General Publishing Options
If you’ve written a poem, the natural inclination for many is to find somewhere to publish it. Publishing a poem can be a major asset for any aspiring poet, as it allows them to gain attention, critique, and readership between friendly and competitive networks. The challenge is to find outlets that offer the right balance — a place that understands the skill and craftsmanship of poetic writing, and appreciates the author’s work. To assist in that search, here are several popular places where you can publish your poetry.
Brick and mortar publication is a great option, especially in today’s market. Traditional publishers, print magazines, and poetry books all accept poetry. Journals and collections are excellent options for those wishing to see their work in print. These publications offer competitive payment fees and may even offer an arrangement where the author earns royalties when their piece is sold.
Online publications provide the added bonus of free exposure. Publishing your poem on an online literary journal or an electronic-based magazine can bring your work to a larger audience. There are digital magazines dedicated to poetry and electronic-based e-zines like The Magazine of Poetry which also accepts submissions.
Using social media to draw attention to your work is one of the most powerful tools in today’s savvy digital age. Reaching out to an enthusiastic audience on platforms such as Twitter or Instagram can generate lots of attention for your poem. Social media can also be used to connect with other writers, many of which will be willing to promote your work if you reciprocate the favor.
Blogs are a great option to consider when publishing one’s poetry. You can start your own blog and post your poems to it for a larger audience. There are also many blogs geared toward creativity or expressions of a certain genre. WriteShop is a great blog if you are seeking advice from experienced poets and writers. You may even find that large news companies and websites accept your work if it is of a high quality.
Self-Publishing and Alternatives
Self-publishing is a good route to take, especially if you are looking to get your work out quickly. If you feel comfortable managing selling, printing and distribution of your work, then this may be a great option. Many retail sites such as Amazon and Etsy have platforms just for self-publishing. Furthermore, you have the power to regulate pricing, exposure, and marketing efforts.
Publishing houses and small presses are also good options if you are looking to get your work published in paperback format. They are excellent if you are looking for experienced partners to help you through the publishing and marketing process. Small presses may even offer payment for those selected.
Another great, albeit neglected option, is to speak with a literary agent. A literary agent can increase a writer’s chances for success in the publication industry. Literary agents have the know how to shop plays and manuscripts to hundreds of publishers, thereby giving the writer a better chance of getting a contract with a respectable publisher.
Finally, you may want to search for poetry reading circles and small independent publishing houses. These venues tend to be more amenable to free-form, non-traditional work. Plus they may open doors to local promoters, educators and classes, which will help to expand your visibility.
Research and Engagement
Before submitting your work, it is important that you do your research and understand who you are submitting to. This means talking to people, checking websites, reading reviews and engaging with as much of the scene as possible. Knowing what type of work a journal or publisher is looking for can help you save time when hunting for a place to publish your work.
In addition, networking with other poets and writers can be invaluable. Poets, novelists, storytellers and playwrights will often have the answers you’re looking for or will be willing to share the successes or failures they encountered during their publishing adventures. Joining communities and online forums (such as the Poetry Society or Poetry Critiques) can also be very informative and can provide you with priceless insights.
Successful Strategies
To be successful when publishing or submitting a poem, you must be willing to accept constructive criticism and take into account feedback obtained from journals, editors, agents and peers. Rejection will likely come with the territory, but you should never give up. Rejection may actually serve as a constructive guide, as it helping you to improve and refining your talent.
Finally, give yourself permission to meander through the genres. Don’t place yourself in a pre-defined avenue too soon. Explore your options and push the boundaries of your creativity. It may lead you down a road that you previously roughed up with a mower!
The Benefits of Publishing your Poetry
Publishing your poetry has several potential benefits. Firstly, it’s an opportunity to satisfy your creative urges by reaching a wider audience. It also provides a platform for you to showcase your work on in the hopes to gain some fans. Finally, it is a confidence booster and a great way to stay connected with the craft of poetry and those within the community.
Writing and publishing your poetry is a process that can take up a lot of time. However, it can also be immensely rewarding. It can solidify one’s bond with the poetic world and give a sense of validation to the creative endeavor. It has the potential to develop one’s work into something quite beautiful, to a place where not only one’s current audience will be involved but also future generations of readers.
The Importance of Being Selective
When submitting or publishing your work, it is very important for poets to be selective. You want to make sure that your poem will be presented in the most perfect light and to the most suitable audience. This will ensure that the piece reaches its highest potential and that you are credited for your hard work and dedication. Reading the manuscript criteria of a publication in detail is also essential to find out which kind of work they are looking for. Furthermore, make sure that the work is edited before submitting it. Finally, make sure to follow the submission guidelines of each individual publication.
Sharing, Promoting, and Connecting
You should also feel free to share your work and upcoming publications with your circles and networks. Networking is an essential element of modern-day publishing and a great way to drum up publicity for your work. Create your own online portfolio, start a blog, and reach out to promoters and contacts in the industry who might too share or feature your poem.
In conclusion, there are many different avenues for poets to pursue in order to for their work to be noticed and published. By doing research, connecting with others, and following submission guidelines and requirements, poets can find a place for their work and help it reach a larger audience that will appreciate it.
