Introducing the world of Online Poetry
The internet, it seems, has all the answers. Whether it’s for finding out how to make a soufflé, learning about how to win at a game of chess, or even uncovering the secrets of ancient civilisations – just look online and these questions can often be answered in an instant. But where do you go if you have questions about poetry?
In recent years, the number of websites dedicated to hosting and submitting your poems online has grown by leaps and bounds. There are now so many places, in fact, it’s sometimes difficult to know which one to choose. So if you’re hoping to turn your amateurish scribblings into a serious career as a published poet, where is the best place to do that?
Submitting Poetry to Literary Magazines
One of the most traditional ways for poets to showcase their work is to submit it to literary magazines. In addition to giving birth to so many of the great works of literature, today’s literary magazines also provide a great platform for poets to get their work noticed.
Literary magazines and journals often require that poems are submitted in standard English, with all of the spelling, grammar, and punctuation as impeccable as possible. They also often stipulate they will only accept poems in certain formats, such as sonnets, villanelles, ballads, and odes.
It’s also worth noting that these publications, particularly the print-based ones, are often inundated with hundreds, even thousands, of submissions, which can make it quite difficult to find success. But that said, it’s still one of the most traditional ways of getting your work noticed and, ultimately, published.
Using Online Poetry Communities
For those of us who may feel slightly intimidated by the traditional, print-based publishing world, or who just want to get their work seen and enjoyed by a broad audience, the internet offers a great solution.
The past decade or so has seen the emergence of a variety of online poetry communities which allow poets to submit and share their work with other members. Here, users can have their work read, reviewed, and evaluated by their peers. Poets can also comment on each other’s work, share advice and exchange ideas and inspiration.
The beauty of these online communities is that they provide an extremely accessible platform for sharing your work, often with no restrictions on the amount or type of poem being submitted.
In many cases, the only thing stopping poets from uploading their work is simply the creative output itself. So, put down that pen and laptop and get inspired!
Social Media Platforms for Poetry
Nowadays, some of the leading social media platforms are also proving to be great places for poets to submit their work. This can be a great way for poets to build a profile for themselves and an audience for their work, as well as giving them access to an incredibly broad range of potential readers.
Facebook, for example, has a wide array of groups dedicated to poets, giving you the chance to connect with other poets from across the globe. Some of these groups also run competitions and offer feedback on submitted work.
Twitter also offers a great platform for sharing your creative works. There are countless forums and ‘hashtag events’ dedicated to showcasing and evaluating poetry, as well as many ‘open mic’ nights which allow poets to submit and read their work live to crowds of people.
Publishing a Collection
Once your own website or blog is built and you have a steady stream of viewers and subscribers, it might be time to think about creating and publishing your own collection of poems.
Thanks to the internet, it’s now easier than ever to make your poems available to the world through digital publishing, as this bypasses the often lengthy and complex process of publishing in physical books.
Nowadays there are countless platforms offering easy-to-use tools to help you create your own e-book editions, such as Kindle Direct Publishing, Kobo Writing Life, and Apple Books.
In addition to making the book available for sale, many of these companies offer comprehensive marketing and distribution services, which can help make sure your book is seen by as many people as possible.
Crowdfunding as a Source of Income
Crowdfunding sites such as Indiegogo or The Poetry Fund are also great platforms to make money from your poetry. This is done by offering people the chance to ‘pledge’ money to receive an item or service in exchange.
Oftentimes these services include having your work featured in a book, receiving a personalised poem, or even the chance to have an entire collection written and published. This is a great way to monetise your creative output, whilst also getting invaluable support and enthusiasm from people who share your love of poetry.
Tips for Getting Noticed
Although the internet is a fantastic place to showcase your work, getting noticed on there can sometimes be a challenge. The most common piece of advice for those hoping to rise to the top is to be original and create a unique voice.
Ensuring that your poems are well-crafted and interesting can also help to ensure that your work stands out from the crowd. Look to established poets for inspiration or take classes to help hone your craft.
Finally, make sure that you also promote your work as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to be bold in your approach. Utilise social media to spread the word and link up with fellow poets to boost each other’s prowess and presence.
Marketing to Publishers
Once you have a body of work and a level of freelance experience, it may be time to focus on getting your work formally published. Many publishers are always on the lookout for talented new poets, especially when they have evidence of a strong following.
Having a website or blog is a great starting point when marketing yourself to publishing houses and agents. Not only does it provide ample proof of your creativity in the form of samples of your work, but it also shows potential publishers that you’re serious about your craft.
If you don’t have a website or blog, create one. Even if you’re only intending to show your work to close friends, it’s a nice way of preserving and sharing your work in a fashionable and organised way, plus it makes you look professional.
Finding and Getting Involved with Competitions
Another great way to draw attention to your work is to enter competitions and read at local open-mic nights. These events not only give you the chance to test your skills in a more laid-back setting, but they also offer great networking opportunities.
Additionally, there are dozens of online poetry competitions out there, as well as in-person local events that are beneficial for every poet. By entering these, you also get a chance to potentially win big prizes and discover new ways to bring your passion to a wider audience.
Connecting to Readers
Finally, building a relationship with your readers is key for successful poets. Be sure to respond positively to feedback, share material regularly, and be entertaining. The internet has opened up many avenues for poets to reach a much broader audience than ever before.
So, regardless of whether you want to write for professional publications, create books of your own, or just share your work with like-minded people, the tools available online offer a great opportunity to achieve this.
So if you have a poem that you’re dying to get out there, as you can see, the internet is your gateway to the world!
