OUR
FAQS
About the Incarcerated Writers Bureau
The writers in the IWB were chosen based on demonstrated history of publication and expertise, as well as being nominated based on professional merit by individuals and organizations that work with incarcerated writers. Several of the writers in the IWB have been previously involved with PEN America, either in the submission of pieces for the PEN Prison Writing Contest, or participation in mentorship or fellowship programs.
The best way to contact a writer will vary based on institutional restrictions and personal preference, and is highlighted within their profile. For example, some writers may only be able to receive physical mail, while others will have the option to digitally message through JPAY or another information technology program. We highly encourage you to visit our resource section to better understand how to most successfully communicate through the walls.
Writers featured on the IWB site are selected through direct invitation and nomination from other prison writing-focused organizations.
Communicating with Writers
Yes, please contact the writers on site directly! The purpose of the IWB is to help industry professionals develop working relationships with writers who are incarcerated. We encourage you to contact our writers directly to develop a direct relationship. The Prison and Justice Writing Program is staffed by supporters and advocates, but we are not agents. Each writer is their own autonomous creator. Do let us know when a writer has been officially commissioned so our team can better track the use and successes of the IWB.
Yes, mail and inside/outside communication rules vary by state. You can find a full list of what is permitted by state on the sixth page of the “Training Resources” section of the IWB. Rules may also shift by facility, so please communicate with the writer about any questions or mail receipt concerns.
Due to the timing of mail processing, it may take much longer for an incarcerated writer to return a message, from a few weeks up to a few months. For physical mail, if it’s been at least a month with no response, make sure the mailing address is correct and the writer is still in the same facility.
If you haven’t heard back from a writer in 1-2 months, we first suggest confirming their current residence and mailing address. Sometimes writers transfer facilities with little notice and before we can update their information on the IWB site. If you are attempting to contact a writer in a state or facility that sends residents scans of physical mail instead of the documents themselves, make sure the mail was addressed to the correct address. (Scan states sometimes have mail directed to a different state first.) If you are still having trouble, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.
The information shared on the IWB website is public information, but please do not share the writers’ personal information that is disclosed to you through direct contact. Publicizing the personal information of writers without consent is highly inappropriate, and can be dangerous, both for the writers and their families.
Supporting Writers & Opportunities
You can direct writers to write to PJW directly at the address below with information requests.
PEN America Prison and Justice Writing
588 Broadway Suite 303
New York, NY 10012
Please pay writers directly. Issuing payment to writers may depend on personal preference and availability, and the writers themselves will be able to communicate and negotiate the best process for remuneration. For general resources about the logistical and ethical considerations for paying incarcerated writers, please refer to the second page of the “Training Resources” section of the IWB.