JUSTICE MATTERS
BleakHouse Publishing is an independent, not-for-profit press devoted to creative writing, art, and photography on criminal and social justice. The press, founded in 2006 by Robert Johnson, a professor of justice, law, and criminology at American University, is staffed primarily by American University students and alumni. Our mission is to publish works that shed a humane light on the netherworld of the criminal justice system— especially prisons, home to the death penalty and other forms of violence and repression.
Robert Johnson, founding Editor & Publisher
WHAT WE DO
BOOKS We typically release a book of poetry once a year. You can explore our publications here. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Our superb editors make our poetry collections the heart and soul of BleakHouse.
TACENDA MAGAZINE Another annual undertaking, Tacenda Literary Magazine features prose and poetry about incarceration and the criminal justice system. We accept submissions on a rolling basis. You can find submission guidelines here.
TACENDA ADDENDA Through Tacenda Addenda: Works of Promise, we regularly accept submissions and publish emerging and innovative works that challenge, inspire, and push creative boundaries. Writers are encouraged to submit their writing year-round for consideration in this growing collection of exceptional, forward-looking literature.
ART GALLERY Our online art gallery features illustrations and photography that express BleakHouse’s belief in the beauty and grace inherent to every person. Some art is curated for Tacenda Literary Magazine. For art submission guidelines, click here.
AWARDS The BleakHouse fellowship is awarded to someone whose writing or scholarship best exemplifies the press’s mission. The fellow works with our publisher, Robert Johnson, on special projects during the year. The press also awards the Victor Hassine Memorial Scholarship. Generously sponsored by Hassine’s family, this $500 stipend recognizes someone who—like imprisoned author Victor Hassine—uses art or writing to educate others about pressing issues in our justice system.
MEDIA RELATIONS We feature partner organizations on our website. If your organization would like to be a BleakHouse partner, please contact us at bleakhousepublishing@gmail.com.
For more information on BleakHouse, continue to visit this site as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages.
