Categories
Awards for Publications
Charles C. Clayton Award for Best Journalistic Performance
For outstanding coverage of an event or issue in a prison publication. As in the original Penal Press Contest, the Clayton Award is not automatically awarded every year.
Best Newspaper
For general excellence in newspapers.
Best Magazine
For general excellence in a regularly published periodical or single special issue in a magazine format.
Best Debut Publication
For general excellence in a publication established between 2022 and the present.
Best NewsletterÂ
For general excellence. Eligible entries may be alternative, underground, commentary, small-format, or newsletter publications that seek to provide verifiable or reliable information as part of their mission.
Awards for Individual Contributions
We accept all submissions published between 2024 and 2025.
Best Opinion
For outstanding performance. Opinion pieces in the form of columns, editorials, commentary or op-eds are eligible.
Best Feature
For outstanding performance in a short form or newspaper-style feature.
Best Longform Magazine Article
For outstanding performance in long-form, narrative-driven, or explanatory writing in the magazine-style. For pieces 800 words or more. (Multi-part articles are eligible so long as the total word count for the series exceeds 800 words.)
Best Sports Coverage
For outstanding performance in sports coverage.
Best Local Coverage
Eligible entries may be any single story or ongoing coverage of a local, regional, or institution-specific topics.
Best Visual Journalism
For the best work of photojournalism, illustration, infographics, cartoon, or overall publication design.
Awards for Individuals
Newsroom Leader of the Year
For leadership by an incarcerated contributor to a prison press publication. Any individual may nominate potential recipients, including themselves. To submit, send a letter of nomination.
Woman Prison Journalist of the Year
Outstanding performance by any incarcerated female or female-identifying journalist. Any individual may nominate potential recipients, including themselves. To submit, send a letter of nomination and one or more samples of the journalist’s work.
Advisor of the Year
For leadership by an outside volunteer, advisor, or corrections staff sponsor. Any incarcerated person may nominate anyone who has served as an advisor or volunteer. To submit, send a letter of nomination.