Guthan Gàidhlig Chesapeake

Guthan Gàidhlig Chesapeake 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Submission Deadline: 1 March 2026
Publication Date: Spring 2026

Guthan Gàidhlig Chesapeake is an annual publication of Sgoil Gàidhlig Bhaile an Taigh Mhóir. The inaugural issue will be published in Spring 2026. Guthan Gàidhlig Chesapeake will showcase the creative engagement of North American Scottish Gaelic Learners with the language and culture in our contemporary setting. The scope of the publication will include both new voices and seasoned writers. In particular, current and former Sgoil Gàidhlig Bhaile an Taigh Mhóir students of all learning levels are encouraged to submit samples of their writing. We want to showcase how Gàidhlig learners are using their Gàidhlig in whatever form of writing. A panel of fluent Gàidhlig speakers will review all submissions and offer editorial recommendations.

We accept literary submissions on a wide range of themes. We prioritize poetry, songs, short stories, and essays. 

We consider only previously unpublished work. Work that has appeared online for any reason, including social media posts, except for platforms of Sgoil Gàidhlig Bhaile an Taigh Mhóir is considered previously published and should not be submitted.

Guthan Gàidhlig Chesapeake is open to simultaneous submissions but let us know immediately if work is accepted elsewhere by updating your submission with a message to sgoilgaidhlig@gmail.com stating that the work is no longer available. Acceptance of your work by Guthan Gàidhlig Chesapeake, requires you to withdraw the work from submission elsewhere.

The following apply to all submissions:

• Please include a brief cover letter with your publication history, if any, and personal bio. Also include any content warnings in consideration of our reading staff.
• Work generated by AI will be automatically disqualified.
• Put your name, email address, and telephone number on the cover letter as well as the first page of each submission.

Poetry

You may submit up to 4 poems (up to 10 pages total) for consideration, following the guidelines below. We have no particular aesthetic or formal requirements and consider all styles of poetry.

• Submit your poems as a single .doc document. If you prefer to upload a pdf to ensure formatting is preserved, go ahead. But please also send your poems in .doc format.
• All poems should be single-spaced in 12-point Arial type, with at least one-inch margins, and sequentially numbered pages. 
• Provide your submission in Scottish Gaelic with your own translation to English on separate pages. The English translation does not count as part of the 10-page minimum. 

Short Stories

• All manuscripts must include the author’s name, email address, phone number, and approximate word count at the top of the first page.
• Short story length should be under 4,000 words. 
• Short stories may be fiction or non-fiction and may include personal experiences.
• All stories should be double spaced in 12-point Arial type, with at least one-inch margins, and sequentially numbered pages.

Essays

Essay length should be under 3,000 words. Essays should be double spaced in 12-point type, with at least one-inch margins, and sequentially numbered pages.

The following are examples of types of essays, but we are open to all proposals.

• Essays that explore unique or unexpected connections between Scottish Gaelic and the wider culture (pop culture, politics, Internet culture, art, etc.). 
• Essays that explore the connection to place through Scottish Gaelic.
• Essays that explore North American history or contemporary politics through the lens of Scottish Gaelic.
• Essays that shed new light on a Scottish Gaelic poet or writer via compelling personal narrative.  
• Immersive dispatches or literary reportage that illuminate Scottish Gaelic literary works.
• Creative personal essays on learning and using Scottish Gaelic.