Connecting with incarcerated writer. Breaking into print mentorship program.
Connecting with incarcerated writer. Breaking into print mentorship program.
Writing can have transformative effects on incarcerated individuals. Students enrolled in a writing course for inmates improve their communication and critical thinking skills, while building focus, perseverance, and confidence. When you enroll your friend or loved one in Breaking Into Print, you support their creative endeavors, give them a chance to connect with readers and other writers, and inspire a unique opportunity to reclaim their voice.

Writing mentorship in prison

Breaking Into Print is a correspondence course for incarcerated writers. Students follow guided assignments and work one-on-one with a personal mentor who provides developmental edits on each writing assignment. Students sharpen their descriptive writing skills to develop fiction and nonfiction manuscripts and survey the current market for magazine publication opportunities.

Breaking Into Print offers a one-on-one method of instruction that teaches students how to write clearly and effectively, set and meet goals, and enhance their overall literacy. The skills gained in this writing course for inmates go a long way with job applications and personal communications, helping students reenter society confidently.

Breaking Into Print is a reputable correspondence course for incarcerated students—we ship soft-covered books and materials that are approved by most facilities. Although the average student finishes this course within 18 months, the Institute allows up to 2 years for completion.

Curriculum
Materials
Tuition
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What You'll Learn

This one-on-one mentorship program and get your work out into the world. You’ll learn how to:

You’ll learn how to:

  • Study magazines and understand what editors are looking for
  • Write and revise compelling stories and articles
  • Submit your work to real publications
  • Plan future writing projects that match your voice and goals
  • Build confidence and a portfolio you can be proud of

It’s not just about writing—it’s about being heard, making progress, and creating something that lasts.

Course Outcomes for Writing course for inmates
Writing course for inmates, Correspondence course for incarcerated, Writing mentorship in prison

Where our students have been published

Iron City Magazine
Pheobe Journal
Columbia Journal
Prison Journalism Project
Rain Shadow

materials included in course

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Breaking Into Print Course Manual

IFW Publishing

The Instruction Manual published exclusively for our students. It contains assignments, idea generators, planning guides, writing and revision techniques and guidelines for preparing a book submission package.

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IFW Publishing.

Breaking into Print Pointers from the Pros

Pointers from the Pros are a collection of teaching aids, either mini lectures or short skill tips, that your instructor will reference throughout your course. These supplementary guides provide in-depth expertise on a wide range of writing concepts to reinforce your instruction.

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edited by Robert Lee Brewer, Writers Digest Books

Writers Market

Writer's Market 100th edition guides you through the submissions process
with thousands of publishing opportunities for writers, including listings for book publishers, consumer and trade magazines, contests and awards, and literary agents as well as new playwriting and screenwriting sections. These listings feature contact and submission information to help writers get their work published.

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by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, 4th edition

A classic manual on the principles of English language. Decidedly the most
practical handbook of grammar, correct usage, punctuation,
and effective writing techniques.

The Elements of Style

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William Zinsser, Harper Perennial, 7th edition

Known for its sound advice, On Writing Well offers you fundamental
principles as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher.
With more than a million copies sold, this volume has stood the test of
time and remains a valuable resource for writers and would-be writers.

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing

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IFW Publishing, 6th edition

Searching: a Research Guide for Writers

Prepared especially for our students, this handbook introduces a variety of sources and methods available for tracking down information, an indispensable guide to research resources.

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Two professional editors teach writers the techniques of the editing trade that turn promising manuscripts into published novels and short stories.

Self Editing for Fiction Writers

Renni Brown and Dave King, William Morrow, 2nd edition

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IFW Publishing

Voices in Today’s Magazines

An anthology of notable published fiction and nonfiction with a purpose: to give you 81 outstanding models of characterization, dialogue, viewpoints, endings, settings, leads, conflict, climax, voice, flashbacks, (and every aspect of each of these elements), to examine, understand, consider and, perhaps, add to your arsenal of skills.

