Writing Quality Poetry
Poetry is a beautiful form of expression, but it can be challenging to make it high-quality. Writing poems that can be submitted for publication requires an understanding of poetic structure and conventions. Aspiring poets must craft poems that both contain meaning and invoke an emotional response from readers. To accomplish this, poets must consider the use of sensory imagery, metaphor, and meter to create an effective poem. Additionally, poets must develop skills in self-editing which is an important part of producing poems that are ready for submission.
Submission Guidelines
Before even thinking about submitting work for publication, poets must do their research. It is essential to familiarize themselves with submission guidelines, as every publication has their own specific requirements. Many venues require poets to include a cover letter with the poem submission containing biographical information and experience as a writer. Poets must make sure they include the length and style of work they are submitting and the title of the poem or poems. Poets must also make sure that their work is free of typos and errors.
Finding Publishers
Submitting poems for publication can seem daunting, but it is possible to find sympathetic publishers. Poets should start by finding a few journals or magazines that are widely read, specialize in the type of poetry they wish to publish, and that pay for accepted pieces. Although payment for published poems varies widely, poets should focus on getting their work out there, regardless of payment. A great way to do this is to start small by submitting to small local journals, or online magazines.
Network with Other Poets
Sometimes the best way to get noticed by a publisher is to network with other poets. It is not enough to just submit poems since publishers can be inundated with submissions so poets must find unique ways to stand out. By attending writers’ conferences, reading series, and open mic events, poets can develop relationships with other writers and professionals in the field, which could lead to an eventual publication or collaboration.
Building a Platform
Having a platform before submitting work is also essential. Having a personal website or blog can be incredibly useful for poets as a place to share their work and establish a presence online. Developing a social media presence and joining literary communities can be invaluable in this regard. Doing this kind of preparation before sending out submissions is essential to helping an editor envision a poet’s potential as a writer.
Good Luck Submitting
Submitting poetry for publication can be an intimidating process, but by following the steps mentioned above, poets can make the experience less intimidating. Following submission guidelines, researching publications, building relationships with like-minded writers and having a presence online can all help aspiring poets increase the likelihood of getting their work accepted.
Strengthening Your Poems
While submitting a poem, aspiring poets should pay attention to strengthening their poetry. Developing a good understanding of poetic devices such as assonance, alliteration, rhyme and meter can also help poets strengthen their poems. Poets should also make use of vivid descriptions and powerful images to convey the emotion of the poem in a concise and effective way. Lastly, playing with line breaks in a poem and coming up with unique titles is essential.
Submitting Your Work
Once a poem has been edited and improved, poets can finally submit their work. A great way to start is by submitting to smaller publications and slowly work their way up the ladder. Besides submitting poetry to print and digital publications, poets should also look into submitting to juried poetry competitions for further recognition. Submitting poetry for publication can be a difficult and frustrating process but with persistence and dedication, it can be well worth it.
Getting Feedback on Your Poetry
Before submitting poetry for publication, aspiring poets should seek feedback from trusted peers, mentors, and experienced poets. It can be helpful to join online communities where poets critique and discuss each other’s work. There are professional critiques that poets can purchase for a fee but gaining a critical eye from someone close is more valuable. Since poets are their own critic, having an outside opinion of their work can make all the difference in submitting high-quality poetry.
Restructuring and Redrafting
Sometimes after getting feedback and critiques, poets will decide they need to restructure and redraft their poem. This may include adding or removing words, ideas, lines, or entire stanzas. This helps poets to improve their poems and make them more appealing to editors and readers. Just because a poet has submitted a poem for publication does not mean that it cannot be edited further before it is accepted. So, poets should be prepared to make last-minute changes to their poems.
Getting Published
After undergoing the submission process and making the necessary revisions to their poem, poets may be lucky enough to have their work accepted. Once a poem is accepted, this is when the publication process begins. Poets should make sure to seek out signing contracts and editing proofs to prevent any misunderstandings with the publication. This process is an essential part of the journey in getting published and poets should not be hesitant to ask questions before signing any documents.
Find the Right Place for You
Although it can be intimidating, submitting poetry for publication is an important step for poets in furthering their career in writing. Poets should do ample research and seek out the publications that are the most suitable for their poem. With dedication and determination, poets can find success in publishing their work.
