A Prison Writer's Guide to Media Writing: Prison Journalism Project Paperback – April 15, 2025

“A Prison Writer’s Guide to Media Writing is the resource every incarcerated writer deserves...” —Shaka Senghor, author of Writing My Wrongs, Letters to the Sons of Society and the forthcoming How To Be Free: A Proven Guide To Escaping Life's Hidden PrisonsA Prison Writer's Guide to Media Writing is a first-of-its-kind handbook for incarcerated writers who want to learn how to tell true and impactful stories. The guide includes 14 modules of instruction, from writing op-eds and news stories to interviewing, editing and pitching stories. It also addresses journalism ethics, AP style-writing, fact-checking, language around incarceration and more.Written by Prison Journalism Project co-founders Yukari Kane and Shaheen Pasha, this multi-level handbook, which was a finalist for LION Publishers’ 2024 Product of the Year award, is a foundational book that can be used as a resource for prison publications, a textbook for prison education classes, or a how-to guide for aspiring writers and journalists.The handbook features voices from writers behind bars as well as writing prompts and a self-assessment checklist. Genres include personal essay, reported essay, news, opinion, solutions journalism, event coverage, "news you can use" service journalism, reviews, profile writing, obituaries, Q&As, as-told-to stories and illustrated journalism. It also includes a risk profile quiz and an explainer on the laws around publishing.Prison Journalism Project (PJP) is an independent nonprofit that trains and publishes incarcerated writers so they can share impactful stories, shed light on the U.S. prison system and shift the narrative about life behind bars. To read stories that PJP writers have published, see https://prisonjournalismproject.org.What PJP’s writers are saying:“A Prison Writer's Guide to Media Writing has been a game-changer for my writing journey, offering clear, practical advice that has helped me strengthen my storytelling and connect with a wider audience. This guide has given me the tools to refine my voice and navigate the world of media writing, turning my personal experiences into impactful stories that resonate beyond prison walls. I also use it to teach my fellow prisoners to help them find their voice and create meaningful, impactful journalism.” —Tariq MaQbool, PJP writer“This is a very eye-opening handbook that has both made me a better writer and a more critical reader of the media I consume.” —Cesar Hernandez, PJP Writer“A Prison Writer's Guide To Media Writing provides a writer's roadmap that has made me a more confident and vibrant writer by offering an array of tutorials, genre-specific chapters and craft tips on every page. A gift to all incarcerated people.” —Lisa Lesyshen, PJP Writer Read more