How the USPS Chooses its Literary Stamps

“Ultimately, stamps are just a ticket to show that you paid for your service,” said Bill Gicker, director of stamp services at the U.S. Postal Service. “But we make them so much more.”

As long as the subject matter fits the criteria outlined on the USPS website, the public’s ideas are brought to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee. The criteria includes a few aspects people might not realize before submitting. For example, beginning in 2018, proposals for a deceased individual will be considered three years following their death, and living people are not currently considered. Events of historical significance are considered for commemoration on anniversaries in multiples of 50 years.