SUBMISSIONS
Prison Renaissance is closed for submissions in 2023.
We’re looking for work that confronts people with the human condition. A piece about a woman’s struggle to navigate male supremacy can confront us as effectively as a piece about solitary confinement. Our goal is to promote creative works that build bridges over walls, connecting diverse people, cultures, and connecting the world people live in today to the world they want to live in tomorrow.
Guidelines for All Genres
We accept previously published work, but please let us know at the time of submission who to cite for prior publication so that we can give appropriate credit.
We accept simultaneous submissions, but please let us know as soon as possible if your work is accepted elsewhere.
Works must not include names or other identifying information of any actual persons who are the victims of or guilty of a crime, apart from the author.
Please format your submission as a Microsoft .doc, .docx, or .rtf and send as an attachment to to prisonrenaissance at gmail dot com. We prefer standard manuscript format. The Subject Line should read: Submission: [Title] by [Name]. Your cover letter should include the submission category and word count (if literature) of your piece and a brief bio.
You are welcome to submit again after hearing a decision from our editors.
Guidelines for Fiction
We prefer flash fiction (under 1,000 words) and short stories, but we will accept excerpts, as well, so long as the piece can stand alone.
Pieces between 500 and 2000 words are preferred, but we will read pieces up to 5,000 words. Please submit one piece at a time.
Guidelines for Non-Fiction
We accept personal essays, articles, book reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, research essays, and humor.
Pieces between 500 and 2000 words are preferred, but we will read pieces up to 5,000 words. Please submit one piece at a time.
Guidelines for Poetry
We accept all types of poetry, including formal, free-verse, experimental, and prose. Please submit 3 to 5 poems for which the total page count does not exceed 10 pages. The longer your poem is, the more concise it should be.
Guidelines for 'Bridges Over Walls'
Art is a bridge that can connect us. Many of our artists are reaching for human connection with their work. We invite all readers to complete this connection by responding to journal content with work of their own. We accept fiction, poetry, essays, opinion pieces, and visual media. All appropriate submissions will be granted publication in our Bridges Over Walls category, but we reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
Guidelines for Visual Media
We accept digital artwork and photo essays.
Please submit 1 to 3 pieces, including title, medium, and date of each submission. For visual media, we will accept .pdf and .jpg images.
Who Can Submit?
Anyone is welcome to submit to Prison Renaissance.
Special submissions calls and contests will be announced here on our website and through our newsletter, which you can sign up for here.
How Do I Submit?
Submissions of original works or responses can be emailed to prisonrenaissance at gmail dot com.
We now accept postal submissions. Please send to:
Camille Griep/Prison Renaissance
P.O. Box 2711
Lynnwood, WA 98036
We do not charge a fee to submit to Prison Renaissance. As a volunteer organization, we are unable to offer payment for your work at this time. All rights revert to the author upon publication.
Please allow 8 weeks for responses to electronic submissions and 12 weeks for responses to postal submissions before sending inquiries. We strive to respond as quickly as possible.