Where to Publish your Poetry
Writing poetry is a creative outlet for many people. There are many outlets for publication and a wide range of online and printed options for getting your work out there for others to read and comment on. Navigating these various platforms and opportunities can be overwhelming or intimidating, so it is important to do research and find the service that is the most suited to your style.
Start with some of the most popular print and online magazines that specialize in poetry. These can be found easily with the help of a search engine and the right keywords, but some of the more well-known publications are the Paris Review, The Rumpus, Consequence Magazine, PANK Magazine, Muzzle Magazine, and a host of others.
For a more comprehensive list, you might consider consulting the website Duotrope, which is a service that provides detailed information about literary magazines, both print and online. It also provides a way to track your submission process, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of it.
Another great resource for finding places to submit your poetry is Submittable. This website is one of the largest submission platforms out there and you can use it to search for magazines that are taking submissions in a variety of topics. Additionally, you can even submit directly from Submittable, making the submission process much easier.
Social media can also be a helpful tool for finding publication opportunities for poets. Sites such as Twitter and Facebook have a wide range of pages and groups devoted to connecting writers with publications in their chosen subject matter.
Poetry slams, open mic nights, and writing competitions are also great ways to get your work seen and appreciated. These events provide an excellent opportunity to mingle with other writers and artists, and share your work. Many times these events are open to all levels of experience, so don’t be intimidated if you are new to the world of publishing. Participating in these events is also a great way to get valuable, constructive feedback.
Whatever method you choose, remember that the key to getting published is perseverance. Rejection is part of the process and you have to be willing to put yourself out there even if you don’t get the results you were expecting. Take risks, be brave, and keep writing!
Publish in Local Newspapers
A great option for poets looking for publication is to submit to local newspapers. Having your work seen in your own community is a powerful way to reach people, and to have your poetry seen by an audience that may be closer to your demographic.
Reach out to local newspapers and magazines, and ask them if they accept submissions of poetry. This may include weekly or monthly newspapers and magazines, as well as those that are printed in universities and cities. Most newspapers will only accept work written by local residents, and especially those that are more experienced.
It’s important to make sure that the newspaper you are submitting to is reputable and of good quality. Do some research online and read through some of the recent issues if you can. This will help you make sure that the newspaper is open to accepting your work.
Once you have found a newspaper that is accepting submissions, make sure you follow all guidelines. If the publication has specific formatting guidelines or length limits, make sure that you are following them.
Finally, don’t be afraid to send out multiple submissions and to multiple publications. Some publications may only accept a certain type of work and this could limit you in finding the right home for your work.
Submission Periods
Once you have a better idea of where you’d like to try and publish your poetry, you should start looking into the submission periods. Many publications have specific calendars they adhere to and you should keep track of these deadlines so that you can send in your submissions in time.
Generally, most magazines, journals and newspapers issue calls for submissions for upcoming issues during particular times, and submissions are accepted only during those periods. These periods are usually advertised on the publication’s website, and you should keep an eye on them to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Be sure to read through the guidelines for each submission period before submitting your work. This is important to make sure that your work is formatted correctly and that you are following any specific instructions. Pay particular attention to the guidelines in relation to length, formatting, genre and style.
It’s also important to remember that some publications may take longer than anticipated to get back to you with an answer – and that could be a rejection or acceptance. Be patient and try not to take it too personally if your work is not accepted.
Finding an Agent
If you would like to submit your work to larger and more established publications, it may be helpful to find a professional agent who specializes in poetry. Agents can help get you noticed by publications that you may not have access to on your own.
Agents can also help organize submission periods, negotiate contracts, and provide valuable advice. They are also a source of positive feedback which can help to motivate you to continue working and improve your writing.
To find an agent, start by doing some research online and looking for agents that specialize in the type of poetry you write or the market you wish to target. It is also important to keep in mind that it is common for agents to require payment for their services. Make sure to check in advance what the payment structure is.
Once you find an agent, it’s also important to determine how often you’ll hear from them, how they prefer to be contacted, and how they handle communication with clients. Establishing a routine will ensure that you are both on the same page.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s a great option for poets. Self-publishing allows you to be in control of your own work, create physical and digital copies, and create a website or blog to showcase your work.
Self-publishing also makes it very easy to reach a wide range of readers, as you can make your work available to a global audience. This can be a great way to create a following and gain some recognition for your work.
Some of the platforms for self-publishing include Amazon, Smashwords, and Lulu. Each of these services allows you to upload your work, create the format you want it to be in, and have it available for readers to purchase.
The main disadvantage of self-publishing is that it can take a lot of time and effort to create a product, and it may cost more than submitting to a publication, especially if you decide to invest in a professional editor and cover design.
Crowdfunding Platforms
Crowdfunding is an increasingly popular option for writers and poets, and one worth exploring. It allows writers to connect with supporters and potential readers and to finance projects that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to.
Platforms such as Kickstarter, Patreon, and GoFundMe are popular outlets for poets to high-light their work and manage campaign goals and fundraising.
Creating a successful crowdfunding campaign can take a lot of time and effort, but there are plenty of resources online that can help you get started, such as Crowdfunding for Beginners and Kickstarter School.
Keep in mind that although it takes time and effort, this effort can pay off. Successful crowdfunding campaigns can result in tangible rewards such as a printed book, an opportunity to read at a poetry slam, or additional funds to attend poetry festivals.
Other Ways to Publish Your Poetry
Other ways to publish your poetry, apart from online or print magazines and newspapers, include entering poetry competitions, submitting to online workshops and journals, and publishing books.
Entering poetry competitions is a great way to get your work noticed and potentially rewarded. There are plenty of competitions out there for all levels, including those for poets who are just starting out. You may even receive a monetary prize if you win, and/or have the opportunity to read or perform your poem in front of an audience.
Online workshops and journals are also a great way to get your work seen by an audience and to promote your work. This can be done through forums, blogs, and other web communities.
Finally, there is the option to publish your own book. This can be a daunting prospect, as it requires a high level of commitment and often good financial investment. However, it can be a rewarding and rewarding experience. This is especially true if you manage to make sales and start building your own fan base.
