Unique Audience
Poetry is seen as a niche art form that often goes overlooked. It is accessible to a wide range of people, often more so than other genres of writing. From teenagers to college graduates, poetry has seen avid readers across every age. Poetry appeals to individuals on an emotional level because often, even the simplest, most cleverly crafted pieces can have a profound effect on the reader.
When it comes to those who are the avid buyers of poetry, typically, it tends to be the book enthusiasts. Collectors and admirers of literature and poetry, who often view it as a form of art, are more inclined to purchase poetry books and poetry works. Furthermore, it is a common practice for readers to buy and give poetry as gifts, this being predominantly seen during special occasions and holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or birthdays.
Digital Platforms
Over the last decade, digital platforms have been gradually saturating the market. These platforms allow authors to upload their work, in a variety of formats, and offer it to their readers. Online outlets such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, and many others, have seen a surge in buyers over recent years, with the introduction of eBook’s and individual poems available for purchase.However, in comparison to printed copies, it is still only a small fraction that are actively purchasing poetry online.
Bookshops
Perhaps the most traditional method of buying poetry is through physical bookstores and shops. From the small indie stores tucked on the corner of side alleys to the classic Amazon bookstore, it is here that many buyers of poetry gravitate. Local bookstores in bustling city hubs tend to carry a variety of poetry selections, and many stock exclusive items that are hard to find elsewhere. With the advent of traditional publishing-houses such as Penguin and Simon & Schuster, individuals looking to purchase printed copies of books by their favorite poets can now do so easily.
Live Events
Poetry readings, live events and open mics are strongly rooted in poetry culture. For poetry lovers, attending poetry events is the best way to get the opportunity to purchase poetry. Live events foster a connection between writers, poets and readers that can be difficult to find anywhere else. Furthermore, buyers of poetry who attend live events not only get to purchase poetry, but also gain an understanding of the emotion and energy that is put into pieces. This often carries into the collectibles that buyers purchase, who keep the poetry books as souvenirs and add them to their collection.
Yearly Revenues
The buyers of poetry is – from an economic standpoint – a significant contributor to the national and international gross domestic product (GDP), due to the continuously increasing revenues. According to reports and studies conducted by The Book Industry Study Group (BISG), in 2016, U.S. paperback and hardback poetry books generated more than 200 million in revenues. In the same year, the United States also saw an increase in the number of books printed, with nearly 20 million poetry books being purchased.
Licensing
Most authors and poets heavily rely on licensing and royalty payments from their work to make a profit from their writing. Writers are paid for the reproduction and distribution of their pieces, as well as for the licensing of their poetry for films, TV shows and other multi-media outlets. Digital content such as eBooks and audio versions of poetry works have become a popular avenue for authors to make money. This trend has seen a boost in the purchase of poems and poetry inspired works, due to the ease of accessibility of such pieces.
Changes in the Market
As technology advances, the market for poetry has seen a drastic shift in terms of how people consume material. Despite eBooks and audio recording being available, printed books still remain a traditional favourite, with many individuals displaying their collections proudly on shelves. Digital platforms will still, however, remain integral to the market, and many studies and de
Evolving Demographics
As the generation changes and trends in poetry reading differ, so does the demographic of the buyers of poetry. Many surveys have revealed that the majority of those buying poetry tend to be over the age of 40. Nevertheless, young adults and teenagers are also beginning to show a keen interest in the art form. At the same time, there is also an increase of multicultural buyers of poetry in recent years, with collections from various countries and backgrounds.
Poetry as Bestseller
As the demand for quality literature increases, the buyers of poetry have seen a spike in past years. It is not unusual nowadays to find at least one poetry book per bestseller list. From acclaimed blockbuster hits to those written by completely unknown writers, poetry books of all styles are circulating the outlets.
Accessibility and Price Points
The affordability of different poetry collections often plays an important role in influencing buyers. Poetry can range from free to a few hundred dollars, making it a highly accessible practice. Despite this, many avid readers and book collectors will have no qualms in paying higher sticker prices for quality pieces. As far as buying trends are concerned, it is apparent that various price points will still be key for future buyers.
