Samuel Tongue is a Scottish poet, editor, literary organiser, and cultural collaborator whose work spans poetry, publishing, criticism, teaching, and interdisciplinary creative practice.
His writing has appeared widely across literary journals, magazines, anthologies, and public literary events, establishing him as a significant voice within contemporary Scottish poetry and literary culture.
Alongside his own creative work, Tongue has played an important role within literary publishing and editorial development, contributing to journals, festivals, workshops, and collaborative cultural initiatives across the United Kingdom.
His work frequently explores themes including landscape, memory, violence, religion, masculinity, vulnerability, and the relationship between language and lived experience.
Poetry and Publications
Samuel Tongue is the author of multiple poetry collections and pamphlets, including Sacrifice Zones, Hauling-Out, Stitch, and The Nakedness of the Fathers.
His poetry has appeared in a wide range of journals and publications, including Poetry Wales, The Herald, Blackbox Manifold, and And Other Poems.
His work often combines lyric intensity with historical, political, and emotional reflection, bringing together literary craft with broader questions around identity, culture, and social experience.
Editorial and Cultural Work
Beyond his own writing, Tongue has contributed extensively to literary culture as an editor, mentor, organiser, and collaborator.
He previously served as poetry editor at the Glasgow Review of Books and has co-edited editions of New Writing Scotland. He currently works with the Scottish Poetry Library and remains active across festivals, workshops, public discussions, and collaborative literary projects.
He has also participated in judging literary awards, leading workshops, supporting emerging writers, and developing interdisciplinary cultural initiatives connected to literature and public engagement.
Collaboration with Sic Publishing
Samuel Tongue collaborates with Sic Publishing across editorial development, literary projects, translation work, and public cultural programming.
He served as editor of The Last Kiss by Mehdi Mousavi and has contributed to projects exploring exile, testimony, freedom of expression, and the relationship between literature and lived experience.
His work with Sic Publishing reflects a shared interest in literature as a form of cultural dialogue and public understanding across political, linguistic, and national boundaries.
Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Practice
Alongside poetry and editorial work, Tongue has participated in a range of collaborative artistic and interdisciplinary projects, including residencies, performances, and cross-disciplinary creative initiatives.
His broader work reflects an ongoing interest in the connections between literature, public life, memory, ethics, and cultural exchange.
