You’ve written your own poetry and now you’re ready to submit your work. But do you know where to start? Getting your poetry accepted and published isn’t always easy; it takes hard work and a lot of patience, but with the right advice it can eventually lead to success. This article provides an overview of what poets need to know when it comes to submitting their manuscripts, from understanding the structure of a poetry manuscript and the market for your work, to getting advice from literary agents and editors.
What Is a Poetry Manuscript?
A poetry manuscript is a collection of your poetry, usually with a theme or unifying factor that ties all of your work together. The manuscript can be anything from a single poem to an entire book, depending on the amount of material you want to submit. Generally, a poetry manuscript should include a cover page, table of contents, introduction, acknowledgments, poem titles, and a collection of poems. Each poem should be presented on a separate page, and the entire manuscript should be double-spaced. It’s important to remember that the same standards of grammar and punctuation should be applied to your poetry manuscript as for other forms of writing.
Research the Markets
Before submitting your manuscript, it’s important to research the markets for poetry and find out where to send your poetry. Poetry competitions and magazines typically offer guidelines for poets to follow, so if you want to submit to a specific publication you will need to find out their formatting requirements, submission process, and selection criteria. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the outlets you plan to submit to; read the published work to get a sense of the editorial style and artistic sensibility. Doing your research can help give you an idea of what the editors are looking for, and the right publication could mean the difference between success and failure.
Cutting the Clutter
Once you’ve selected a target publication, you will need to begin the process of honing your poetry so that it adheres to the publication’s style. This often means that you will have to make difficult cuts and edits to your work in order to make it conform to the editors’ standards. Clarity and concision are essential when it comes to editing a poetry manuscript; every word should be carefully chosen and arranged in order to convey your intended message. After you have put some time and effort into editing your poems, it is important to re-read the manuscript and make any final tweaks to ensure that it meets the publication’s guidelines.
Getting Professional Advice
Once you have refined your work and are ready to submit, you may want to consider seeking feedback from professionals. Many well-known poets and authors offer advice and editing services; experienced professionals can often provide valuable insight and guidance, which can be incredibly helpful in ensuring that your poetry is accepted by the target market. Even if you don’t decide to hire a professional editor, reading their books and attending workshops can be useful in getting your poetry noticed.
Submitting Your Manuscript
When you are ready to submit your manuscript, it is important to pay close attention to the details. Read over the submission guidelines thoroughly to make sure that your work is formatted correctly and that you have provided all of the information that the editors need. It is also important to keep in mind that while it is often tempting to rush submission, it is best to take your time in order to make sure your work is of the highest quality. This can mean extra time spent on editing and revising, but it can also mean having a better chance of success.
Understanding Copyright
Finally, when you are submitting your work, you should make sure that you understand the copyright laws that govern art and literature. Many poets don’t realize that the copyright to their work does not start until the moment of publication; in the meantime, your work is protected by common law. It is also worth noting that submitting to some literary magazines or websites will mean that you are offering the publisher exclusive rights to your work, so be sure to read the small print carefully.
Knowing the Scene
In addition to understanding the structure of a poetry manuscript and the legal aspects of submitting work, poets must also have a good understanding of the poetry scene. Poets should be familiar with the key publications and organizations, as well as with some of the major talent, in order to have a better chance of being published. Reading poetry magazines and anthologies, attending live readings, and participating in open mic nights are all good ways to stay involved in the poetry world.
Taking the Plunge
Even after you are familiar with the market, the legal aspects and the poetry scene, submitting your manuscript can be a daunting process. Don’t be afraid to take a chance; some of the most successful poets are people who took risks and put themselves out there. With persistence and tenacity, you can find success and satisfaction with your poetry.
Networking for Professional Connections
Networking is an invaluable tool for poets who are seeking to make professional connections. In addition to attending face-to-face events and gatherings, create an online presence and social media accounts to increase the reach of your poetry and connect with other poets. Joining a writers’ or poets’ organization is another useful way to network and find new opportunities, as well as to gain advice from experienced writers.
Reaching New Readers
Another important step to reaching new readers is to make sure that your poems are accessible and searchable online. Many poets rely on self-publishing options such as blogs, websites and e-publishers, and some are able to find success by using an established website or platform. By making sure that your work is available to a wide audience, you can increase the chances of reaching a broader readership.
Preparing for Publication
Once your poems have been accepted for publication, you will need to be ready and willing to take on the task of preparing the manuscript for print. In most cases, poets are required to make any necessary edits before the manuscript is published, in addition to proofreading and copyediting. If there is a publisher involved, your work may also require professional copyediting. Being adequately prepared for publication can ensure that your work reaches its intended audience with the best possible presentation.
Developing Your Writing Voice
As with everything related to poetry, it’s important to understand that each poet has his or her own voice. As you submit your work and hone your craft, you should strive to develop and refine your writing style. This can take some time and effort, so don’t be discouraged if success doesn’t come overnight; just like finding a market for your work, developing a unique artistic voice takes practice and persistence.
Using Criticism to Improve your Work
Finally, poetry often comes with plenty of criticism. As a poet, you will have to learn how to handle negative reviews and rejections as part of the process. Instead of getting discouraged, use the criticism you receive as a means of self-reflection and improvement – view it as an opportunity to hone your craft and convey your message more effectively.
