To any published (poem) writers....?

Question

How easy was it for you to get your poetry book published? Any tips on how I could get MY poems published? Also, do you know any good agents/ publishers that focus mostly on poetry? Please help- I would really appreciate it (feel free to email me too!)

Answer 1

It is VERY hard to get a poem published, and it is even harder to get a book of poems published. What I did was, I started with online journals...then worked my way up. I recently had a poem published in "Strange Horizons," and that is a VERY hard magazine to get into...plus, they only publish scifi poetry, but they do pay you twenty dollars per poem.

I had my chapbook published with these guys: www.foothillspublishing.com You don't get any money from them, because the publisher is so small, but you do get ten free copies. Or there's lulu.com, but I would not recommend them.

Just start sending out your poems to anyone and everyone you can think of. Here's a good online directory: www.clmp.org, they have a listing of magazines and publishers that you might want to try.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Start with magazines first and check if what you're writing is suitable for the magazine. It is a LONG HARD journey. I've been at it for ten years. Dont' be expecting to get paid though. Many just give you a credit and a free magazine.

Also, and this is crucial, check to see who obtains the copyright if they do offer to publish. Nothing worse then accepting and then unknowingly reliquishing your work.

Agents are alright. You don't have to pay upfront. But expect to give up to 15-20% of your earnings to them.

I recommend a writers yearbook. It has the names of magazines, societies, publishers, agents, libraries...EVERYTHING!!! Retails at about £15

Good Luck and don't forget. Write because you love it not to make cash!!

Answer 3

Start with journals and collections, you generally need a following before someone will publish a book of poetry by a single author.

Answer 4

Here's a site that offers real markets for your poems: http://poetry.about.com/

Another good one: http://www.writersdigest.com/topics/poetry.asp

And a must-have book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582972753/ref=pd_bxgy_text_b/103-8389304-7234204?ie=UTF8

Good luck! Keep chasing your writing dreams!
~Tia~