This series traces the preparatory stages for Barthelme's published works, which were primarily collections of short stories or novels. The material related to a single work may include typescripts, page layouts, galley proofs, page proofs, dust jackets, and other formats. Materials are arranged in order of their production, beginning with typescripts and ending with dust jackets. Some of the short story collections include bound volumes which collected typescripts, photocopied drafts, and the printed pages of previously published stories together. Prior to 1975, Barthelme rarely kept early drafts of his work.