1. Planning the Format
Writing a poetry manuscript can be a daunting task. While the actual words and images are the most important aspects, a lot of thought needs to go into the formatting of the poem in order to make it aesthetically pleasing and communicative. An appropriate format can really accentuate the power of the words and make a big difference to the overall impact of the poem.
Before beginning the process of formatting, it’s important to first make sure that the final version of the poem is ready. It should be double-checked and edited to correct any errors or typos. Once the poem is finalized, it’s time to move to the next step: formatting.
2. Making the Right Choices
To choose the right kind of format for the poem, a few factors should be taken into consideration. The length of the poem – short or long – will determine the kind of layout that should be used. A shorter poem can be presented simply while a longer poem might warrant a more complex layout.
The aim of formatting the poem should be to present the words in an aesthetically pleasing way, so visual features like line and letter spacing, font type, font size, and indentation should be taken into account for maximum impact. It is also important to ensure that the poem does not look cluttered or scattered on the page.
3. Creating the Format in HTML
Once all the elements of the format are planned out, it is time to create the desired format in HTML. HTML, or Hyper Text Markup Language, is the basic language of the internet and is used to display webpages. It is a versatile and simple language that provides a lot of flexibility while formatting.
The first step is to use the HTML tags ‘’ and ‘’ to markup the text that will be used in the poem. This will distinguish the poem from the rest of the text on the page, and the text will be rendered in italics. Next, the tags ‘
’ and ‘
’ can be used to separate the poem into individual lines.
4. Using Advanced Formatting Tools
Adding a few more advanced formatting tools can really enhance the look and feel of the poem. Line , letter and word spacing can be adjusted using the ‘letter-spacing’, ‘word-spacing’ and ‘line-height’ attributes, and a variety of fonts can be used to make the poem look more engaging.
In addition, indentation can be used to visually differentiate between the lines of the poem. By using the ‘text-indent’ attribute, the first line of the poem can be indented to stand out and create emphasis.
5. Making it Interactive
Interactivity can be added to the poem by using HTML hyperlinks. These links can be used to link to other pages or to other parts of the same document, allowing readers to quickly navigate to relevant information.
Another interesting tool that can be used in formatting poetry manuscripts is the ‘’ tag. This tag can be used to create a ‘popular name’ for a word or phrase, without having to use the full name each time. This can be very useful in unique phrases or terms that are repeated throughout the poem.
6. Making it Accessible
In order to make the poem accessible to all types of readers, it is important to be mindful of color contrasts when choosing colors for text and backgrounds. Using colors like white or black as backgrounds and colors like pink or blue as text colors can be hard to read and can cause strain to the eyes. It is best to use colors with low contrast between them and keep them consistent throughout the document.
In addition, it is advised to have an alternate version of the poem in plain text for people with accessibility needs, or for those devices that do not support the HTML format. This will ensure a better user experience for all readers.
7. Conclusion
Formatting a poetry manuscript should not be an intimidating task. By following the steps outlined above, it is possible to create an aesthetically pleasing, meaningful and organized poem. With the right tools, creativity and thought can be put into creating unique poem formats that really stand out and grab attention from readers.
8. Structuring The Poem
When creating a format for a poem, it is important to consider the structure or shape of the poem. Things like line length, stanzas versus free verse, and even the overall length of the poem itself should be taken into account. A longer poem can be structured into individual sections to make it easier to read and to give it a better flow.
Choosing the right type of structure can be crucial to the overall effectiveness of the poem. For example, a long poem can be formatted into a series of short paragraphs with a phrase or verse as its title, while a single stanza can be broken up into individual lines to give it an interesting visual effect.
9. Typography
Typography is an important consideration when formatting a poem. Choosing the right type of font for the poem can make a huge difference in its overall impact. Different types of fonts can evoke different kinds of emotional responses from the reader, which can enhance the poem’s message.
In addition, font size and colors can be used to add emphasis on certain words or phrases. For instance, using a larger font size for the title or for the first line of the poem can easily draw attention to it. Similarly, colors can be used to highlight words or phrases that carry a special significance.
10. Adding Visuals
The poem can be further enhanced by including visuals like photos and illustrations. This can help add dimension to the overall poem and make it more visually appealing. Photos and illustrations can also help illustrate certain phrases or words and add a whole new layer to the poem.
It is also important to pay attention to the placement of visuals in relation to the poem. For instance, if a photo is being used to illustrate a certain phrase or sentiment in the poem, it is best to place the photo close to that particular phrase for maximum impact.
11. Sharing the Poem
Once the poem is formatted, it is ready to be shared. With the help of platforms like WordPress and Blogger, poems can be easily posted and shared on the web. In addition, HTML can be used to create e-books, which can be read on devices like smartphones and tablets.
12. Connecting with an Audience
It is also important to build an audience for the poem. There are a variety of platforms available on the web that are designed to help poets connect with readers. These platforms provide poets with an avenue to share their work and get feedback from readers.
In addition, poets can use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to share their work and connect with readers. There are also online forums and communities where poets can engage in discussions and get feedback on their work.
13. Copyright
Poems are intellectual property, and it is important to be mindful of that while sharing poems online. Plagiarism or misuse of another poet’s work is strictly prohibited, and it is important to make sure that credit is given where due.
It is also important to make sure that the copyright of a poem is protected. There are a variety of legal measures available, including copyright registration and registering the poem with the Writers’ Guilds of America or a similar organization.
14. Making it Personal
Finally, it is important to make the poem personal. Poetry is an expression of the poet’s own life, experiences and feelings. By creating a format that is reflective of the poet’s own style, the poem can be made more meaningful.
Formatting a poem is a way for the poet to present their words in an interesting and unique way that appeals to the reader and adds to the overall impact of the poem. By taking the time to carefully plan and format the poem, a poet can create something truly unique that stands out from other poems.
