In March, Minnesota's publishing scene welcomed Lost Kite Editions, a new national nonprofit press dedicated to publishing literary poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Named after the informal messages exchanged in prisons, Lost Kite Editions aims to amplify voices impacted by the carceral system that have been "constrained, erased, or overlooked" and foster a supportive community for these writers.

Read More

The press collaborates closely with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, a program that empowers incarcerated individuals through workshops, literary classes, and mentorship opportunities. Having previously published an internal journal featuring student work, the collaboration allows Lost Kite Editions to significantly broaden the opportunities for incarcerated writers and editors.

Mike Alberti, chair of the board at Lost Kite Editions and executive director of the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, emphasized the initiative's goal of integrating writers with experiences of incarceration into the wider literary community. He highlighted the significance of their contributions, stating that they belong in the broader literary landscape.

The editorial board includes both previously incarcerated individuals and those who have not been affected by incarceration. Before its official launch, the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop published the anthology American Precariat: Voices of Exclusion through Coffee House Press in 2023, curated by incarcerated writers.

Alberti stressed the importance of giving writers impacted by the carceral system agency and a platform from which to influence the literary landscape beyond the confines typically associated with their experiences. He critiqued the common perception of the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop as merely charitable and noted the general undervaluation of work produced by incarcerated writers.

“By virtue of their incarceration or their status as formerly incarcerated people, their talent is often not adequately recognized in literary discourse,” Alberti said. He emphasized the need for avenues, such as Lost Kite Editions, to bring this talent to light and enhance its appreciation in the literary community.

Lost Kite Editions debuted with two initial publications: Twenty-One Birthdays by Kennedy Gisege and Disfigured Hours by B Batchelor, both members of the editorial board. Gisege’s nonfiction recounts the 21 birthdays he celebrated while incarcerated, while B Batchelor presents a collection of 24 poems reflecting nearly two decades behind bars.

Alberti noted that the choice of these books was intentional to set a specific tone in quality, content, and aesthetic appeal. He indicated that the physical presentation of the books is designed to reflect the writing's quality, making them visually appealing and encouraging readers to showcase them in their homes.

Lost Kite Editions is on the lookout for new writers and aims to publish two to three books annually. Recently, the press held a chapbook competition, with finalists curated by the incarcerated editorial board and judged by author Hanif Abdurraqib.

Alberti acknowledged that writers in prison understand survival's complexities—both in the daily challenges they face and the essential role of art in maintaining their humanity in dehumanizing conditions. The future publications from Lost Kite Editions will aim to capture the critical role that art plays in survival and the preservation of individuality amid systemic adversity.