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Working with incarcerated writers in any capacity requires different engagement practices than those generally found in most submission guidelines today.

If you are seeking to invite writers in prison to participate or publish in any literary, media, or arts-related opportunity, use the resources found in the Learn section of this website to make sure your submission guidelines meet facility standards. Then, submit your call for submissions using the form below.

Submitted calls will be screened by PEN America and published to this page for loved ones, networks, and organizations to share with writers in prison. Three times a year, calls will also be printed in a newsletter format and sent inside to incarcerated writers affiliated with PEN America’s Prison and Justice Writing Program.

12/31/2025 2026 PEN Prison Writing Awards

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11/30/2025 Emerson Prison Initiative - Call for Essay Submissions

Inquest

The Sun

American Prison Writing Archive

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Prison Journalism Project

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Incarcerated Writers Initiative (Columbia University)

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Phoebe Journal: Incarcerated Writers Project

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Submit an Opportunity for Writers

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Writers in prison do not have access to the Internet and often do not have the ability to procure sample copies of the publication. Please describe the kind of work you look forward to receiving, with some names of known writers you have published before.

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If this is a themed issue or another unique opportunity, please describe it further here.

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Writers in prison work through the mail, and our newsletter goes out quarterly. Please submit opportunities at least 4 months in advance to receive the best results.

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Unfortunately, writers in prison will not be able to access Internet-based submission platforms. We suggest setting up a PO Box to receive paper mail from incarcerated writers.

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Without access to reliable printing capabilities, often writers submit by hand, or with print outs that are originals. Please specify if writer's materials can be returned, so they can make proper arrangements to not send original copies in.

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Here you can include the method of submitting online, in case the writer has friends or family who can submit on their behalf.

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Writers in prison have little ability to pay people from inside. We suggest waiving submission fees for incarcerated writers.

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Writers in prison are often anxious about when they will hear back about an opportunity. To avoid follow up letters, it is important to provide clarity on when they can expect to hear back.