Introduction
Publishing poetry can be a daunting and arduous journey, particularly if you aren’t sure where to start. Thankfully, with the rise of the internet and increased access to global networks, now anyone can publish their work for free. Whether its through sharing it on social media, using a global self-publishing platform, or having your poem put on display at a real-life gallery, the great news is that you don’t need to spend money to get your work out there. This article will provide an overview of tips and advice to help make publishing your poetry as painless and enjoyable as possible.
Online Shops
The internet has opened up a world of possibilities for artists to make money from their work, but there are also plenty of places to showcase and share your poetry for free. Etsy, for example, is a great place for poets to start. Here you can list your work for free and utilize Etsy’s powerful market tools to connect with larger audiences at a global scale. There are also lots of websites and blog-based communities which allow poets to post their writing, many of which even offer the option to include a link back to your website. And with the prevalence of social media, you can reach even more people by sharing posts with your work on them.
Self-Publishing Platforms
Using a self-publishing platform is a fantastic way to share your work without having to pay anything. Sites like Amazon Kindle and Lulu allow authors to publish and distribute their book to millions of readers. These services offer cost effective options for authors who are looking to self-publish their work- with the possibility of increased royalties and no publishing fees. Additionally, many of these sites also provide free or discounted marketing packages that can help you reach an even wider audience.
Live Gallery Exhibits
Gallery shows and exhibitions are great opportunities for poets to showcase their work to a wider audience. Often these opportunities are free or come at a discounted rate, making it an ideal platform for poets who are starting out and who want to get their work noticed. These shows are usually advertised on the internet or through magazines and local newspapers, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for any relevant listings. You should also look for any live poetry slams or spoken word events in your local area- these events provide an excellent platform to perform your work and get noticed by other poets, as well as a potential audience of future fans.
Writing Competitions
Writing competitions are a great way to get your work seen and to get feedback from experienced writers and poets. Many of these contests are free to enter and come with prizes. Even if you don’t win, competing in these competitions gives you exposure that you wouldn’t otherwise have had, which can be invaluable to an aspiring poet. Additionally, these competitions also often offer personal feedback which is invaluable in helping you to refine and develop your poetry.
Building a Network
Networking is a key part of any successful artist’s career, and for poets this is no different. You should look for online writing groups and communities where you can meet other poets and brainstorm ideas for your work. These groups also offer a great place for free critiques and feedback, as well as a space where you can share your work and find potential markets for it. Additionally, you could start attending local storytelling events, open-mic nights, or any other platform that will give you exposure in the real world.
Reaching Out
No matter how good your writing is, if nobody sees it then it won’t do you any good. Reaching out to industry professionals, publishers, agents, or even other well-established poets can also be an invaluable tool in getting your work seen. If you can make a connection with someone in the industry and even score a few encouraging words from them, then your work will be much more likely to catch the eye of editors and agents.
Conclusion
Publishing poetry can be a challenging and overwhelming task, but thankfully with the help of the internet there are now a multitude of ways to make your work public without spending any money. Utilizing self-publishing platforms, participating in poetry slams, live gallery exhibitions, and building a supportive community are all great ways to get started. Reaching out to industry professionals can also be an invaluable step in helping to promote your work further.
