We are open on a rolling basis for submissions now through May 2027. Please note -- if you submit poetry toward the end of November, and December our response time may take longer than usual.
We are open on a rolling basis for submissions now through May 2027. Please note -- if you submit poetry toward the end of November, and December our response time may take longer than usual.
Submissions
At O2 Haiku, we accept two different categories of poetry for our Literary Magazine: modern or traditional haiku, and our “One Breath” poetry.
The 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).If you are familiar with Japanese Tanka poetry, use that style to inspire you.
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 the submission button. Please also review our guidelines for each form of poetry.
A.I. work is not permitted.
Writers may be accepted for One of each category (Haiku and One Breath) within a 2 month rolling block.
*We reserve First Publication Rights. Feel free to use whatever work you publish with us, just give credit to O2 Haiku for first publication.
Original Haiku Poetry Submissions
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Please submit up to 3 original, previously unpublished haiku. We do not accept simultaneous submissions because we try to get back to you quickly.
Focus on sending us your best work, not counting syllables.
We accept traditional English style three line haiku or one line monoku. If you are submitting in another language, please submit the English translation as well.
Include a kigo, or seasonal reference.
Include a kireji, or cutting word.
Keep things simple. If your haiku feels too wordy, see if you can get the moment across in a simpler way.
No explicit content. Focus on nature, or how humans find each season within their lives.
One Breath Poetry Submissions
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-Original and unpublished.
-Not a traditional haiku. If you need inspiration, look up Japanese Tanka poetry.
-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? Is it a moment of profound brevity?
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We have discontinued our Monthly Keyword Challenge, but we are so excited to see what our poets create for our general submissions!
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 yearly anthologies. More information to follow!