"Second Trade, Second Chance" Literary Prize

Writing as a Second Chance

The "Second Trade, Second Chance" Literary Prize is a national competition that uses the written word as a vehicle for redemption and social reintegration. Originally created to give a voice to those living on the margins—including inmates, residents of REMS facilities, and the homeless—the prize is now open to all authors, both published and unpublished, as well as secondary schools. It has established itself as one of the most original cultural events on the Roman scene. At its core lies a simple yet powerful idea: creativity can truly offer a second chance at life.

The 2026 Fourth Edition in Rome

The fourth edition will hold its public event on November 28th and 29th, 2026, with the award ceremony hosted by the Collegio Internazionale Seraphicum in the EUR district of Rome. Promoted by the social enterprise Il Secondo Mestiere in collaboration with NEP Edizioni and supported by the Guarantor for the Rights of Persons Deprived of Personal Liberty of the Lazio Region, the prize reaffirms its civic and inclusive mission, blending literary merit with deep social commitment.

Competition Categories

The call for entries includes numerous categories spanning contemporary creative forms:

• Published and unpublished poetry
• Published and unpublished short stories
• Journalistic articles
• Plays and song lyrics
• Photography, video, and podcasts
• Works created with artificial intelligence
• Sections dedicated to secondary school students

Each section is evaluated by a qualified jury composed of university professors, writers, journalists, and artists, who select the finalists and provide public feedback on the winning works.

The Ceremony at Collegio Seraphicum

The two-day event at the Seraphicum feels like a boutique literary festival: readings of the winning works, jury justifications, the presentation of personalized plaques, and copies of the Prize Anthology. Winners in the published sections receive cash prizes, while unpublished works are granted free publication by NEP Edizioni. A special "Young Promise" award is also presented to the most deserving student.

A Social Project in the Heart of Lazio

More than just a competition, "Second Trade, Second Chance" is a cultural and social project deeply rooted in the City of Rome and the Lazio Region. By waiving entry fees for inmates, REMS residents, and the homeless, the project reinforces its spirit: writing as a bridge, a way to start over, and an opportunity for dialogue between the city and those living on its most fragile edges.