Literary Journal

Five-Two

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About the magazine

Five-Two is an online poetry journal founded in 2010 with a focused commitment to publishing poetry that engages with crime, law, and justice. Operating as a blog-based publication, it has carved out a distinct niche by curating work that examines the intersections of personal and systemic violence, legal proceedings, and the aftermath of crime. The journal's ethos is rooted in the belief that poetry can offer nuanced, humanizing perspectives on subjects often reduced to sensationalism or statistics. By providing a platform for voices that might otherwise be marginalized, Five-Two fosters a community of writers and readers interested in the ethical and emotional dimensions of justice.

Editorial focus

Each Monday, the Five-Two website debuts the text and companion spoken-word YouTube video of a poem on the subject of crime, which is open to interpretation.

Poetry

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31

Reading feeNo

PaymentContributor copies only

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsNo

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Before submitting, read several issues to understand the journal's aesthetic and thematic boundaries. Five-Two seeks poems that are well-crafted and emotionally resonant, avoiding clichés or overt didacticism. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter with your publication history, if any, and a short bio. Since the journal is blog-based, response times may vary; a polite query after three months is acceptable. Most importantly, ensure your submission aligns with the journal's focus on crime and justice—work that merely mentions these themes without deeper engagement is unlikely to be accepted.

Original, unpublished work only. Submissions by e-mail only. No simultaneous submissions. Please read and follow the guidelines or your work may not be received.

Read official guidelines