Poetry Writing and Publishing Basics
Writers, especially poets, are often presented with the daunting prospect of self-publishing their work. Many would-be poets don’t know where to begin, or how to go about self-publishing their poetry book in a way that is financially, emotionally and artistically successful.
This article will guide the poet through the basics of making their book a reality. Although there is no one single way to publish a poetry book, these steps can help any would-be author get closer to their goal of becoming a published poet.
Creating an Original Poetry Collection
The best way to prepare a book of poetry for self-publishing is assembling a large collection of one’s own original poems. Once the collection is compiled and edited, it should be proofread several times in order to ensure that it reflects the author’s intent.
Generally, the title of the collection should be chosen to reflect the tone and content of the book. Once the title is decided upon, the poet should come up with a concept for the cover, including illustrations or photographs.
Exploring Publishing Options
Prior to self-publishing, a poet should consider exploring other publishing options. Although self-publishing is often an appealing option for poets, as it allows for more creative control, a traditional publisher can often provide invaluable feedback and editing.
Even if a poet opts for self-publishing, approaching a traditional publisher can be a great learning experience, even if they do not choose to publish the book. The advice and feedback provided by such a publisher can be invaluable in shaping revisions and putting the final touches on a book.
Strategies To Market and Sell Books
Once the book is published, the next step is to ensure that it can be found. Social media marketing is an excellent way to increase the book’s visibility and create a buzz. Giving away free copies of the book can be a great way to promote it.
Websites like Goodreads, Amazon, and iTunes are great places to promote the book and increase its potential reach. Additionally, research relevant events and book fairs near the reader’s area and sign up for a stall to market the book to the visiting crowd.
Staying Motivated During the Self-publishing Process
Self-publishing can seem daunting, and writers may feel a combination of nerves and excitement when preparing to release their book. It is essential to stay motivated and remember to keep a positive mindset throughout the process.
Seeking the support and guidance of others who have gone through the process before can be helpful; joining a writers’ group or finding an experienced mentor can be of great assistance.
How to Promote On Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting a poetry book. Creating a Twitter and Facebook page dedicated to the book is highly recommended. Sharing excerpts and poems from the collection, as well as linking to other relevant pages and forums, is a good way to create interest.
Giving sneak peaks at illustrations and artwork from the cover of the book can help to tantalize potential readers. Publishing a regular newsletter to keep fans up-to-date on developments and releasing the occasional teasers such as competitions, book readings, and author interviews can help to generate excitement.
Networking Opportunities
Networking can prove a great asset for authors seeking to make connections and establish contacts for their book’s promotion. Writers’ groups and book clubs are an excellent resource for connecting to others interested in literature and cultivating a reader base.
Organizing book readings and launching parties can be an effective way to promote the book, as well as providing an opportunity for the author to interact with readers and discuss their work. Local libraries and coffee shops can be a good fit for such events.
Taking Advantage of Book Fairs
Book fairs provide a great opportunity to showcase the work to a wide audience. Signing up to have a stall at such an event is highly recommended. It is important to arrive with plenty of promotional materials, such as postcards, bookmarks, and flyers, as well as books and merchandise to sell.
It is wise to set up a table with attractive decorations and a sign-up sheet for visitors to add their contact information and sign up for further notifications and news. Online book stores such as Amazon and Goodreads tend to be great sources for finding book fairs and festivals in any given area.
Finding a Printer
It is important to research printers to determine the best and most economical choice for printing a poetry book. Compare prices, turnaround times, and printing options before making a decision.
It is advisable to check out the reviews of previous customers and inquire into whether they offer any extra services such as book distribution and advertising. Working with a good printer can make all the difference in producing the perfect book.
Taking Care of Legal and Financial Matters
Prior to publishing, the author should register for both an ISBN and Library of Congress numbers. These are necessary for the book to be sold in online stores as well as other official channels.
Also, it is wise to set up a business account from which all financial transactions would be managed, such as sales profits and taxes. An accountant, who is familiar with authors and publishers’ taxes, should be consulted prior to launching the book.
Calculating Printing Costs
When seeking a price for printing the book, it is essential to consider the costs involved. Take into account the type of paper, number of pages, number of copies, and any extra features such as book covers.
It is wise to shop around to find the best deal, while also ensuring the chosen printer produces good quality work. Bulk orders are usually more cost-effective, which is why self-publishing is often a more attractive option for poets.
Infograph avenues
Creating attractive and eye-catching infographics related to the book’s content can be a great help in increasing visibility and generating interest in the book. It is easy to create shareable infographics online with the help of tools such as Canva.
Infographics which include facts, statistics, and information related to the book’s themes can help to make it more visible and attractive to a larger audience. Such graphics can be shared across various social media platforms to reach potential readers.
Community Outreach
Reaching out to local communities is a great way for amateur authors to promote their work. These communities can include bookstores, libraries, teachers, and other institutions in need of book donations.
Talking to the members of these communities, such as librarians, teachers, and book club representatives can prove to be of great help in reaching a wider listener base.
Featured Articles in Magazines
Requesting to be featured in magazines and other popular publications is an excellent way to reach beyond family and friends and make the book visible to a much wider audience. Magazines such as Poetry Foundry and Creative Writing Quarterly are perfect for poets.
It is essential to create a portfolio of images, excerpts, and information about the book for such articles and include links to where the book can be purchased. Writers can also provide free copies of the book in exchange for a review.
Book Reviews and Advertising
Reaching out to bloggers and book reviewers can be a great asset in getting the book featured. Some will review the book in exchange for a free copy. It may be worthwhile to contact websites and blogs that cater to book lovers and readers, as they can provide invaluable publicity and reviews.
Advertising through various channels such as Google, Amazon, and other outlets may also be effective. Invest in ads of different sizes and shapes, such as banner ads, display ads, and content-based ads.
Creating a Fan Base
Social media is a great way to build an engaged fan base for the book. It is essential to read up on the best practices for social media management, in order to make the best use of this tool. Posting regular updates and interesting content on the book’s Facebook and Twitter accounts helps it to stay visible and active.
Organizing giveaways, competitions, and promotional events helps to keep the book in the news and generate a following. Writers should also consider creating a blog to keep their readers updated on the book’s progress.
Participating in Writing Competitions
Participating in writing competitions is a great way to increase the visibility of a book, as well as create a larger reader base and build a presence among other authors. Events such as Flash Fiction and Poetry Slam, as well as other writing competitions, can be a great help in achieving these goals.
By submitting to such competitions and working towards excelling in them, writers can gain more attention and recognition for their work. Signing up to newsletters and announcements of upcoming events can often help writers learn of such opportunities.
