Where to post my poetry
Writing poetry is a beautiful way to express ourselves and with the advent of the internet, more and more poets are turning to online platforms to share their work. With the increasing availability of online poetry publications, it can be overwhelming to figure out the best places to post your poetry.
The internet is a great resource for publishing poetry; the sheer number of sites and platforms that make it possible to reach a global audience is growing every day. Many of these sites are free to join and allow poets to post their work with minimal effort. Some of the most popular sites include Poetry.com, All Poetry and PoemHunter. Each of these sites offer a diverse range of features, such as easy-to-use interfaces, social media sharing options, comment and rating systems, and more.
Poets can also submit their work to online magazines and journals, which may offer more robust publishing opportunities. By submitting to online magazines and journals, poets can reach more readers and gain more exposure for their work. Some of the most popular online magazines and journals include The Best American Poetry, The Hudson Review, The American Poetry Review and TriQuarterly.
Social media is another great way for poets to reach a wide audience and connect with readers. Platforms such as Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter provide poets with a great opportunity to showcase their work and form a larger reader base. Sites such as YouTube also provide poets with an opportunity to share their poetry in a multimedia format, thus allowing them to reach an even bigger audience.
In addition to the above-mentioned sites, poets can also consider traditional book publishing if they wish to share their work in a more tangible form. By submitting a collection of poetry to a publisher, poets can have the satisfaction of seeing their work in print—and, of course, reap the potential financial rewards.
A Self-Publishing Option
Self-publishing, or “indie” publishing, is another great option for poets who wish to share their work in a tangible format. Self-publishing platforms such as Amazon, Smashwords, and Lulu allow poets to easily create and distribute their own books without the need for traditional publishers. By using self-publishing platforms, poets can have the satisfaction of seeing their work in print, as well as the potential financial rewards.
Submitting Poems to Contests and Anthologies
Another great way for poets to get their work out there is to submit to poetry contests and anthologies. There are a number of organizations that offer opportunities for poets at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Submitting to these contests and anthologies can be a great way to gain recognition and further one’s career as a poet.
Publishing in a Literary Journal
In addition to the traditional book publishers and self-publishing platforms, poets can also consider submitting their work to literary journals. Literary journals are periodicals that publish poetry and other literary works. These journals often offer poets the opportunity to gain recognition and even receive compensation for their work.
Utilizing Print and Online Newsletters
Print and online newsletters are another great way for poets to share their work with a wider audience. In many cases, these newsletters are free to join and allow poets to post their work with minimal effort. By doing so, poets can showcase their work and form a larger reader base.
Reaching Out to Local Publications
Local publications, such as local newspapers and magazines, are also a great way for poets to get their work out to a larger audience. Many of these publications offer free submission options, so poets can submit their work with minimal effort. By reaching out to local publications, poets can have the satisfaction of seeing their work in print as well as the potential for financial reward.
Joining an Online Poetry Community
Online poetry communities are an excellent way for poets to connect with other poets and share their work. These communities often offer great resources for poets, such as critiques, feedback, and support. By joining an online poetry community, poets can further their knowledge of the genre and hone their craft.
Participating in an Open Mic Night
Open mic nights are another great way for poets to share their work with a live audience. These nights are often hosted by local cafes, theaters, or music venues and give poets the opportunity to perform their work in front of a live audience. By doing so, poets can gain more exposure and practice performing their work in public.
Publishing Poetry in Print Publications
Print publications, such as newspapers and magazines, can also be a great way for poets to share their work with a wider audience. Submitting a collection of poems to a print publication can be a great way to gain recognition and further one’s career as a poet. Many of these publications also offer payment or compensation to the poets whose work is accepted.
Writing Articles and Reviews
Many poets are now turning to writing articles and reviews about other poets’ work as a way to further their own careers. By writing about and reviewing other poets’ work, poets can gain valuable insight into the work of more established members of the poetry community. In addition, writing about poetry can often be a great way for poets to gain more exposure and recognition for their own work.
Organizing Literary Events
Organizing literary events, such as open mic nights, poetry slams, and workshops, can be a great way for poets to reach a wider audience while networking with other poets in the community. By hosting literary events, poets can also gain recognition and further their own career.
Gaining Representation
For poets who are serious about pursuing a publishing career, gaining representation from a literary agent or publisher can be a great way to get their work out to a larger audience. Literary agents and publishers are able to navigate the sometimes complicated publishing landscape and can help poets land book or magazine deals, or assist with the production of their work.
