Online Poetry Platforms
Open mic nights, live performances, workshops and literary festivals are all integral elements of the poetry scene. But with the advent of technology, one of the biggest forums for poets – worldwide – is through sharing poetry online. Social networking platforms, blogs and websites have given poets from all around the world to showcase and share their creations, with some of the largest literary communities residing on the internet. Platforms, such as RhymeZone and PoetrySoup, give members the opportunity to post, read and interact with fellow poets.
Publish Your Poetry on YouTube
Though not a platform specifically dedicated to poets, YouTube has become an increasingly popular platform to share and promote your poems. You can create a personal YouTube channel and upload videos of your recitations and publish them to the world. The beauty of YouTube is not only that you can showcase your original work, but also dedicate tribute to poets you admire with cover recordings and share your thoughts on their work, influencing others.
Submit Your Work to Published Platforms
Due to the high demand for space on the world wide web, there are a variety of published platforms that are committed to showcasing the best of poetic works. Such platforms provide excellent opportunities for budding poets and experienced writers alike, as they require a strict selection process, which adds to the esteem of the poets’ work. Examples of such reputation- granting platforms include Appleseed, The Poetics Project and Lyric.
Start a blog or Website
Though it certainly may not be the easiest or most convenient route, self-publishing is one of the best ways to promote your work, especially in the age of personal branding and connections. Setting up a blog blogspot or a website will give you more control over how you present your poems and how personal of a connection you want to create with your readers. Additionally, it will provide a platform for monetization in the future.
Social media is just about the biggest and best platforms to share your poetry. Aside from the wide reach of users that it provides, it’s also relatively easy to promote your work through reposts, likes, and comments. Of the various platforms, Instagram is well known for its ability to create niche, visual poetry communities and is becoming increasingly popular among poetry lovers; Twitter is perfect for not only sharing your work but also engaging with a thriving community.
Utilize Traditional Publishing Platforms
The traditional route of submitting your work to poetry journals, magazines, and publishers is still available, though it may require a bit more effort. Having your work published in a physical book or magazine will put your name on the map and provide credibility and recognition.
Use Writing Contests to Promote Your Poems
Writing contests are a great way to get your name out there and get your work seen by readers. Contests are usually organised for a particular theme and may even offer monetary rewards for winners. Websites like Duotrope, PoetryNation, and WinningWriters make searching for contests easy and fun.
Attend Open Mic Nights and Perform
Literary nights have come a long way over the years and they now serve as a way in which poets can meet and share their work. You can either perform a pre- existing poem or even try your hand at writing an on-the- spot rap poem.
Participate in Collaborations and Writing Groups
Collaborations on social media are the closest you’ll get to the proverbial sharing circle around a campfire. They give poets from different parts of the world the opportunity to share their thoughts and collaborate to create something new and vibrant. Social media groups such as 21st Century Poets and Writing Group vary from beginner to expert and often feature mentorship, readings, prompts and discussion boards.
Publish Your Work to Digital Literary Magazines
Digital Lit Mags, such as Prick of the Spindle , Pank Magazine and The Offing, are highly conducive towards sharing your work online. Magazine submissions will typically undergo a review process, with the final drafts that are accepted into digital literary magazines often being published alongside other high-caliber poets.
Submit Your Poems to Poetry Contests
Poetry contests are a great way to get your name out there, gain recognition, and possibly even win cash prizes. Publications such as The Yale Review, The New Yorker, and The Academy of American Poets offer regular contest entries each year, with notable awards and prizes up for grabs.
Host Readings and Workshops
The need for connection and socialization is particularly crucial for poets, and the world of readings and workshops can provide the perfect platform to share and appreciate different styles of writing. Host an event in a coffee shop, school, or library and open it up to aspiring writers, poets, and performers.
