POETRY TRANSLATION SUBMISSIONS

Translation Submissions

The Poetry Lighthouse is now accepting poetry translations into English! We are looking for beautifully rendered translations that preserve the essence, rhythm, and emotional depth of the original poem, while making it resonate with English-speaking readers.

We welcome submissions that demonstrate:

  • Linguistic artistry and cultural nuance

  • Thoughtful interpretation that maintains the soul of the original

  • A strong poetic voice in the English version—not just literal translation

Although we accept translations from all languages, please note that our editorial team currently specializes in: French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, German, Hindi, and Bengali. If your submission is in another language, please ensure that the English translation is highly polished.

TRANSLATION GUIDELINES:

Submit 1 to 5 poems (up to 15 pages total), each accompanied by the original version of the poem.

  1. Save your submission as a single Word document, using 12 pt font, with a clear page break between each poem.

  2. Your document should include:

    • The original poem

    • The English translation

    • The name of the original author

    • The translator’s name

    • Titles and total number of poems

    • (Optional) a short bio

  3. You must have permission from the original author if the poem is not in the public domain* (unless you are the original author).

    • *Normally a work enters the public domain 70 years after the death of the author. (this may vary depending on the country).

  4. Title your document as follows: TranslatorName_#poems_OriginalLanguage
    (Example: Pablo-Neruda_3poems_Spanish)

  5. Send your submission to: thepoetrylighthouse@gmail.com

  6. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your submission has been received. Our editors will review your work and respond within 6 weeks.

  7. If accepted, your translation will be assigned to one of our editors for final feedback and polishing if needed. This collaborative editing process can take up to 4 additional weeks. We appreciate your patience.

  8. Upon acceptance, you’ll be asked to sign a form confirming permissions and authenticity. All rights remain the property of the author and translator.

  9. Congrats! Your poem will be published on The Poetry Lighthouse and will be considered for the semi-annual paperback poetry collection and The Poetry Lighthouse Prize.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

  • Because we strive to give every submission careful review and feedback, our response time can be up to eight weeks. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

  • We accept simultaneous submissions and previously published works*.

    • *if you submit a work that has been previously published in another magazine, journal or anthology (and you still hold the copy rights of your piece) please include the name of the magazine/journal/anthology where they were first published. Bear in mind that works that have been previously published elsewhere will not be considered for The Poetry Lighthouse Prize.

  • For those submitting a performative recording, please also include a written copy of your text, as both video and text would be published if accepted for publication.

  • Plagiarism, which includes the use of third-party poetry, song lyrics, characters, or another person’s universe, without written permission, will result in disqualification.

  • Short stories, novelettes or poems generated or created by computer software and/or artificial intelligence will be disqualified.

  • Excessive violence or sex and the use of profane, vulgar, racist or offensive words, determined by the editors, will result in the story being rejected.

  • If your submission involves collaboration with another poet or artist, please include their name.