Understand Your Audience
Many people who write poetry often have difficulty selling it. It can be daunting to put your work up for sale and hope that someone will relate to it and want to make a purchase. One of the best ways to increase your chances of selling your poetry is to first understand your audience. Crafting thematically relevant and focused works will help you better target the market. Devote some time to research who may be interested in buying your work in order to create something that speaks directly to them.
Once you’ve identified your target readership, create a plan for marketing and selling your work. Utilizing social media and other digital outlets is a great way to spread the word and make yourself visible in the literary community. Take the opportunity to talk up your work and network with other authors in order to increase your relevance and reach.
Time Your Releases
Feel the pulse of the current market and consider when it may be the best time to release a piece. Releasing a poem at a critical time when it may be most relevant can help you get the attention of an audience. It is important to do this without feeling rushed to stay relevant and make money; rather, consider when it is most appropriate to release your work.
Write and release poems to coincide with holidays, cultural events, anniversaries, and significant days to help put your work in the spotlight. This could include publishing a poem on World Poetry Day (March 21) or Valentine’s Day (February 14). You can also take your time to carefully craft pieces for critical moments or to explore topical stories for coverage.
Consider Selling as an Anthology
Anthologies are collections of poems from a variety of authors united by a common theme or purpose. Consider working with an editor or group that curates a collection of themed works. You can also pull together collections of related poetry such as a book of your best pieces or a series of love poems.
Anthologies marketed and sold together offer increased visibility and publicity of your works, as well as the potential of a higher purchase and repeat buyer rate than a stand-alone poem. It is also recommended to consider a variety of sales platforms when marketing collections of your works, such as digital outlets, print, and ebook formats.
Know Your Rights
It is important to know your rights as an author when it comes to selling your work. First, make sure to acquire a copyright for your works so that they’re protected from plagiarism or unauthorized use. You can also register with a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) such as an author’s society or publishers’ association in order to protect your legal rights and receive royalties.
Once your works are protected, it is important to remain respectful of your contracts and agreements if you are selling your poetry through a publishing house, store, or website. Knowing your copyrights and contracts is critical when it comes to selling your work and being compensated fairly for it.
Develop Your Art
No matter how well you market your work, if the work itself is not up to standard, it won’t translate into sales. To ensure your work’s efficacy, strive to make the best product you can.
Take the time to master the use of literary tools and devices, challenge yourself to explore creative ways to convey your feelings and thoughts, and consider working with an editor to hone your craft. If you take the time and effort to develop your art, you will be able to increase your chances of impressing potential buyers and more likely to earn more in sales.
Hire an Agent
When it comes to selling your work, hiring a well-connected agent or manager may help you become more successful in reaching a greater audience and improve the number of sales. The agent will be able to help you improve networking opportunities, promote your works, and even negotiate book or merchandise deals.
Working with an agent is beneficial for those with minimal marketing capabilities or experience. The agent can also provide industry insights and help pave the way for an easier entry into the literary world.
Utilise Subscription Services
Subscription services have become increasingly popular among both poetic authors and readers. Consider offering special offers or a subscription fee to readers in order to facilitate more frequent sales and foster reader loyalty.
Develop content specifically for subscription services that encourage readers to become repeat customers, such as exclusive content, discounts, or sample chapters. Make sure to craft interesting posts and content, as well as use captivating images on the subscription page in order to gain more readers, leading to more repeat buyers.
Create Merchandise and Collectibles
In addition to selling your works, consider expanding into creating merchandise and collectibles. Creating collectible items such as poetry journals and notebooks, postcards and pins with your work, or even clothing and home decor with your designs can add an extra layer of branding and visibility.
Selling merchandise and collectibles is an interesting way to engage with your readers. Unconventional, unique items not only create an avenue for additional sales, but also help create a lasting bond with your readers, leading to loyalty and repeat buyers.
Utilise Digital Platforms
Making your work available online, whether through digital platforms or eCommerce sites, allows your work to reach readers worldwide. Consider selling your works through streaming services, online stores, or even creating your own website to facilitate sales, share works, and showcase your brand.
When selling via digital platforms, think about what will distinguish your works from the rest. Quality and variety are always key. Utilise digital services to create opportunities for readers to discover your work and separate yourself from the rest.
Promote Your Work With Reviews and Excerpts
Consider promoting extracts and reviews of your work in order for potential buyers to explore and get a taste of your works. This can include sharing poetry readings or performances, and publishing transcribed extracts or reviews of past or incoming works.
When providing a sample of your work, it is also important to focus on a thematic section that is also representative of the rest of your work. Make sure to showcase your work and provide a range of themes and aspects in order to best hook potential buyers while still remaining true to your brand.
Participate in Literary Festivals and Events
Participating in literary festivals and other events is a great way to gain more exposure and promote your work. It is a great opportunity to establish yourself as an author, network with others in the world of literature, and make your works known to the public.
Attending panel discussions and participating in events generated by organisations such as the Poetry Society can help you get your works in front of a larger audience. It is also an effective way to connect with buyers and other authors, creating lasting relationships and potentially establish long-term collaborations.
