WHITEFISH, Mont. (September 11, 2012)— Legendary author Rick Bass will serve as the judge for Whitefish Review's first fiction prize—"The Rick Bass/Montana Prize for Fiction"—in addition to guest editing issue #12, "Beneath the Surface."

"What is essential, wrote Saint-Exupéry, is often invisible to the eye," says Bass. "How do we see with our other senses? How do we know without knowing? The depths of one's heart can lead a traveler to this kind of other-knowledge, as can, certainly, the unplumbed depths--the limitless depths--of science, and everything that lies between the arts and the sciences. In typical bold and grand style, Whitefish Review's special issue will publish art, photography, and poetry that address this theme. We look forward to the discoveries."

First place winner of the fiction prize will receive a $1,000 and be published in #12 to be released on December 8, 2012. Runners-up and finalists may be considered for publication. A long essay by Mr. Bass will serve as the rock to firmly anchor the issue.

Rick Bass's fiction has received O. Henry Awards, numerous Pushcart Prizes, awards from the Texas Institute of Letters, fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, among others. Most recently, his memoir Why I Came West was a finalist for a National Book Critics Circle Award.

Whitefish Review is a nationally-acclaimed, non-profit journal publishing the distinctive literature, art, and photography of mountain culture. Author Doug Peacock recently called it, "One of the most refreshing journals to hit the literary scene in years."

Featuring established and emerging authors and artists, Whitefish Review weaves a diverse mix of stories, interviews and conversations along with a 16-page color art section. It is published twice a year, in December and June. As a recognized 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation created for the public good, it is supported by generous donations, grants, and subscriptions.

Prominent writers in past issues have included such authors as John Irving, Terry Tempest Williams, Tom Brokaw, Jack Turner and William Kittredge. Every issue also features a young writer chosen by the editors, as part of their mission to discover and nurture younger writers. Often these writers are featured in events alongside famous literary figures.

The deadline for submissions is October 15. There is a $15 fee to submit for the fiction prize, while submissions in non-fiction, poetry, art and photography do not carry a fee. Submissions are accepted via Whitefish Review's Online Submission Manager.