How to get poetry published?

Many new poets do not know how to publish or where to submit poems. In fact, publishing poetry is quite straightforward, as long as you do not expect massive rewards.

How do I get my poetry published?

Magazines and competitions
There are plenty of small arts magazines that are into publishing poems. Some magazines are totally dedicated to poetry, but some might take poems or articles. You can find many of these magazines in The Writers and Artists' Year Book, which is available in libraries, but also on the Internet. Steps to successfully enter such competitions Often these magazines run competitions. If you want to enter these competitions, make sure that you have a suitable poem. Topic You must ensure that it is on the topic that the publisher wants. If the publisher does not want a specific type of poem, ensure that you select your best work. Quantity Many of you will have a repertoire of poems, but do not be tempted to submit poetry in too great a quantity. One or two poems are enough. Content Ensure that you work over the poem before submission. You need to check every line, working out better ways to express yourself. You need to have good imagery. A rhyme is not needed, but all poetry must have a rhythm of some kind. Hint: Don't be disillusioned if you don't win a competition. There are other ones.

Getting a poetry book published

Self publishing Getting a book of poems published is harder, as most poetry book publishers take only established poets. But the self-publishing route works. One lady self-publisher whose work I edited wrote a book of religious poetry. She sent me all her work and I helped her to select her best poems.We chose poems that fitted best into her religious theme. She then worked on them to maximise their poetic quality. Then she got a small printer to publish them. But this was not the end. The market
Together we had decided the market where she would sell her work. She sold it through the network of small churches to which she belonged, and it sold reasonably well. You might sell through local bookshops or do readings where people can buy your published work. You can by-pass poetry publishing companies to publish your own work, but you need to be clear in your mind where to sell or distribute them. I bought one book of poems from a poet who was selling it on the street in Killarney, Ireland. It was good work, but not the ideal way to sell. Becoming a famous poet takes time, but in the end you might obtain a commission for a book of your work.