Steps to get your Poetry Out There
Whether you are a veteran poet or a hopeful beginner, getting your work out there is the goal of any artist seeking to share their words with a wider audience. But how do you go about that? Here are a few steps you can take to start getting your poetry into the world.
The first step, of course, is to make sure your poetry is as good as it can be. This means building your writing skills and proficiency through practice, reading, and feedback from fellow poets. Taking poetry writing classes or workshops, joining a poetry group, or even mentoring with a more experienced poet can help you gain the confidence and knowledge to create your best work.
Another great way to get your work out there is, believe it or not, through writing contests. Not only can you gain exposure, you may also be crowned a winner and receive financial reward or further acknowledgment and recognition. Be sure to research the different contests, their qualifications, and requirements so you can find the best one for you.
Once you’ve got some solid pieces, it’s time to publish them! You may decide to create your own website or blog, a great way to showcase your work and even make it available for purchase. There are also several online poetry communities and magazines where anyone can submit their work for consideration—sometimes for free. Even posting to social media can help spread your work so it can be shared, liked, and commented on by a growing base of followers.
You can also take the traditional route and submit your work to paper or printed magazines, anthologies, and books. This is usually a more lengthy process and may involve a payment to submit your work. Your poems may be accepted, rejected, or left on file, but the more you submit, the higher the chances of making your mark.
Perhaps the best way to be seen and heard is to perform your poetry. Check out local open mics and performance spaces, or even start your own! Performing at slams and festivals is also an excellent way to get your name out there and make connections with others in the poetry world.
Speak to Others About Your Poetry
Word of mouth is a powerful tool. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues to spread the word about your work. Networking and leveraging your community can get your name out there, which can lead to invitations, collaborations, and other opportunities.
Creating newsletters and mailing lists can be a gentle yet effective way to expose people to your work without coming off too strong—and you can use this method to announce new releases or poetry-related events. It’s also a great way to stay connected to your supporters as you grow.
Partnering up with other artists in similar fields (especially those with bigger following and networks) is a great way to collaborate and get some additional exposure. Doing collaborations with these artists can also help gain some new fans and reach a new audience.
Be sure to take advantage of all the modern digital tools available to you. Promote your work and events on various platforms. Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, social media marketing or influencer marketing is a great way to get eyes on you and your work.
Receive Feedback about Your Work
One of the most important steps to refining your work is receiving feedback. Creating a feedback circle with other poets seeking to get better as well can be beneficial. You can give each other pointers, suggest improvements and edits, and even allow each other to read drafts of your works. You don’t have to take all the advice given, but listening to another perspective can help take your writing to the next level.
You can also seek feedback from experienced poets and literature experts in the field. Submitting your work to editors of magazines, anthologies, and other publications is a great way to get a read by those “in the know”. Of course, feedback is a two-way street, so be sure to read their published works and comment constructively on them as well.
It may also be beneficial to heed the advice from authors and thought leaders who have made a name for themselves in the literary world. This doesn’t mean you have to follow the advice of a famous poet who says you need to write a certain way to be successful, but it can open your mind to the possibilities. Just remember, you don’t have to take everyone’s advice.
Engage With Other Poets
Engaging and building relationships with other poets is not only a great way to get exposure, but it’s also a great way to stay inspired. Networking and participating in conversations with experienced poets can help you learn the “ins and outs” of the business, as well as grow your skills as a poet. Plus, you never know what opportunities may come along if you make the right connections.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and take advantage of events in the literary world. Attend book signings, literary conventions, or workshops and seminars. Strike up conversations with other writers and let people see what you’re about and what kind of work you’re creating. You can also look for increasing numbers of online webinars and social media Q&A’s so you can connect, learn, listen to inspiring content, and make a name for yourself.
Seek Out Opportunities
You can also try getting your work published in print or digital form. Check out various literary magazines that protect and promote emerging talent. You also have the option of issuing your own literary publication or hosted blog. Many degrees in creative writing have an annual publication available for graduates.
You should also look out for opportunities, such as residencies and fellowships, that bring together and showcase the work of emerging writers in the field. These opportunities offer not only exposure and networking, but also chances to grow and succeed as an artist.
When you’re finished with all these steps, the general rule is to repeat them often and be persistent. The more you write, and the more you get your work out there, the better your chances of being recognized and succeeding.
Go Beyond Social Media
Despite the power of social media, there are still great benefits to getting your work outside of the digital world. Think about shopping malls and external marketing campaigns – you don’t have to spend a fortune but a cost-effective way to reach a different audience is often to try targeting local publications and audiences.
You can try reaching out to bookstores or libraries for readings or even inspiring talks for local schools or nurseries. You can also produce your own materials to hand out, such as cards with your website address, pamphlets or even bookmarks. All of these can help promote your work and gain additional visibility.
Many small business owners need poets and writers for stories, ad copy, brochures, etc. Think outside the box and contact small businesses and trading companies to inquire about jobs or opportunities related to creative writing. There could be a bigger market for the kind of work you do than you think.
Do Not Take Rejection Personally
It’s important to understand that rejection is a part of any artist’s life. Editors may not like your work for any number of reasons, so keep your chin up and keep writing. Take what you learned from the rejection and use it to make your work even better.
Even if your work is accepted and published, it doesn’t guarantee it will be a success. Reviews, comments, and online ratings may not be what you wanted to read. Feel free to disagree but be aware that some constructive criticism can be helpful and should not be taken too personally.
Finally, be grateful for every chance you get to make your work available for others, even if it’s unpaid. This can help give you self-satisfaction and build your confidence. Besides, it’s always a positive feeling to share your work with those you care about or with a larger audience.
Be Smart and Creative
Setting up your own successes is a skill and should not be underestimated. Selling your work does not always have to be about contacts or collaborations, think about attending markets, shows, and festivals. Do you have something special to promote? A chapbook, a collection, or even a publication?
It may also be age-appropriate to think of creating a virtual presence with a portfolio website, a contact form, and a blog where you can showcase your work and use online analytics to gauge its success. Being active on different online and print platforms will also get your work seen more, so don’t be afraid to enjoy being creative.
You can also look into local awards or grants to not only support you financially, but to supplement your creative output. There is usually no shortage of poet’s awards and competitions, but to succeed at this you need to make sure you understand the criteria, rules, and regulations.That may be a good chance to get your work out there, and even rewarded.
Put Yourself Out There
Don’t be afraid to get out there and put yourself and your poetry in front of people, but remember to be respectful and meet other artists with humility. Being confident in yourself and your work is paramount, but that doesn’t mean you should use it to brag. Speak the truth and share what you are passionate about.
Networking skills are also important when it comes to getting your work seen, so practice your ‘elevator pitch’ and introduce yourself and your work to anyone you think could be interested. To get your work out there you need to take a chance with yourself and with your poetry, and make sure people are aware of it.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to get your work out there, you’re more than ready to begin your journey. Have as much courage and persistence as possible, and you’ll be on your way to achieving your dreams.
