Where to Send Poetry to Get Published
For writers of poetry, the goal of getting their work out there and seen by a wide audience is a difficult one. There are plenty of places to post for feedback or for potential publishers to find out about submissions, but there are not many places poets can go to actively get published. Despite its ubiquity, there are a handful of trusted and respected places that poets can submit their work with the knowledge it may get noticed.
The Basics
When it comes to getting published, poets can submit individual poems to magazines and journals, or submit an entire manuscript to a book publisher. Before submitting, researching the publisher and determining whether the type of work being published is a good match will make the process easier. Look at the editorial trends, language and topics they are publishing, and tailor the submission accordingly.
Submissions should always be sent as an email attachment with a short bio, brief cover letter and any additional details the publisher may require. Formatting should adhere to the style guide of the publication and be double-spaced with 1-inch margins. Lastly, use a quality spell and grammar check before submitting.
Where to Send Submissions
Poets should also keep in mind that some publication companies may take submissions through physical mail as well. Many places accept both electronic and mail submissions, but it is always best to check to be sure.
For general submissions, there is the poetry section of The New Yorker and The Atlantic, plus literary journals such as the Kenyon Review and Poetry Magazine.
The best way to reach publishers and journals is often through contest submission, so entering competitions can open up several avenues at once. The Pushcart Prize and the Best New Poets series are two of the most popular competitions.
Several universities and educational institutions run student-level competitions and annual journals, including The Yale Review, Vanity Fair and Ploughshares. Events can also be a great way to connect with magazine publishers and judges in a physical setting.
Submitting Manuscripts
When it comes to submitting an entire manuscript for review, publish.org and duotrope.com both offer searchable databases of book publishers who take submissions from poets. Poets can also ask their networks and contacts for advice and recommendations.
In addition, many writers today are taking the publishing into their own hands. Personal websites and blogs can get work noticed, as can posting to poetry-dedicated websites like owpsite.com and poetrysoup.com.
Social Media
Using social media as a form of self-promotion for poets is also a rising trend. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook in particular are being used to promote achievements and awards, share pieces and get feedback from followers. By using these tools, poets can create an audience in anticipation of the release of a book or chapbook and build a genuine connection with readers.
Getting Assistance
Many readers may not feel quite prepared to send their work out without another pair of eyes for review. Taking an editing course or hiring a professional editor can also help with refining a submission before it is sent out.
In addition, websites like Slam Find, Poetry Nation, Academy of American Poets and Critters Workshop allow poets to post their work in exchange for critiques from other poets and editors. Building a rapport with a group of trusted literary professionals can also ensure that a submission is polished and ready
Understanding Rejection
Rejection happens to everyone in the literary world, and those who want to become successful poets need to learn to be resilient and continue submitting. Read feedback from potential publications to understand the reasons for rejection and learn from mistakes.
Keep writing and submitting and eventually, success will follow. With the right tools and resources, a poem can make it off the page and into the world, for the enjoyment and appreciation of readers everywhere.
With submission packages for magazines and journals, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is best to stay within the word limit of the journal and include no more than a few pieces at once. Knowing the guidelines of the journal beforehand is key, as many will only accept online submissions and will not read any material sent by email or post.
Submission fees might also be paid with some journals, but do not be discouraged. Reading through reviews and talking to peers is an efficient way to ensure that money is not wasted on bogus publications.
Researching the Publication
Finally, researching the publication and their editorial team is the most important of all. It is best to be familiar with those who will be reviewing the work and the kind of writing they prefer when it comes to publication.
Understanding the trends and language used in the publication and tailoring submissions accordingly can make the process smoother, and understanding the exact process also includes understanding the timeline for when a decision will be made.
Stay Persistent
Getting published can be a lengthy and disheartening process, with many months of waiting for a reply. Writers must remain patient, consistent and confident in their work. Submitting poems to multiple magazines and journals at once can increase the chances of success and bridges to new publishing opportunities.
Success is rarely instant and developing a dedicated audience is necessary to get noticed. There are plenty of places to start sending work to get published, as long as writers know where to look.
