Publishing Poetry Online
Writing poetry has become an increasingly popular activity among aspiring creative writers and novice poets alike, who may choose to publish their work in a variety of places. With the rise of digital publishing, it has never been easier to find a home for one’s creative endeavors. This article aims to explore the world of online publishing and provide advice on where poets can publish their work.
When it comes to publishing poetry, poets have a myriad of options as to where they can disseminate their work. Some of the most prominent sources include books, magazines and online publications. Of these options, online publications provide a particularly convenient way for poets to gain exposure and receive feedback for their work, often for free.
When deciding which online platform to use, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. For instance, some online platforms are better suited for aspiring poets who are just beginning to hone their craft. A good example of this is PoetrySoup, which is a blog-style site where poets can interact with other writers and submit their work for reviews and feedback. Other suitable options for novice poets are Wattpad and Welcome to the Writers’Shoppe, which are both free to join and allow poets to create their own portfolio within the sites.
Alternatively, more established poets may opt to use third-party sites such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble to self-publish their own books or anthologies. These sites allow poets to create custom covers and formats, and they offer great potential for building an audience and monetizing one’s work. Additionally, there are many other sites – such as Lulu and Draft2Digital – that poets may use to self-publish their work.
For poets who are looking for more traditional sources of publication, there are many literary magazines and journals that accept poetry submissions. It is important to note that these publications often require specific forms and formats for submission, so it is important to do some research and be aware of the guidelines before submitting one’s work. Some of the leading literary journals include Poetry Magazine, The Keats Quarterly, The Paris Review, and The Magnolia Review, but the list is extensive and poets are sure to find a publication that fits their needs.
Apart from traditional print-based publications, there are several online publications that also accept submissions. Some examples include The New Verse News and VerseWrights, which are both specific to poetry and accept a range of forms and styles. Additionally, there are also more general online publications such as The Huffington Post, Salon and The New York Times, which may accept poetry submissions in certain cases.
Finally, poets may opt to create their own website or blog to showcase their work. By doing so, poets can build an online presence for themselves and present their work to a larger audience. Popular blogging sites such as WordPress, Blogger and Tumblr make it easier for poets to establish their own blog and share their work with the wider world.
Social Media Platforms
Another popular option for poets is to use social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to spread their work. These platforms are particularly useful for poets who are looking to build an audience, as they enable poets to engage with their followers and spark conversations about their work. Additionally, these sites also have dedicated spaces for poetry, such as Twitter’s #poetrychannel and Instagram’s #poetry_society, where poets can share their work and connect with other writers.
Most social media platforms are also incredibly user-friendly, so poets can easily set up their own accounts and start blogging. Poets may also want to consider using more niche social networks, such as Ello, which is a dedicated platform for artists and writers. Both Ello and Twitter also have dedicated poetry prompts, which can be a great way for poets to get started on their journey.
Furthermore, poets may also use hashtags to increase the reach and visibility of their work. For example, if poets use the hashtag #poetry, then it is likely that their work will be seen by others who have an interest in the topic. Used in moderation and with careful consideration, hashtags can be an effective tool for poets to use as they embark on their publishing journey.
Services for Poets
In addition to the aforementioned sources of publication, there are also services available to poets specifically. Many of these services focus on getting one’s work published in a print format by helping poets to put together books, anthologies, and other resources. For example, ByHeartPress offers a range of different services, such as help with formatting and editing, as well as advice on pitching to magazines and other publications.
Moreover, professional societies such as the Poetry Society and Poets House can also be great places for poets to find resources, network with other writers and gain advice about the publishing world. Alongside this, many universities and other institutions also host their own poetry events, which may provide poets with the opportunity to meet and network with other like-minded individuals.
At the end of the day, publishing one’s work is a highly individualized process and there is noone-size-fits-all solution. It is important to note, though, that in addition to the sources and services mentioned in this article, there are almost certainly plenty of other options that poets can explore. Ultimately, the ideal route will depend on the individual and their goals.
Publishing Poetry In Print
Alongside digital options, poets may consider pursuing print publication. Though often more difficult to achieve, this route can offer poets significant rewards. Some of the most accessible avenues for publishing poetry in print include competing in contests and submitting work to literary magazines and journals. In terms of contests, many publishers such as Poetry America, Words of Wisdom, and The Poetry Society run regular poetry writing competitions which poets can enter.
For poets looking to submit their work to literary magazines and journals, the two primary avenues are direct submissions and solicited submissions. Direct submissions are when poets contact the publication directly to submit their work, and this often requires the submission of a written query letter. Solicited submissions occur when literary magazines specifically request work from specific writers.
Once poets have sent their work in for consideration, there are several factors that will be taken into account when editors read the submissions. For instance, editors will often be interested in the originality of the work and its overall structure, as well as the writer’s use of language, imagery and sound. Furthermore, proper formatting and accuracy are also key components that editors take into consideration.
While it can be difficult to find success with print publication, it is undoubtedly a viable route for poets. Along with potentially achieving recognition and making money from publication, poets may experience many other benefits, such as the satisfaction of seeing their work in print and the enjoyment of receiving feedback from peers.
Supporting the Community
Ultimately, whether poets decide to publish poetry in print or online, it is important to always remember to be supportive of others in the community. Rather than viewing their fellow writers as competition, poets ought to try to see them as potential peers or even mentors. In this way, poets can foster an environment of support and collaboration in which everyone can be successful.
For this reason, poets can benefit from actively engaging with members of the community, such as attending open mics, joining reading groups and participating in writing workshops. These activities may provide poets with valuable feedback, and the contacts and friends that poets make through such activities can prove to be invaluable in their publishing endeavors. The key is to remember to always stay open-minded and supportive of other writers.
Open Submissions
In order to get the most out of their poetry submissions, poets may want to consider taking advantage of open submission calls. Open submission calls are when literary journals and magazines issue a call for all types of submissions, and they offer poets an opportunity to get their work noticed in a competitive environment. To find out if a publication has an open submission, poets can check their website or social media pages.
Poets may also want to consider applying to independent publishers and presses, who will likely have their own specific guidelines and requirements in terms of format and length. Most independent publishers and presses require the submission of short excerpts or sample works, so poets ought to make sure to familiarize themselves with the submission guidelines before proceeding.
Additionally, many websites such as Duotrope offer comprehensive databases of journals and publishers that poets can use to search for publications. These websites often give poets an insight into the acceptance rates of certain journals and provide an indication as to what kind of poetry certain publications prefer to publish.
Choosing the Right Outlet
Finally, it is important to note that when it comes to publishing one’s poetry, the most important factor is to make sure to choose an outlet that is suitable for one’s individual goals. Ultimately, it is important to find a platform that prioritises creativity and allows poets to create their own unique poetry. Furthermore, poets should also seek out platforms where their work can reach the right audience and build the desired connections.
It is also essential for poets to make sure that the platform is reputable and has a good reputation. Additionally, poets should always make sure to read through the terms and conditions of the platform carefully, and to ensure that their rights as a writer are being fairly represented.
At the end of the day, publishing poetry can seem daunting at first, but by doing the necessary research, poets are sure to find the right outlet for their work. The key is to stay open-minded, explore different options, and most importantly, find a platform that is the right fit for one’s individual goals.
