Where to Sell Poetry
Poetry is an art form with a long and distinguished history. Whether it is expressed in the ancient annals of Epic, or the modern beats of spoken word, it has the power to capture our thoughts, feelings, and the human experience. As a form of art, many poets want to find ways to sell their work and share it with a larger audience. This article will explore the best places to do that, along with the various tools available to help poets monetize their work.
Online publishing platforms
The internet has become a hotbed for publishing and marketing content of all kinds. There are dozens of online platforms which allow poets to post their poems and advertise them for sale to wider audiences. Etsy, for example, is a popular platform for selling homemade goods, including handmade and digital poetry books. Here, poets can curate collections of their work, set a price for individual pieces, and create bundles and discounts for customers. Other popular online selling platforms for poetry include Gumroad, Fiverr, and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. Here, as well as setting prices and creating bundles, poets can also benefit from the platform’s built-in marketing and advertising tools, as well as its large user base.
Social media
In recent years, social media has become an essential part of most poets’ marketing strategies. By setting up a dedicated profile for their poetry, and utilizing the platform’s algorithms, poets can reach a much wider audience than ever before. For example, many poets use Twitter to post snippets from their work, along with the relevant hashtags, to acquire likes and followers that can eventually be converted into customers. Similarly, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms can also be used to post poems and connect with a larger, global audience.
Promotional campaigns
In addition to the platforms discussed so far, there are also a number of promotional campaigns that poets can use to boost sales of their poems. One of the most popular is Google Ads, which allows poets to target ads at specific audiences within certain geographical regions. Additionally, enlisting the help of influencers to promote a poet’s work can be a great way of gaining exposure. Oftentimes, influencers may even offer to promote a poet’s work on their own account, thus making it easier for poets to get their work in front of interested customers.
Word of mouth
In addition to digital marketing, word-of-mouth can be an incredibly powerful way to spread the word about a poet’s work and increase sales. By connecting with local literary circles and literary organisations, poets can ensure that their work is being discussed and shared. Moreover, by creating strong relationships with people who support their work, poets can form their very own personal brand, making their work stand out even more in the ever-growing pool of performers.
Resources and training
For those who are seeking to improve their ability to market and sell their poems, there are a variety of resources and training programs available. Writers forums and communities can be a great place to connect with other poets and authors to pick up helpful techniques, advice, and tips that can help poets increase their sales. Additionally, there are a number of specialized training programs, such as Creative Writing Courses, that poets can use to get up to speed with the latest industry trends and hone their craft.
Publishing deals
Finally, for those who have established themselves as successful poets, there are also a number of publishing deals that can be explored. From traditional book deals to online poetry anthologies and magazines, poets can find a variety of outlets willing to publish and promote their work. It is important, however, that poets understand the contractual agreements incurred when signing these deals, as well as any potential pitfalls or hidden clauses.
Publishing books
For poets looking to take their craft to the next level, publishing a book is usually the end goal. With the right resources and advice, a poet can craft and self-publish a collection of their works, allowing them to share their words with an even wider audience. Self-publishing services like Smashwords, Kindle Direct Publishing, and CreateSpace make it easy for poets to quickly and affordably publish their work, as well as access a range of marketing tools. Furthermore, there are also venture capitalists and publishing houses who are looking to invest in talented poets, allowing them to take their work to the next level.
Royalty payments
As well as selling their own poetry, many poets also look to collect royalties from the works that they write. Through performance royalties, broadcast royalties, and mechanical royalties, poets can receive payments for the use of their poetry by third parties, such as radio stations and film studios. It is important that poets make sure they thoroughly read through any contracts they may sign when allowing another party to use their work, ensuring that they are getting the most out of the deal.
Organisations and competitions
Another great way to increase the visibility, and potentially the sales, of a poet’s work is to enter into competitions and organisational programs. For example, the National Poetry Competition in the UK has been running since 1978, offering a great platform for poets to show off their work and get critical feedback from experts in the industry. Additionally, there are a number of arts councils who provide grants and subsidies for poets, both at a local and international level. These grants are great for helping poets to produce and promote their work, whilst also offering a great launch pad for up-and-coming talents.
Webinars and online classes
For those poets who are looking to improve their writing skills and gain valuable marketing insights, webinars and online classes are worth exploring. Many providers offer classes specifically tailored to poets, providing access to experienced poets and writers who can pass on their knowledge and advice. These classes can be especially useful for poets who are just starting out, and need guidance on how to establish themselves in the industry.
Productivity tools
Finally, poets should also look into the various productivity tools that are available to help streamline the writing process. From grammar and spell-checking tools like Grammarly, to content management systems like WordPress, these tools can enable poets to write, edit, and publish faster. For those poets looking to gain more clients and increase their revenues, productivity tools such as Trello, Asana and Slack can go a long way in helping manage their clients and workflow a lot more efficiently.
