Overview
Getting your poetry published can be a daunting task, especially in the digital age. Finding the right publisher and an appropriate market for your work can be tricky, not to mention the competition you’re up against. But with the right resources, it can be done. It starts with ensuring you have a polished piece of work to submit, followed by getting to know the market and familiarizing yourself with the industry. Here, we discuss best practices for getting your poetry published and break down the elements of submitting a successful piece.
Start with Quality Writing
Good writing always starts with a good piece. It is crucial to get your work reviewed by someone else and make sure it’s in its best possible shape before sending it off. Ask around for an editor you can trust and that understands poetry, who can look over your piece objectively and highlight areas needing improvement. Doing this will also help you build confidence and give you further insight into the industry.
Learn the Market
When you’ve polished up your work and identified potential publishers, it’s important to research the market and learn about the publisher’s individual guidelines. Understand the type of poetry they typically publish – the voice, the themes and style of writing – so that your work aligns. Feel free to get in touch with the publisher or editor to gain insight into their areas of interest, while making sure your piece is tailored to their requirements.
Utilize Social Media
Social media is a great tool to network, promote your work and engage with other poets. Having an online presence will help your work stand out, connect you with other writers, and allow you to grow your readership more quickly. Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and so on are all potential channels to market your work and reach potential publishers.
Enter Poetry Contests
Participating in poetry contests can help you get in contact with potential editors and publishers – there are numerous national and international competitions available, such as Pushcart Prizes, Bridport Prize, and Poetry Society of America. However, you should take the time to make sure that the contest you’re entering is legitimate and that the publisher has a good reputation with its contributors.
Contacting Poetry Journals and Magazines
You can reach out to various poetry journals and magazines for publication. Many smaller-scale journals also feature works from emerging poets, and independent publishers are more likely to take a risk on unknown authors. Alternatively, some publishers aren’t necessarily looking for submissions, but instead cast a net and solicit pieces from various authors.
Build a Reader Base
One of the best ways to get your work noticed is to hammer down a loyal reader base. A good readership can eventually give you the tools and platform to expand your reach and get noticed by larger publishers or literary agents. Collaborate with fellow poets by retweeting each other’s work and join up with writing groups or workshops. The more you engage with other poets, the more opportunities you’ll have to get your work published.
Going the Self-Publishing Route
Self-publishing has become an increasingly popular route for poets, with services like Kindle Direct Publishing and Lulu helping you reach your target market directly. Furthermore, you can retain the copyright to your work and even negotiate with traditional publishers down the line – and self-publishing may actually help increase awareness and recognition of your work.
Submitting Your Work to Publishers
Reaching out to publishers is the final step to getting published. Make sure to read the publisher’s submission guidelines thoroughly and follow their instructions closely. Many publishers usually require a cover letter, a sample of your work, and a bio. Additionally, it’s useful to research their acceptance rates and estimation of response times.
Pitch Your Work to Literary Agents
Literary agents are intermediaries between authors and publishers, covering negotiation and contract execution. Moreover, many agents specialize in specific areas – so it’s worth researching agents who focus on poetry. Once you’ve identified potential agents, you should send them a brief summary and/or sample of your work as well as a cover letter expressing your interest.
Joining Poetry Writing Courses
Taking poetry workshops or courses is a great way to refine your craft and hone your skills. Attend conferences, seminars and lectures to get feedback and hear from authors in the poetry field. You can also use the opportunity to network and receive advice from veterans in the industry.
Utilize Art and Artist Residencies
Artist residencies are designed to bring together established and emerging writers, allowing them to focus on their works and interact in an artistic environment. Residencies usually provide accommodation, meals and creative resources, allowing poets to dedicate their time to their craft. Additionally, attending such programs may open you up to new accompaniments such as music and visual arts.
Growing Your Audience through Public Readings
Reading your work in public forums is a fantastic way to receive feedback and build up a following. Many libraries, colleges, non-profits and museums host poetry days or nights, providing a designated platform for poets to share their work. Not only does it benefit your work, it also gives you the satisfaction of hearing your words live.
Develop Your Online Presence
A successful online presence can take your work to the next level. Build a website that displays your work and provides contact information, or create an e-book of your works to reach a wider audience. Moreover, strengthen your presence on social media by maintaining quality posts and stay on top of emerging trends.
Look into Publications and Prizes for Unpublished Poets
Various publications and prizes are available for poets yet to be published. Established magazines and production companies usually hold open calls for unpublished projects, and there are plenty of prizes such as Emily Dickinson Poetry Awards and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Prize. Make sure to research the sponsor or organizer prior to amendment and read the submission guidelines before putting forward your piece.
Using Your Connections
Connections are invaluable when it comes to getting published, so don’t be shy to reach out to people you know in the industry – fellow poets, editors, people who edit journals, agents and so on. Enlist their help to learn more about publishers and casting the net for the right publication opportunities.
Taking Advantage of Regional Publications
Regional publications such as The South Asian Review, Harvard Review, The New Native and African American Review are great places to submit your work, as they tend to feature works from less established writers. And don’t forget about local labels and online journals, as there are many sites dedicated to publishing work from more underground artists.
Finding Other Publications Online
The internet is a valuable resource for unearthing publications. You can search for publications that feature the type of work you’d like to submit, connect with editors and authors, or find writing opportunities that match your interests. It’s important to take your time while searching, as you can end up with a publication that’s perfectly suited to you and your work.
