FAQs

Who can submit? 

We welcome submissions from currently and formerly incarcerated individuals in Missouri. If you are submitting on someone’s behalf, please clearly indicate this in your submission and include their full name and contact information where possible.

What kinds of work can I submit? 

We accept a wide range of creative and reflective works, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, visual art, and more. Please don’t feel the need to‬ be limited by the examples below. We hope, however, that this list can provide some inspiration.‬

  • Personal essays and memoirs‬‭ about your experiences‬

  • Poetry‬‭ in any style or format‬

  • Short fiction‬‭ (stories, flash fiction, vignettes)‬

  • Artwork‬‭ including drawings, paintings, or other visual media‬

  • "Day in the life"‬‭ reflections about daily experiences‬

  • Opinion pieces‬‭ on prison reform, justice, or related topics‬

  • Letters‬‭ to your past or future self, family members, or society‬

  • Interview-style narratives‬‭ (self-interviews or conversations)‬

  • Musical verse‬‭ (multimedia submissions are welcome)‬

Can I be published anonymously or under a pseudonym? 

Absolutely. Please specify in your application if you would like to be published anonymously or under a pseudonym. 

What will I gain from this experience?

Most importantly, we hope Itero serves as an opportunity to share your voice with a wider audience through both online and print publications. 

Each contributor will also be paired with a Washington University student editor who will offer personalized feedback and support throughout the editing process. Our goal is for this partnership to open doors to additional opportunities—whether related to creative development, publication, or reentry support. 

All contributors will receive a copy of the magazine featuring their work, and you and your loved ones will be invited to a special reception in the spring to celebrate the issue and honor your contributions.

Can you provide incarcerated writers with writing utensils or stamps?

We may be able to provide materials upon request, but please allow ample time for processing and delivery.