Open Letter is a literary translation press that publishes ten books annually—mostly novels, but also one book of poetry every year.

Our poetry editor is looking for contemporary poetry from around the world that is unique, distinctive, and that will have a significant impact on world literary conversations. The poetry should engage with contemporary formalist poetic concerns (line, syntax, sound, etc.) while also pushing thematic boundaries. 

Please take a look at our poetry catalog. We are especially interested in publishing perspectives and languages that haven't appeared before in our *poetry* backlist.

Translators and poets wishing to submit should include:

  • a one-page cover letter that includes a brief biography of the poet and the translator; a description of the manuscript; a description of translation difficulties posed by the particular poetry text; a list of the author's published works, if available.
  • a sample translation of at least 20 pages (more complete manuscripts are preferred, but not required)
  • The reading period (and response period) is May and June, but you may submit any time throughout the year.

Because of the volume of submissions, we simply cannot respond to phone, fax, or email inquiries about the status of queries or manuscripts. For updates on the status of your submission, please consult your Submittable account.

Please note that we do allow simultaneous submissions, however, we ask that you withdraw your submission immediately if it is accepted elsewhere. 

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.