CAPITAL TRANSLATION: WWPH CELEBRATES LITERARY TRANSLATION IN THE DMV
“Without translation, we would be living in provinces bordering on silence.” – George Steiner
We are proud to announce a call for submissions for our third Capital Anthology, Capital Translation
THE WASHINGTON WRITERS’ PUBLISHING HOUSE celebrates language and languages. In the DMV, we live in a vibrant, multilingual soundscape where Spanish, Amharic, French, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, Farsi, Creole, Chinese, Japanese, and countless other languages are spoken every day—on sidewalks, in homes, across classrooms, and through POEMS AND PROSE.
Capital Translation brings together writers, translators, and readers to explore how language shapes connection and creates space for connection and exchange. Translation is the antithesis of silence and opens the doors to new rooms.
Submissions:
POEMS:
Submit up to 2 poems (include original and translation). Max of 5 pages.
PROSE (fiction or nonfiction) up to 500 words (include original and translation). This can be an individual piece or an excerpt from a larger work.
Only previously unpublished English translations. No AI-generated work ever accepted. ONE submission per author please. No identifying information on the submission document.
Rolling submission period: 6/1/26 until 9/1/26 (or we reach our maximum translations). Submissions are via Submittable. FREE to submit.
Guidelines
- Translators who are residents of DC, Maryland, and Virginia are invited to submit translations of poetry or prose.
- Previously published English translations are not eligible.
- Please include both the original poem and the translation.
- Please indicate if the original has been published (book, chapbook, journal).
- Translators must hold the necessary rights and permissions for the original work and the translation unless it is in the public domain. If accepted, verification of rights will be required.
- Please accompany your submission with a cover letter that includes a translator biography, author biography, and a brief statement that explains the value and timeliness of the translation in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.
- Self-translations are acceptable.
- Living original authors/translators strongly preferred.
- Free to submit.
- Read our most recent mini-anthologies in the ‘Capital’ series to see a sampling of our literary excellence. These are: CAPITAL QUEER (2025) and CAPITAL LOVE (2026).
All Languages Accepted!
Manuscripts are judged by WWPH members who volunteer their time and skills. All manuscripts are read blind. Accepted authors will be notified on or about 10/1/26. We aim to publish Capital Translation in May 2027.
We strongly encourage those who have never been published by WWPH to submit!
Payment: $25.00 per contributor and 1 contributor copy
Target Publication date: May 2027
Washington Writers’ Publishing House celebrates translation as both a literary art and a bridge—honoring the many languages, voices, and traditions that shape the cultural life of our region, our capital, and our nation. In a city defined by global exchange, translation expands literary conversation beyond borders and reminds us that language is not a barrier, but a meeting place. Through poetry, fiction, and creative dialogue, translation invites readers into new ways of seeing the world while preserving the richness of distinct cultures and histories.
Many voices, one world. Capital Translation celebrates DC, Maryland, and Virginia writers who translate poetry and prose from around the world.