The collections consists primarily of manuscripts of Thayer's works, including personal notes, publisher/editor corrections and correspondence, and some public response. Also included are various newspaper and magazine articles featuring the author.

Contains consecutive drafts of the work "Wolves," going through title changes. The first draft is titled "Wolves," the second "Mrs. Meyers," the third "David," and the final is a photocopy of the work (titled "Wolves") published in Dialogue in the winter of 2006. Dated circa 1971-2006.

Contains draft notes for Thayer's work "Red-tailed Hawk." Materials pertain to the publication, and include consecutive drafts of the work with author's commentary. Also includes correspondence with publishers and responses. Contains a photocopy of the work as published in the Wasatch Review International in Winter of 1992, a letter from Dan Pearce responding to the work, and consecutive drafts of the work. Dated circa 1971-2003.

Contains draft notes for Thayer's work "Under the Cottonwoods." Materials pertain to the publication, and include consecutive drafts of the work with author's commentary. Also includes correspondence with publishers and responses. Dated circa 1971-2003.

Contains draft notes for Thayer's works, including "The Turtle's Smiles," "Ten Years of Laughter," "Harris," "Kellie," and "The Welcome Home." Other works are included. Materials pertain to the publications, and include drafts of the works and author's commentaries. Also includes correspondence with publishers. Dated circa 1962-2003.

Contains draft notes for Thayer's work "The Hunter." This work was also called "The Sparrow Hunter." Materials pertain to the publication, and include consecutive drafts of the work with author's commentary. Also includes correspondence with publishers and responses. Dated circa 1971-2003.

Contains draft notes for Thayer's work "Greg." Materials pertain to the publication, and include consecutive drafts of the work with author's commentary. Also includes correspondence with publishers and responses. Dated circa 1971-2003.

Contains draft notes for Thayer's work "The Gold Mine." Materials pertain to the publication, and include consecutive drafts of the work with author's commentary. Also includes correspondence with publishers and responses. Also includes one published manuscript of "The Gold Mine" and "Greg" in the Horizon magazine. Dated circa 1971-2005.

Contains draft notes for Thayer's work "Frank Thayer." This work also went by the title "Provo Boy" or "Provo Boys," "The Red Bell" or "The Red Christmas Bell." Materials pertain to the publication, and include consecutive drafts of the work with author's commentary. Also includes correspondence with publishers and responses. Dated circa 1971-2003.

Contains draft notes for Thayer's work "The Trout Fisher." This work went through a phase where the title was "The Fisherman." Materials pertain to the publication, and include consecutive drafts of the work with author's commentary. Also includes correspondence with publishers and responses. It also includes some notes researching trout fishing. Dated circa 1971-2003.