is there such a thing as making a living off of poems?

Question

i'm so sad...i have the shortest attention span, i write non-stop, have been for 4 years, every night. good right? no! i only understand poetry...i'm trying to write to be published, make a name for myself, i want to know what others think...i know novels sell. poetry does not. i'm never gonna stop writing. im hooked. i just want to write write write for a living... what are my chances??

Answer 1

Chances are never really that good trying to get into something you havent before, All I can say is go for it, keep on writing that poetry and when you have enough maybe make a little poetry book and show it around etc and see what people think and who knows what might happen. Even if you dont get it published, I urge you to keep writing, whatever you write is your own, noone can ever take that away from you. Good luck.Chase the dream.

Answer 2

You've gotten some good advice here already it seems-- except, please don't think that you have to pay a publisher anything to get your work published! You may know this already since you're interested in writing, but authors you see in the bookstores like J.K. Rowling did not pay to have their books published. The Harry Potter books are published by Scholastic, who like all reputable publishers, pays authors, not the other way around. That said, if you want to live the life of a writer, do it because you love writing. Most writers keep a "day job" for a long time, and many writers work another job even after publication. Either way, a writer must write everyday and read everyday. Whatever kind of writing you do, find a critique group in your area so you can get feedback from others who know about writing. You could probably do a search on the internet to find writer's groups where you live. If you have a hobby or interest in some particular area, you could find out if magazines on those topics will take submissions for articles that you write. Work on a novel, too, if that's what you want to do, but of course that takes some time. Go to a bookstore and get a current Writer's Market book; it's a comprehensive list of publishers, agents, and what they're looking for if they are accepting submissions. Some of the Writer's Market books are geared towards a more specific market, like magazine writing or children's book writing, so find the one appropriate for your interest and start researching where you can submit your work. It is hard to break into publishing, so it will take patience, but there will always be a market for well-written work, so if this is what you want to do, keep at it and there will be a publisher out there for you. Good luck!

Answer 3

Well, if your name were Robert Frost, I'd tell you yes, but poetry generally does not pay very well. Only the most famous and acclaimed can live off it.

The fact is, people buy novels, but generally don't buy poetry books. Literary magazines publish it, but they often pay you through subscriptions. Once in a while there's a contest with some generous prize money, but newcomers don't often win them.

If you're really interested in being a poet, consider becoming a college English professor. Many, many poets subsidize their careers that way, since it's a profession that pays relatively well yet gives you a lot of free time to be creative. It looks good for your employer when you get published too.

Answer 4

It's a combination of talent, luck, and hard work.

Have a back-up plan for a "day job," and pursue the writing with all you've got. That way you aren't expecting success to come all at once, and can enjoy the small boons (i.e. getting into a journal, etc).

My impression is that short of winning a major award, money-wise novels are much more lucrative than poetry. Generally speaking.

Answer 5

Pick up a copy of the current Writer's Market (available at any good-sized bookstore, they come out once a year, I'm thinking around $25) and start submitting to magazines. All you're going to get for a while are contributor's copies and maybe enough money to cover the cost of the book...but it gets your name out there. Hang on to all of that, and if you're interested in approaching a publisher with an actual book of poems, you'll at least have a good resume to put on your cover letter.

Making a living off of it is still doubtful at best, but if nothing else you'll feel a lot better for having put yourself out there and gotten your name in print--and who know who could be reading them?

Answer 6

It's great to be able to write poetry, but a person can't really make a living from exclusively writing poetry. Find some sort of employment that will get you through, and when you have time, WRITE!

Answer 7

Poets Market 2007
Nancy Breen, Erika O'Connell (Editor)
Paperback
$26.99
Publisher: Writer's Digest Books


From the Publisher


More than 1800 Markets for Poets to Send Their Work

* Includes 1800 updated markets for beginning and experienced poets

* Shares 150 new markets for 2007

* Provides technique and market-related instruction for poets submitting their workAn indispensable guide and the most complete resource available in the unique niche of poetry publishing, 2007 Poet's Market provides hundreds of listings as well as how-to articles on the art and craft of poetry. With new profiles on the Furious Flower Poetry Center, John Amen, and the founders of Rune, this edition provides 100% updated market listings and essential advice for poets of all skill levels.

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Answer 8

Your chances are as good as anyone else's-if you come from the heart, it usually does well in whatever you pursue.I'm a painter and a musician and am going to publish some songs by the end of the year,and if nothing comes of it, I'll keep trying -Dream your dream and live it well!!

Answer 9

y not publish it? it is some kind of poetry but if u r willing to share with others too.not novels only, even recipes,books on parenting or wat so evr!they r not novels but books! does not means a book must b about story.[i hav the same dream as u writing!but i 1 2 b an authur.]

Answer 10

FWIW.

Why not macrame' ?

I mean you can work on it Mon-Fri sell on weekends at flea markets and buy stuff.

Plus certain to improve your hand-eye coordination.

Poetry is a losing proposition when people can get the stuff for free on the 6 o'clock news.