Submissions

At O2 Haiku, we accept two different categories of poetry for our Literary Magazine: Original or traditional haiku, and our “One Breath” poetry.

The Original Haiku category, will stick to traditional haiku principles. We don’t uphold a strict “5-7-5” rule, and feel that the message is what’s important.

For our “One Breath” poetry, we are looking for anything that isn’t traditional haiku, but nods to the concept. Think poetry that happened in one moment in time (or could be said in one breath). We accept ‘One-line,’ ‘Monostitch/Monoku,’ Short Form poetry, or anything else that emphasises one simple, beautiful instant. Just keep it shorter than a half-page in length please!

You can send your submissions using our submission form below. Please also review our guidelines for each form of poetry.

Original Haiku Poetry Submissions

    • Please submit up to 3 original, previously unpublished haiku. We do not accept simultaneous submissions because we try to get back to you quickly.

    • While the “5-7-5 syllable” idea is a wonderful way to practice haiku, we believe sometimes the best haiku do not always follow this “rule.” Focus on sending us your best work, not counting syllables.

    • Follow the traditional English 3 line method of presentation.

    • Include a kigo, or seasonal reference. This does not have to be a blanket statement (saying “summertime” or “autumn breeze.”) Feel free to get creative and allude to the season through plants, objects, activities, etc. that happen during those seasons.

    • Include a kireji, or cutting word. Think about this as: how can you best include a moment of pause in your haiku. What will make readers stop for a moment, in your moment, to ponder it even further? Is it a dash? Is it an ellipsis? Is it a word? Is there a twist we didn’t see coming?

    • Keep things simple. If your haiku feels too wordy, see if you can get the moment across in a simpler way.

    • No explicit content. Let’s keep our corner of the internet as a place to find peace, calm, and observe life in a way that is not destructive, explicit, or strays from the traditional goal of haiku. Focus on nature, or how humans find each season within their lives.

One Breath Poetry Submissions

  • -Original and unpublished.

    -Not a traditional haiku, if so, see above.

    -In English, or if originally in another language, please provide best translation for the readers.

    -Less than half-page in length.

    -If a reader had one breath left, should they spend it on your piece?

Submission Form

Please submit your best work, and we will get back to you shortly!

Got your work accepted by O2?

Expect to see any piece that we publish in our Poets Corner! There you can also find our “Editors Choice” selections, as well as great information about upcoming events, articles, competitions, and more.

Any published pieces can further move on to placement in our printed anthologies and printed quarterlies. More information to follow!