Scope of Material
In order to make a poetry book, there are a few necessary aspects which need to be considered. Initially one must consider the scope of material which will be included in the book. Is this book going to be an anthology of poetry from a variety of poets or is it going to showcase the work of a single poet? This will have a large impact on time needed to research the collected works and the process of gaining permissions and copyrights in the case of a multi-author anthology. Additionally, what type of works or styles of poetry will be included? It is important to maintain a clear scope and focus on the material which is to be included so that the book does not become overly broad, long-winded and too bulky for readers to consume.
Design of the Book
Once the scope of the material for the book is in place, it is then important to look to design for the book. This includes any and all elements- the cover, the typography, the page layout, and the aesthetic. For a poetry book, the design of the elements can have an intimate impact on the readers’ experience, as a poem’s rhythm and silence is integral to the piece. It is crucial to respect the poem and be able to craft a layout that allows for both the poem’s visual and oral beauty to be appreciated. Even though the work must be within the scope of the text, the font, font size, and margin size should be thoughtfully chosen to provide a pleasing layout without interfering or disrupting the poem. Other considerations for the book’s layout should also be taken into account, such as pagination and chapter organization.
Editing & Proofreading
Once the material and design of the book have been established, the editing and proofreading of the book must occur. As a matter of professionalism and respect to both the readers and the author, it is important to create a clean and polished book with little to no textual and grammatical errors. Also, the full-flexibility of editing and proofreading all the material is beneficial, as it may spark ideas of adjustments or rearrangements which can improve on the overall impact of the book. This step should also include proofreading the design of the book and its layout to ensure there are no errors or problems with the editing.
Vendor Selection
The next step for making a book is to determine who the vendor for the book is going to be. This includes how the book will be printed, who will bind the book, and who will distribute and promote the book. There are a few popular self-publishing options for this, such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and even Etsy. Additionally, one must consider how the book is going to be sold- will it be sold in brick and mortar stores, online, or both? It is important to think through each factor and compare different vendors, as the quality of the materials used and the time frames involved in the whole process may vary.
Promoting Your Book
Once the book is created and edited, the next step is to ensure its visibility amongst the greater audience. As previously mentioned, choosing a vendor who can support a broad distribution and visibility is important, however, specifically handling promotions and marketing of the book is also an essential part of the process. Depending on the budget, this may include hiring publicists, live readings, interviews, and various other tactics. Even if there is a lack of funds, there are plenty of creative solutions which can be conjured up, such as forming local or social media communities to share the book or conducting nature walks or other activities that involve the book in attendance.
Operational Process
The final part of creating a book is the operational process of handing the collected material and created design over to the chosen vendors. This may include submitting material into their formats and oversight of the printing, binding and distribution processes. As part of this step, one must be aware of the various terms and conditions and payment policies associated with the vendors and be aware of the costs and timelines associated with the involved processes. It is important to be organized and aware of every step in the process and make note of any potential issues and timely questions that can arise.
Knowledge of Poetry
When making a poetry book, it is important to gain a thorough understanding of the expected standards for poetry publications. In order to accurately assess the content of the book and the development of each poem, one must have a good understanding of what makes poetry itself. This includes having an understanding of the poetic device, such as meter, rhyme and similes, as well as an understanding of the craft of poetry and its history. This knowledge– both acquired and intuited– is an essential aspect of constructing and crafting a successful poetry book.
Establishing Networks
Making a book is not an easy task, and in the case of a multi-author anthology, it may involve working with a variety of people. This may include various people who have contributed their writings, photographers who provide visual material, graphic designers who do book layouts, vendors, publicists and more. Therefore, in order to get the right material and ensure the timeline is followed, it is important to be able to contact the right people and handle communication efficiently. Additionally, it is helpful to establish networks with fellow authors, literary communities, and small presses which may be able to provide feedback and advice during the process.
Understanding of Copyright or Licensing Laws
In terms of legal matters associated with publishing a book, it is beneficial to have some knowledge of copyright or licensing laws. Whether the material included in the book is to be credited for or attributed for usage in the book, it is necessary to adhere to the copyright or licensing laws associated with the material included. Having an understanding of these laws and the implications which come with infringement, including the financial and legal repercussions if any, is necessary in order to protect one’s book and ensure originality.
Research Publications & Trends
When making a poetry book, it is also beneficial to research current publications and trends of poetry and literary works to ensure the book is distinctive and competes with other works. Even though one may not subscribe to a given ‘trend’, having the knowledge of what is ‘current’ will ensure the book is constructed in a manner which differentiates it amongst other poetry books. This will lean more towards the utility aspect of the book, as publishers and, potentially, readers may be more interested in books which reflect the desired aesthetic of the particular time.
Set Clear Objectives and Goals
When making any book, it is important to set objectives and manage the expectations from the project. This includes setting the objectives of what one wants to achieve through the book, the target audience, and the desired impact or takeaway. Having clear goals for the project is important for when assessing the growth or success of the book over time, as well as the influence it has had over readership. Additionally, this can provide clarity in the process and help manage expectations and ensure the processes remain relevant to the objectives predetermined.
