Washington Writers' Publishing House
Washington Writers' Publishing House publishes poetry and prose (fiction or CNF) in a biweekly journal, WWPH Writes. The journal is featured on our website on the second and fourth Friday of every month. We are happy to consider never-published original prose (fiction or CNF) and poetry as well as reprints from recent or upcoming collections from writers living in Washington, D.C. Maryland and Virginia. We do not charge for submissions, but there is an optional tip jar to help us maintain the site.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Please read all of the following guidelines carefully.
Eligibility: You must be a resident of the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia.
Prose - either short fiction or creative nonfiction, or a novel excerpt: Send one story or novel excerpt up to 1,000 words. Double-spaced, standard 12-point font. Please identify on your manuscript fiction or CNF. Word doc is preferred.
Poetry: Send a single file containing 1-3 poems (max. 5 pages). Standard 12-point font.
PLEASE NOTE: You may re-publish your work that appears on the site after 60 days, and we ask that you credit us in future publications.
Be sure to withdraw your submission immediately upon acceptance elsewhere.
INQUIRIES: Email our editors at: wwphpress@gmail.com
The Washington Writers’ Publishing House, is a non-profit, cooperative literary organization that has published over 100 volumes of poetry since 1975 as well as fiction and nonfiction. The press sponsors three annual competitions for writers living in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and the winners of each category (one each in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction) comprise our annual slate. In 2021, WWPH launched an online literary journal, WWPH WRITES to expand our mission to further the creative work of writers in our region. In 2024, WWPH launched our biennial works in translation series. More about the Washington Writers' Publishing House at www.washingtonwriters.org
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 creativity 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.
More questions? Please review the FAQs on our website. Or email us at wwphpress@gmail.com
TINY POEMS: AWE
TINY POEMS: AWE
Every August, we publish TINY POEMS in WWPH Writes, our biweekly little lit magazine. And we publish a lot of them! We love TINY POEMS.
This year’s TINY POEMS prompt is inspired by the recent Artemis II mission and the photos they captured of Earth from outer space. Whether viewing the Earth setting behind the moon, standing on a mountaintop overlooking a valley, or watching mushrooms grow from a fallen tree, we feel awe as we bask in the majesty of the planet we call home. Send us your lunes that explore feelings of wonder and overwhelming greatness inspired by Earth.
What is a lune?
13-syllable, self-contained poem that has 3 syllables in the first line, 5 syllables in the second line, and 3 syllables in the final line
OR
3 words in the first line, 5 words in the second line, and 3 words in the final line
Titles are not included in the line or word count. And we would be happy to see a title on your lune, but it is not required.
We are using this 'Masterclass' site to guide us. How to Write Lune Poetry: 4 Examples of Lune Poems - 2026 - MasterClass
Guidelines:
Submissions accepted June 15 - July 15
Free to submit. Please do not include your name on the submission.
Maximum 2 lunes per entry, 1 entry per person.
Publication: August 2026 issues of WWPH Writes
Those poets published previously by WWPH are eligible for consideration.
We seek diverse voices from DC, Maryland, and Virginia– an essential part of our mission– for two inclusive issues of WWPH Writes. If you have any access issues with our Submittable account, please email your work to directly to us at wwphpress@gmail.com with ‘TINY POEM SUBMISSION’ in the email line.
Unfortunately, we do not have funds to compensate poets with our regular contributor payment of $25.00 for these special TINY POEM issues. We will share these works widely via our social media!
Thank you for sending us your TINY POEMS.
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