayne, Ne 68787
Office: Humanities Building, Room 108
Phone: 402-375-7118
Email: [email protected]
Meet the WSC Press
The mission of the WSC Press is to celebrate the culture and finest contemporary literature of the Great Plains, to produce and publish the best regional writing, and to involve students in all aspects of editing and publishing.
The idea for the press came from former graduate student Chris Brandon and was made a reality by Dr. James F. O’Donnell, former Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. The press was directed by JV Brummels and Eddie Elfers and is now managed by Chad M. Christensen.
Meet the WSC Press
The mission of the WSC Press is to celebrate the culture and finest contemporary literature of the Great Plains, to produce and publish the best regional writing, and to involve students in all aspects of editing and publishing.
The idea for the press came from former graduate student Chris Brandon and was made a reality by Dr. James F. O’Donnell, former Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. The press was directed by JV Brummels and Eddie Elfers and is now managed by Chad M. Christensen.
Celebrating literature of the Great Plains
The Plains Writers Series provides a forum for Nebraska’s contemporary writers and poets to share their work with Nebraska readers. The series is held four times a year and has been an integral part of Wayne State College’s history since 1977. This reading series generally features Great Plains area authors and artists in a one- or two-day event, followed by a poetry or fiction slam in downtown Wayne.
Nebraska Poetry Festival and Nebraska Fiction Festival
The Nebraska Poetry Festival and Nebraska Fiction Festival, each featuring writers from across the region, are held in conjunction with Northeast Community College. These are two-day events featuring multiple authors, held on WSC and NECC campuses.
Poetry Slam
The Poetry Slam is a poetry competition held twice a year to showcase poetic creativity in a competitive format. In Fall 2018, WSC celebrated its 40th consecutive poetry slam, making it the longest running slam in Nebraska.
Fiction Slam
The Fiction Slam is also a biannual competition with an emphasis on short stories and flash fiction.
The slams are held at The Max Bar and Grill in downtown Wayne, Neb.
The Judas Goat is a literary magazine featuring the poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, and artwork of WSC students. The magazine is edited by students in the Editing and Publishing program and published annually in the fall by the WSC Press. The 50th edition of the Judas Goat was released in 2017.
Nebraska Territory is an online literary review showcasing mini-interviews, mini-book reviews, and a monthly poem. Its primary aim is to spotlight contemporary writers from the Great Plains region. Managed by the WSC Press, the Nebraska Territory is run by students in the Editing and Publishing program at Wayne State College. You can find it at wscpress.com, as well as on Facebook and Substack.
