Where to Look for Poetry Writing Opportunities
Writing poetry is a rewarding way to make a living. Many poets feel like their work is valued and seen when they get paid for it, and it can bring in a good income if you work hard. But many would-be poets don’t know where to look for opportunities to get paid for their writing. Here we look at the best places to search for writing opportunities for poetry.
Submitting to Literary Magazines
Submitting poetry to literary magazines is one of the main ways to find poetry writing opportunities. Literary magazines can be found in many places, most notably on the internet. By submitting your poems to these magazines, you have a chance to be awarded for your work and possibly get published. It’s important to be aware that magazines usually only accept a certain number (maybe five to ten poems) of poems from each author at a time, so it’s best to read their guidelines and submit your best work.
Applying for Fellowships
Poetry fellowships or grants can be a great way to get paid for your writing. There are many organizations and programs out there that offer grants for poets, such as The Poetry Foundation, The Academy of American Poets, and The Writers’ Room. Applying for these grants requires a bit of time and effort, as each program has specific requirements. However, if you are successful, these grants can have a huge impact on your career.
Contest Entry Fees
Another way to find poetry writing opportunities is to enter contests. This can require a fee and time, as each contest may have specific guidelines and criteria that poets are required to meet. However, the reward for winning can be quite substantial. Many contests offer awards of $500 up to as much as $2,500.
Entering Poetry Slams
Poetry slams are events where poets of all levels can perform in front of an audience. Usually an artist will read their poem and other participants will vote for their favorite one. There are many different types of slams, and usually the winner gets a small cash prize. Poetry slams are an excellent way to network, gain exposure, and get some recognition for your poetry.
Selling Your Poetry
There are many online platforms and websites that offer opportunities for poets to sell their work. These include sites like Etsy, Lulu, and Kobo. Many of these sites allow poets to upload their work and set their own prices, and they will take care of the rest of the process. Selling your poetry can be a great way to ensure that you get paid for your writing.
Teaching
Many poets find teaching to be a great way to get paid for their writing. You can offer your services as a tutor or workshop leader, teaching students how to write poetry. You can offer online or virtual classes, or you can even find opportunities teaching physical classes. There are many opportunities out there, so it pays to do some research and find the best one for you.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is also a great way to get paid for writing poetry. You can look for freelance opportunities on sites such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. Companies often look for freelance writers to create content, and you can use your experience and knowledge as a poet to get paid for your writing.
Create a Patreon Account
Another great way to get paid for poetry is to create a Patreon account. Patreon is a platform where people can support creators, such as musicians and poets, by giving donations on a per-piece basis. You can set up a Patreon account and start collecting monthly payments for your poetry. This can be a great way to develop a steady income from your writing.
Selling Merchandise
Selling merchandise is another great way to get paid for poetry. You can create tees, mugs, or other items with your poetry imprinted on them and sell them online. You can also create prints of your pieces and sell them on Etsy or other online stores. If you have a steady following and can build your social media presence, this can be an excellent way to monetize your poetry.
Engaging Fans Through Live Events
If you have a large enough following, you can also host live events and get paid for your poetry. This involves traveling and performing at various venues, such as bookstores, cafes, and even universities. This can be a great way to get exposure and to build your brand as a poet.
Top Poetry Contests
One of the best ways to get paid for poem writing is to enter poetry contests. There are many contests out there that offer generous cash prizes for the best poems. Some of the top poetry contests to look out for include the Lesley University National Monologue Contest, the National Poetry Slam, and the Academy of American Poets Prize.
Setting Up an Online Shop
Another way to monetize your poetry is to set up an online shop. You can use platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, or BigCommerce to create a store for your poetry. You can set up subscriptions, offer printed pieces, or even offer live workshops. Selling your poetry in this way gives you complete control over your business and allows you to get creative with how you monetize your work.
Networking
Networking is an important part of getting paid for poem writing. Connecting with other poets and writers can open up opportunities and paychecks. You can join forums and attend events in your city. You can also use social media to engage with your followers and connect with industry professionals.
Creating a Portfolio
Creating a portfolio of your work is essential if you want to get paid for poem writing. It will help you showcase your art and demonstrate your writing skills to potential employers. Your portfolio should include samples of your best work and highlight the awards and honors you have won. This will help potential employers or clients see your offerings and give them confidence that you are an experienced writer.
Writing for Commercial Outlets
Writing for commercial outlets is another way to get paid for poem writing. There are many companies and websites that need writers to create content for them. You can use some of the same platforms you use to submit your poems to literary magazines to look for these opportunities. It’s important to research the company and to make sure they are legitimate and that they offer fair pay.