Voices in Todays Magazines 1

Tuition

FULL PAY

$ 1,816 Full Pay
  • Highest Savings
  • Total $1,816
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A single one time payment for the total tuition price of: $1,816

PAYMENT PLAN I

$ 79 Monthly
  • Most Popular
  • $160 down, 20 monthly payments of $79, final payment of $76
  • Total $,1816
Request Info

20 Month autopay plan requires down payment of $160.00 due at enrollment and 20 equal monthly payments of $79.00 with a final payment of $76.00. Total tuition price: $1,816

PAYMENT PLAN II

$ 69 Monthly
  • Lowest Monthly Payments
  • $160 down, 24 monthly payments of $69
  • Total $,1816
Request Info
24 Month autopay plan requires down payment of $160.00 due at enrollment and 24 equal monthly payments of $69.00. Total tuition price: $1,816

If you enroll your loved one before they’ve submitted their writing sample, please be aware they will need to complete our mailed Writing Assessment and return it before they can begin their coursework.

METHOD OF PAYMENT: Pay using your credit or debit card! We accept Visa, Discover, Master Card and American Express.

10 DAY NO-RISK TRIAL: Our goal is to provide you with the writing skills and knowledge needed in today’s publishing industry. We are confident that you will enjoy our writing courses so we offer you a 10 day no-risk trial! If for some reason you are unsure or dissatisfied, we’ve got you covered. The Institute For Writers Student Protection Policy:

  • You have 10 days once you enroll in your course to change your mind. If you’re not completely satisfied, simply notify us, return the materials and get a FULL REFUND. It’s that easy.
  • After 10 days, you have the ability to cancel your course at any time. Whether you have paid in full or on a monthly payment plan, you qualify for our Student Refund Policy.

REFUND POLICY: Our student service team focuses on student satisfaction. However, if you choose not to continue your writing course, we offer a refund policy. Cancellations within the first 5 days of enrollment receive a full refund. After the first 5 days your refund amount is based on: Tuition collected, Lessons completed, and Enrollment date. Learn more about our refund policy.

EDUCATION VERFICATION: All Students are required to provide education verification such as: High school transcript/diploma or equivalent, college transcript/diploma, or military credentials (DD214). Learn more about our admission requirements.

the power of the pen

“This course allowed me to test my ability to write and enhance my editing skills. Became more mindful of the writing market and how it works. I was able to ask my instructor for guidance in my writing. With her help I will be able to take this information forward through my years of writing.”
Courtney C.
Breaking Into Print Graduate
“The course served as my lighthouse in the chaotic ocean of my life. Writing with a mentor allowed me to have some degree of stability and vent about things in a self-contained environment. After completing my assignments, receiving feedback, and learning how to revise my words into something more constructive, I learned to string ideas together by being open to the teachings of my mentor. ...”
Bryon D.
Breaking Into Print Graduate
"The ease of connecting with my instructor and the feedback of my instructor after trying new and familiar writing, gave me the confidence to put myself out there and try new things! I would recommend this course completely if you want to break into new levels of writing and love one on one instruction and having someone in your corner."
Julia P.
Breaking Into Print Graduate

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about Breaking Into Print for the Incarcerated correspondence course.

To enroll into our Breaking Into Print for the Incarcerated course, students must following:

  • All students are required to have a copy of their High School Diploma or GED Equivalency. 
  • If a student is between the ages of 14-18 and has parental/guardian approval, high school completion is waived.
  • Completion of a Writing Assessment
  • Complete our Enrollment Agreement for admission. The agreement outlines the obligations of Institute for Writers and the student. The required down payment must be submitted at time of enrollment.

New student must submit a Writing Assessment due to limited openings in the course. You may request a Writing Assessment for your loved one here.

It’s easy! Click on Request Info, fill in the required fields and download your course catalog. You will receive details on the program such as course curriculum, materials included, tuition fees, and payment options.

One of the advantages of taking Breaking Into Print is that you are able to work at your own pace. Students can complete this writing course in 18 months, but are allotted 2 years to complete their course.

Tuition may be paid in full at enrollment or you may choose a low monthly payment plan. You may view all payment options here.

Click here to see what materials are included in Breaking Into Print course.

The Institute ships materials vis USPS

  • All course material is printed in soft covered textbooks
  • The first shipment should arrive in approximately 7-10 business days from the date of enrollment. Please keep in mind that shipments must be processed through the mailroom once they arrive at the facility
  • One assignment is release at a time based on receipt of the current, edited assignment. For those on a payment plan, payment must be up to date in order for the next assignment to be released.

Students can expect to receive feedback from their instructor within 6-8 weeks. This includes editing time, mailing, and processing at the facility.