The Arkansas International — General Submissions — Translation (Poetry) 2026

Overview
The Arkansas International is a literary magazine with a demonstrated commitment to translation as a vital, living practice. Its general submissions for poetry in translation are open from July 31 to October 15, 2026, and seek work that has not previously appeared in English. The journal positions translated poetry not as a secondary or derivative form but as a primary mode of literary exchange, and its editorial selections reflect a serious engagement with contemporary voices across languages. Translators submitting to this call should expect a rigorous review process. The magazine requires no more than five poems per packet, a copy of the original text, and evidence that English translation rights are available for any work not in the public domain. Simultaneous submissions are permitted with prompt notification of acceptance elsewhere. A $4 fee applies to all submissions, though waivers are offered to those identifying as BIPOC or facing financial barriers—a policy that acknowledges structural inequities in publishing while maintaining a sustainable reading model. The curatorial vision favors translations that demonstrate both linguistic precision and poetic sensibility. The Arkansas International does not prescribe themes or aesthetics; instead, it seeks work that expands the range of poetry available to English-language readers. Translators are encouraged to present cohesive packets that reveal a sustained engagement with a single poet or a coherent set of concerns, rather than disparate samples. The cover letter should be brief and professional, identifying the rights holder and confirming permission to publish the English translation.