Incarcerated Author Scholarship Program

Two Scholarships • Up to $1,000 Each

Helping incarcerated writers move their manuscripts closer to professional publication.

Request an Application View Publishing Services

About the Scholarship

Elite Prime Services awards two incarcerated-author publishing scholarships annually. Each recipient may receive up to $1,000 in eligible book-development and publishing services.

Services May Include

Manuscript typing
Proofreading or editing
Interior book formatting
Book-cover assistance
Author biography development
Book-description development
Self-publishing assistance
Printed proof-copy coordination

Who May Apply

Currently incarcerated writers seeking help developing or publishing a book
Authors with handwritten or typed manuscripts
Writers who can communicate through approved facility mail or an authorized outside contact
Authors willing to review proofs and provide final written approval

Applying does not require purchasing services.

How to Apply

Request the scholarship application by mail or email, then return the completed materials for review.

1. Request the Application
Write to Elite Prime Services or have an authorized supporter email us.

2. Describe Your Book
Provide the title, genre, short summary, manuscript status and services needed.

3. Submit for Review
Return the application using the instructions provided. Selection dates will be announced for each award cycle.

How Awards Are Determined

Applications may be reviewed for manuscript readiness, clarity of the project, services needed, feasibility within the $1,000 limit and the potential benefit of professional publishing assistance.

The exact services awarded will depend on the selected manuscript's needs and Elite Prime Services' standard service rates.

Important Award Terms

The scholarship has no cash value.
It cannot be transferred or exchanged for cash.
Services cannot exceed $1,000 per recipient.
It does not guarantee sales, royalties, reviews or commercial success.
Expenses beyond the written award require separate approval and payment.

Authors Keep Ownership of Their Work

Authors retain ownership of their original work. Elite Prime Services will not use an author's name, image, story, testimonial, book cover or manuscript without written permission.

Printing expenses, copyright-registration fees, extensive rewriting, additional pages and other third-party costs are excluded unless expressly included in the recipient's written scholarship award.

Scholarship Cycles and Deadlines

Elite Prime Services awards two incarcerated-author publishing scholarships annually. Each scholarship provides up to $1,000 in eligible book-development and publishing services.

Spring Scholarship

Applications accepted:
January 1–March 31

Submission deadline:
March 31

Selected applicant notified:
May 15

Fall Scholarship

Applications accepted:
July 1–September 30

Submission deadline:
September 30

Selected applicant notified:
November 15

Important submission information:
Applications are accepted only during the published submission periods. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the applicable deadline. Emailed applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline. Applications submitted outside an open period will not be reviewed. Applicants must resubmit during the next available cycle.

Download the Scholarship Application

No purchase is required to apply.

Download PDF Application Download Word Application

Submit completed applications to:
Elite Prime Services
P.O. Box 2539
Laurel, MD 20709

Email: info@eliteprimeservice.com

Not applying for a scholarship?
Free customized quotes and custom publishing packages are available throughout the year.