Promotional Channels
Promoting poetry can seem like a daunting task, especially when it comes to where to post it. Popular outlets such as Twitter and Instagram might not be suitable for the type of literary art that poetry encompasses. However, there are a number of platforms dedicated to the promotion of poetry, each offering their own unique way of publicizing your work.
The first of these outlets is Poetry.com, an online platform that encourages poets to share their work for both amateur and professional reasons. It offers a wide variety of resources and tools to create a portfolio, promote your work, and connect with other writers. It also offers international recognition of poems by awarding special awards and prizes, as well as providing access to a supportive global community.
Another helpful outlet for promoting poetry is the Poetry Foundation’s online presence. It is renowned for its promotion of both classic and contemporary poetry, with a long-standing commitment to making poetry accessible and engaging to all. In addition, its website contains various tools including a monthly newsletter, blogs, and podcasts that can be used to promote poetry.
Rallying around the idea of poetry-specific social media, there are also two predominant sites dedicated to the promotion of poets. These are Poetron, an independent platform that allows members to share their work and connect with other poets; and PoetryMatrix, which is an online journal with a wide range of poetry-related resources and opportunities to share poetry.
In addition to these specific platforms, poetry-promotion websites such as Poetry Magazine and Poets & Writers listservs serve as great ways to find potential places to post poetry. They each keep up to date and comprehensive databases of literary magazines, reviewing websites and literary organizations who may accept poetry. These lists can be invaluable in helping establish a presence for your work.
Furthermore, posting poetry to a blog or personal website can be an effective strategy for promotion. Not only does this create a better awareness of your work, but also provides more opportunities to interact with readers and other poets.
Online Competitions
Online writing competitions can be a great way to increase the visibility of your poetry and introduce your work to a new audience. While there are countless opportunities on the internet, here are a few of the more popular competitions.
The first is the National Poetry Competition, which is an annual event run by the Poetry Society since 1978. It is open to both amateur and professional poets, with entrants submitting work for consideration by an international panel of judges. Winners are then recognized with a cash prize and the publication of their work in Poems on the Underground.
Another great poetry competition is the John Skelton Prize. This annual poetry competition is offered by the University of York and is an opportunity for poets to submit their work for consideration by an esteemed panel of judges. Winners of the competition receive a cash prize and their work is published in an anthology.
The Poetry Society of America also offers an annual competition, the National Latina/o Literary Awards. This award is open to poets at all stages in their careers, and provides awards for both emerging and established writers who create work writing in the English language. The award includes cash prizes and featured fellowships.
Other competitions such as the Academy of American Poets Prize, The Yale Series of Younger Poets, and the Autumn House Poetry Prize are worth exploring and submitting to. Not only could they result in recognition and a monetary prize, but can also act as a great way to spread your work and the work of other poets.
Live Readings
In addition to online outlets, attending or hosting poetry readings and events can be a great way to connect with other writers and spread the word about your poetry. This can be done both virtually in the age of digital technology or in person when possible.
One of the most popular forms of live poetry is slam or open-mic nights, for which many cities and towns provide performance spaces for poets. These events bring together poets and other artists with similar goals in a supportive and encouraging environment, providing the perfect place to share your work with a live audience. Slams also offer excellent opportunities to come into contact with writing groups, local magazines and publishers, providing excellent connections and communities to further the promotion of your poetry.
Online events such as virtual readings and festivals are also popular outlets for promoting poetry, particularly in extreme isolation. Hosting a virtual open mic or a Zoom-style book club can be great ways to encourage viewers to engage in your work and stay updated with your activities.
Publications & Engagement
Many poets find that being a part of the larger writing community is one of the best ways to promote their work. Joining writing organizations and submitting your work to magazines and journals can boost exposure and create interesting conversation around your poetry. Being a part of the conversation by engaging in conversations on social media and attending conferences can also enhance your relationships with peers and readers alike.
Popular publications such as Poetry Magazine, PEN America, The New Yorker and The Atlantic offer various opportunities to submit poetry and hold interactive discussions. Many online sites such as Seamless, Tiny Poem and SimplySeed also provide great platforms for submitting poetry, as do social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
It is also worth exploring the world of self-publishing, which can be done both online and through print. Print-on-demand services offer a great opportunity to create a physical version of your poetry and can be one of the more effective ways of promoting your work. It is also a great way to access a larger audience through an easier means.
Literary Events
Poetry slams, writing workshops, and book launches are also popular outlets dedicated to the promotion of poetry. Popular cities such as London, New York and Los Angeles are home to various literary festivals and events dedicated to the promotion of poetry and other genres of writing. These events are great ways to meet other poets, find literary agents, receive feedback and hone your skills.
Creating an online presence for your work is also a great way to receive the recognition your work deserves. Through online presence and accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, poets can reach out to personal audiences and help spread the word about their work.
Venues
Apart from the outlets mentioned above, booksstores, cafes and other venues offer a supportive and creative environment for poets to share their work and gain exposure. The most popular outlets tend to be bookstores and bars, who often welcome poets on their premises to showcase their work.
Additionally, public libraries often host open mic nights and invite poets to read their work in a friendly and comforting atmosphere. These events often attract a wide range of poetry fans and provide a platform for poets to not only interact with live audiences, but with other poets, too.
Moreover, poetry readings have become increasingly popular on college and university campuses, giving poets the chance to read and discuss their work with peers and those studying the art of poetry. These events provide opportunities for poets to engage with current and new audiences, while also connecting them to possible literary outlets.
Radio & Podcasts
The radio and podcast scene has also seen an increase in the amount of poetry being read, discussed and promoted. Poetry-dedicated shows are broadcasted on mainstream and independent radio stations, while countless podcasts focus on the works of poets. These outlets range in content and provide opportunities to connect with different audiences who may not be familiar with the world of poetry.
In general, radio and podcasting are two of the most effective and popular ways of increasing the reach of poetry, providing poets with the opportunity to connect and engage with new individuals or groups. Additionally, many radio stations and podcasts collaborate with online outlets, allowing them to post recordings of poets’ work.
Concluding Thoughts
When it comes to the promotion of poetry, there are numerous outlets that poets can use to spread their work and increase its reach. For many, the journey towards increasing recognition of their work can begin with joining online platforms and communities, such as Poetry.com or PoetryMatrix. Others may prefer the venues of live readings, bookstores, cafes and libraries. By engaging with a wide range of outlets and becoming part of the larger writing community, poets can establish a presence and ensure their work is being read.
In addition, taking part in writing competitions and attending literary festivals can be helpful in establishing relationships and gaining exposure. Radio and podcasts, however, are perhaps the most effective ways to reach a larger audience while also getting paid for your work. It is a double-edged sword in that by appearing on radio and podcasts a poet increases the visibility of their work, but also engages in conversations and further discussions.
Regardless of the route taken, promotion of poetry is essential for encouring its success. As long as poets are aware of the various opportunities available to them, they can rest assured that their words will find an audience that desires its presence.
