Social Media
Social media has become an invaluable tool for poets looking to get their work known. With an ever-growing list of platforms, poets can find an audience and receive feedback from others. The experience of engaging with other people in a creative way also helps to build confidence in writing. Twitter and Instagram in particular offer excellent platforms for poets to post their work. For Twitter, a #poetry tag can make it easier for fellow poets to find and follow each other. Twitter does have the disadvantage of character limits, so poets may need to condense their works for posting. Instagram is much more suited for longer forms of poem, with the 280 character limit offering more room to work with. For both platforms, the order of the lines in the poem can be rearranged to make the final post look visually attractive.
Specialist Poetry Sites
In addition to social media, there are a variety of specialist poetry sites designed for poets looking to share their work. These include sites such as Poetry.com, Poetry Soup and Poetry Nation. These sites typically require registration, but they offer poets the chance to post their work and receive critiques from other members. Other features include editorial reviews of work and the opportunity to submit to literary magazines looking for poets to feature. As with social media, these sites also enable poets to network with other writers, allowing them to explore different styles and techniques.
Blogging Platforms
Blogging platforms such as WordPress and Blogger can also be used to share and promote poetry. While these sites are more geared towards long-form content and creative writing, they can still be used to post poems, as well as giving poets the chance to speak about their work and its inspiration. With their own customised homepages, poets can also develop their own online presence and cultivate a following.
Personal Websites
For those looking for more control over their online presence, creating their own personal website is another option. Dedicated poets may choose to create their own site, allowing them to structure their content to best suit their needs and attract more readers. With a custom website, poets can also be more creative with their page design, such as adding animations and interactive elements. In addition, poets can also monetise their work by integrating payment options and adverts on their site.
Podcasts
Podcasts have seen a huge resurgence in recent years and as such, some podcast platforms have started offering poets the opportunity to record their works, potentially reaching a larger audience. The likes of Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts all provide platforms for poets to share their works in podcast format. Podcasts are not only more engaging than simple reading, they can also gain traction much quicker if they are hosted by experienced presenters.
YouTube
YouTube is one of the most popular media platforms out there and while it is primarily used for video content, it can still be used to share poetry. Poets have the chance to record their works and share them with the platform’s massive audience. Of course, videos also offer the added benefit of allowing poets to showcase their facial expressions and enhance their readings through visuals. As with podcasting, some poets have even been able to earn money from their YouTube channel depending on how successful their work is.
Anthologies
Anthologies are collections of works from one or more authors and, as such, can be a great way for poets to share their work. For self-publishing poets, this can be an effective way to reach a large group of people with their work. Printing costs are low and printing services are available online. By publishing an anthology, poets can benefit from the increased exposure and even make some money in the process.
Local Events
Poetry events are becoming increasingly popular and can be a great platform for poets to read their work to a live audience. There are plenty of events out there, from open mic nights to more formal recitals. Attending these events gives poets a chance to meet new people, network and generate interest in their work.
Competitions
Entering poetry competitions is a great way to get noticed. By entering, poets can show off their work to a panel of judges and receive constructive feedback on their work. Many competitions come with a cash prize and can even lead to future opportunities, such as the chance to become a published poet.
Self-Publishing
For poets looking for complete control over their work, self-publishing is an option. With the rise of online self-publishing services, poets now have the opportunity to publish and distribute their work. From eBooks to printed books, self-publishing allows poets to focus on their craft, determine the content and decide how their work is marketed.
Publishing Houses
For those looking to take a more traditional path, submitting to a publishing house can also be a viable option. Although the competition to get a book deal is fierce, if a poet’s work is of a high quality, there’s a chance of making it into a published author. Publishing houses usually require a submission package, including the poet’s work, a CV, cover letter and sample chapters. Like competitions, if successful, the poet stands to make a lot of money and could go on to have a brilliant career.
