Poetry books have moved in and out of fashion for centuries, but recent years have seen a rise in the appreciation of written verse. With some of the most prolific contemporary poets releasing highly acclaimed collections, it has people wondering—just how long is a poetry book?
The answer: it depends! The length of a poetry book varies widely depending on the writer, their style of writing, and the particular book. Poetry books can be as short as a single poem or collection of one-liners spanning less than a page, right up to full-length tomes with hundreds of sonnets, acrostics, and quatrains. Reina María Rodríguez, winner of the Eterna Cadencia Poetry Award, shared with us that “Each poem is a particular journey, and sometimes the full journey can take many pages. Other times, it can take one or two lines”.
The length of a poetry collection may also depend on the poet’s style. Although most poets will usually choose the “formal” structure of a poetry collection, where each poem is formatted in a uniform style from beginning to end, some poets will adopt the “free” style, meaning their collection will contain a mix of both short and long poems. This is often seen in bilingual collections, where the poet may feel it necessary to give certain words or phrases more emphasis by adding extra lines. This type of writing is often referred to as the “vellocino” style, due to its particularity of adapting to the poem’s message.
The actual number of pieces in a collection is often limited. Editors are increasingly expecting a collection to contain only the best work, with a quota of no more than 20 or 30 poems. If a poet has a significantly larger backlog of work, it may mean a choice needs to be made to pair the collection down. This in mind, many poets will seek out a publisher for their collection, who will then have their own set expectations depending on the individual poet and their style of writing.
Overall though, modern poetry collections and anthologies tend to adhere to an average size of between 80 and 120 pages, likely so as to not begin overwhelming readers. By striking the perfect balance between brevity and complexity, these collections allow readers to slowly engage with the material, digesting each poem and collection as a whole.
Popular Poetry Books
Much of the recent buzz around poetry books has been due, in part, to some of the more famous collections published throughout the last century. Classics such as T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” and Sylvia Plath’s “Ariel” are short and noteworthy, but packed with powerful imagery and brilliantly crafted lines. Longer books such as W.H. Auden’s “Collected Shorter Poems” and Derek Walcott’s “Omeros” are considered staples of modern poetry, with many readers offering praise for their immersive and varied takes on the written word.
In comparison to the length of novels, poetry books—even those that are several hundred pages—are oftentimes still considered a “quick read.” The sporadic length of each poem gives readers the opportunity to pause and consider its meaning, feeling, and relevance to their own life before moving on.
The Benefits of Reading Poetry Books
The reading of poetry opens up a person to insight, reflection, and self actualization. By allowing their mind to accept the poet’s perspective, readers may find themselves with a new understanding of the material, ultimately making connections they may not have noticed otherwise. Many readers report feeling a sense of peace and comfort from poetry books, as if the words resonate inside them and bring a degree of understanding or joy.
Studies have also found that reading poetry is beneficial to personal growth. An analysis of over 5,000 survey responses revealed that those who read poetry have improved self-efficacy, defined as the ability to take on challenges with confidence and the belief that you can succeed. This can lead to more positive outlooks, improved mental health, and a greater sense of well-being.
Finally, poetry books can provide a unique and creative outlet. As the poet reads and writes, chances are they will see their life differently, perhaps through a more poetic lens. At its core, poetry is an exploration of one’s own personal journey, and encourages readers to embrace and appreciate their experience.
Examples of Contemporary Poetry Books
In the contemporary world of poetry, there have been numerous well-received books in the last few years. Books such as Ocean Vuong’s “Night Sky with Exit Wounds”, Elizabeth Acevedo’s “The Poet X”, and Rickey Laurentiis’s “Boy with Thorn” all combine technical skill and creative lyricism which has struck a chord with many readers.
Publishing a Poetry Book
Publishing a collection of poetry can be a lengthy and daunting process. Many poets face the challenge of sorting through countless poems in order to find those that best represent their talents and message. Additionally, poets should consider the commercial and aesthetic aspects of their book’s design, allowing readers to be engaged throughout each stage. From the book’s cover to the font size, there are many elements to consider when crafting a poetry book.
Though it can be difficult to find a publisher for many first-time poets, it’s not as tricky as when it comes to getting recognition from the public. To ensure that your work reaches a wide audience, it’s a good idea to look at social media accounts, literary magazines, and other places to start building up a readership. Submissions to submissions to literary competitions and magazines can also be a great way to get your poetry in front of the public.
Conclusion
From the Renaissance to the 21st century, poetry books have offered us a unique glimpse into the emotions, perceptions, and thoughts of generations. Whether they are extremely short or moderately lengthy, these books offer readers a way to connect with the works of others, while also learning more about themselves. As such, it’s no surprise that the length of a poetry book can vary, as each poem and collection are written with a particular intention and perspective in mind. And, as always, if you have the inclination to publish your own collection you now have a better understanding of the process and journey you’re about to embark on.
