Introduction
Poetry is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of expression. It’s a way to capture life’s beauty, sorrows, and emotions in words. While sharing poetry with friends and family is certainly worthwhile, you may want to consider submitting your work to be published online. Doing so can expose your work to the world and cater to more readers. Available online, there is an abundance of digital poetry journals and websites for poets of all styles and genres. This article will explore the best online resources for poetry submission, as well as other helpful submission tips and advice.
Submission Tips
Submitting your work for publication may seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Before you make your attempt, here are some tips to make the process a successful one.
First, read widely in the genre of poetry that you are submitting. This is an important step because it helps you to understand what makes something successful.
Second, research the publication you are submitting to. It’s important to understand the magazine’s mission, audience, and standards before submitting. A publication may specialize in a particular type of poetry, such as formal pieces or free verse.
Third, craft your work carefully and be sure that it’s as good as it can be. Keep your work concise and make sure that it’s up to date with any of the rules and regulations the publication has in place.
Lastly, make sure that you follow the submission guidelines. Submitting work is free in most cases, however, if you don’t follow the rules, the publication may reject your material.
Where To Submit Poetry
Once you are feeling confident with these steps, it’s time to consider the multiple online resources available for submission. Here are a few online outlets which accept submissions and offer potential for publication.
The first option is Rattle. This online magazine offers a digital version and hard copy magazine publication. It accepts submissions of all interpretations, however, it focuses on original and in-depth pieces.
Second, Poetry is a well-known internet platform dedicated to the art of poetry. Here, you can post and share your work, or submit a piece to many of their ongoing competitions. They offer a variety of poetry-related topics, events, interviews, and more.
The Academy of American Poets is also a great resource. This website offers several opportunities for poets of all shapes and sizes, including monthly competitions, workshops, and publication opportunities.
Finally, don’t forget the power of online weblogs, such as Medium and WordPress. Each of these websites offers the opportunity for people to become published authors for free.
Other Online Resources
Although these specific outlets offer a number of possibilities for poetry submissions, there are many others out there. To make sure that you’re never without options, it’s best to keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground.
Online poetry magazines such as PANK, Tupelo Quarterly, and AntiHeroin Chic all offer creative spaces in which to post your work. Then, there are online outlets like Poets.org and PoetsIN that offer several competitions and publication opportunities every year.
You can also search for more localised magazines and publications, such as your local newspaper or literary journal. The possibilities are endless if you broaden your search and expand your horizons.
Use of Social Media
Social media is also a great resource for connecting with poetry-lovers around the world and sharing your work. Instagram, for example, has seen an increasing surge in popularity for poetry with many popular poets and writers taking advantage of the platform and its potential for exposure.
Many platforms also offer various opportunities for poets to have their work featured, such as Twitter’s #FridayFiction. Even if you don’t get it published in a magazine, simply sharing your work on social media can be an effective way of connecting with other writers, enthusiasts, and readers.
Secondary Contests & Opportunities
Finally, there are a range of other secondary opportunities such as contests and awards. Writing competitions such as Poetry by Heart, the Brunel International African Poetry Prize and the Torbay Poetry Festival are just some of the options out there. These provide an opportunity for poets to connect with other writers, test their skills, and gain recognition for their work.
Getting Your Work Noticed by Editors
Submitting your work for publication isn’t just about sending it off to a few online magazines. It’s also about getting that work noticed by editors. To improve your chances of getting your work published, research the type of material the publication is looking for and make sure it’s tailored to their tastes.
You can also get in contact with magazine editors. Email them a friendly and casual message, introducing yourself and your work. You never know, they could become your biggest ally in getting your material published.
Publication Accolades
Receiving publication recognition is an exciting experience and a fantastic reward for aspiring poets. The feeling of being able to share your work with the world and having it positively received is unlike any other.
Publishing poems online can be an incredibly validating experience. It gives aspiring poets the chance to receive feedback and build a fanbase. It can also open up more doors for potential gain with critics, agents, and publishers alike.
Making Connections in the Poetry Community
Online poetry publication is also a great way to make connections within the community. Attending poetry readings, or inspiring and motivating other poets via social media can be immensely rewarding.
Making those vital connections in the poetry community can be especially helpful if you are looking to further your career and ambitions. Connecting with agents, publishers, and authors not only opens you up to opportunities and resources, but can also help you gain recognition and build your reputation.
Conclusion
Submitting your poetry online can be a rewarding and fruitful experience for all types of aspiring poets. Taking the plunge and putting yourself and your work out there can open up more opportunity and potential for success. There are many online resources available to help you in this process. Researching the publication, crafting the best work you can, and understanding the rules and regulations are all crucial steps for a successful publication submission. Making connections in the poetry world and attending readings can also help build your reputation, as well as opening yourself up to potential resources and opportunities.
