Sharing Poetry Online
Writing poetry is a rewarding way to express insights and emotions, beautifying the written word with creativity and imagination. It is a practice that has been around for centuries, but today’s technology has revolutionized the process of sharing and publishing poetry. Online resources have vastly expanded the opportunities for poets to find an audience, providing a global platform to share writing with readers from around the world. Although getting published in a print publication is still a worthy goal for many poets, posting poetry online has become an increasingly popular method of reaching readers.
The internet has allowed poets more freedom and control over their work than ever before. Rather than waiting to get accepted by an editor, many poets are now comfortable sharing their poetry on platforms such as blogs, social media sites, and poetry communities. However, there are two major drawbacks to publishing poetry online. The first is that there are a plethora of poems already being posted, which creates a lot of competition. The second is that sites like social media often don’t highlight the type of formatting that a poem needs – resulting in it looking messy on the page. Despite these pitfalls, there are a number of sites that are great for poets, each with its own merits for publishing and sharing poetry online.
Platforms For Poets
Poets have access to a wide range of platforms for publishing their work. Popular sites such as Wattpad, Tumblr, and Medium are all great for getting your work out there for the world to see. Wattpad is a community of readers and writers that allows users to upload stories, read stories from around the world, comment, and participate in discussions. It is a great resource for writers who are just starting out, as it provides a supportive and engaging community. Tumblr is another popular platform for sharing writing, allowing poets to easily post their work in a visually appealing way. Medium is another great resource for poets, as it allows writers to post long-form essays and articles in addition to poetry.
For poets who want to create a more professional platform, there are also websites that specialize in showcasing poetry, such as Poem Hunter and VerseWrights. Both of these sites are dedicated to helping poets share their work, allowing users to upload their poems and get feedback from other members of the community. They also allow poets to create profile pages with bios, collections of poems, and other information about the poet and their work.
There are also poetry-specific sites that are great for poets wanting to publish their work for a wider audience. Sites like Duotrope, Poetry Coup, and Poetry Nation specialize in showcasing poetry, providing opportunities for poets to be discovered by publishers and literary agents. They are also great resources for poets who are looking to network with other poets and find like-minded peers to collaborate with.
Benefits of Posting Poetry Online
Posting poetry online provides a range of benefits for poets, from increased exposure to a larger audience to the ability to get feedback from other readers. It also allows poets to establish an online presence and network with fellow poets, as well as giving them control over how and when their work is shared. Publishing online ensures that your work is accessible to a much larger audience than print publications, since many readers prefer reading online to traditional books. Additionally, posting poetry online is usually free, meaning that poets don’t have to pay for submissions or pay for printing costs, as with print publications.
Sharing poetry online also offers a unique opportunity for poets to practice their craft and develop as writers. Many of the sites offer ways to get feedback from other writers and readers, allowing poets to interact with each other, share ideas, and get constructive criticism. It also encourages writers to participate in writing challenges and build up their portfolio, all while gaining exposure and readership. Overall, there are a number of other benefits to publishing poetry online, each of which should be taken into consideration when deciding how and where to share a poet’s work.
Tips For Posting Poetry Online
When deciding to post poetry online, it is important to choose the right platform. There are a plethora of sites and resources available for poets, each with its own merits. It’s important to do some research and pick the one that best suits your goals for sharing your work. For instance, if you are looking for feedback from other writers and readers, then you may want to pick a site like Wattpad or Tumblr.
In addition to selecting a platform, it is important to consider how to best present your poem. This may include formatting it for the web, adding visuals, or adding tags to make it easier to find. Depending on the platform, there may be plugins and features that can help you properly format your poem. Finally, it is essential to make sure that your poem is edited and proofread before posting, as it reflects poorly on the poet if their work is full of errors.
Making Money With Poetry
For poets who are looking to make money from their work, there are a few options worth considering. One way to make money is by setting up an online store and selling prints or digital products featuring your poetry. This is especially useful if you have artwork to accompany your poems, as it provides a more visual product. Websites like Etsy, Society6, and Redbubble are great for setting up an online store and selling your work.
Another great way to make money is by becoming a freelance writer and selling your poetry to publications. Many magazines, newspapers, and websites are always looking for writers, and publications such as Poets & Writers and Writer’s Digest provide information on how to find opportunities to submit poetry. In addition, social media is a great resource for connecting with editors and other writers who may be interested in buying your work.
Finally, if you have a large following or fan base, you can also consider crowdfunding your poetry. Sites like Patreon and Kickstarter allow writers to set up a profile and receive donations for their work. This is a great way to monetize your work and provide incentives for readers, as well as giving you the freedom to do more writing without worrying about making money from it.
Protecting Your Poetry
It’s important for poets to protect their work and make sure that their poetry is not misused or stolen. One way to do this is through copyright registration. Registering your work with the United States Copyright Office ensures that you will retain the rights to your poetry and will be able to take legal action if your work is appropriated without permission.
In addition to registering your work, it is also important to protect your poems when they’re posted online. If a poem has been published in a magazine or anthology, it’s essential to be aware of any reprint restrictions. Many journals and sites that accept poetry will specify what rights you maintain, such as the right to post your work elsewhere or whether you can use the poem commercially. Being aware of these restrictions can help ensure the protection of your work.
Finally, though it may assume less importance, there are also steps you can take to protect your personal information online. When posting poetry online, it’s important to be mindful of the privacy settings you have in place and make sure to protect yourself from identity theft and other forms of cybercrime. Paying close attention to your online security is another important way to keep your work safe and ensure that it isn’t being used without your permission.
Conclusion
Posting poetry online has become increasingly popular among poets, offering enhanced control and flexibility when it comes to sharing their work. However, it is important to remember the pros and cons of publishing online, and do some research before deciding where to post poetry. Additionally, protecting one’s work is essential, so be sure to register your work with the copyright office and be aware of any reprint restrictions. Overall, there are a range of options for poets looking to post and share their poetry online, and by taking the right steps, they can find success and reach a greater audience.
