How do I become a famous poet?

Question

I have had several of my poems published but would like to make a living out of writing poetry, how do I go about getting more recognition?

Answer 1

I'd say go for it- you may face a lot of rejection, but keep writing, get recognition, try to get books published, make it your life. One of my 'poetry heroes' is John Hegley, I know he used to play clubs, do open mike slots, that sort of thing, but I think it took a long time before his name really started to be known. You have to devote yourself to the art, and hang on. You may find that you're so good that it doesn't take long at all, but you may have to keep at it for years before 'the breakthrough'. Don't lose hope! Believe that it'll come some day...

Answer 2

Have you been published through those contests on poetry.com or similar sites or is it through a publishing company and an agency? If it is through poetry.com then you need to actually get to an agent before anyone who didn't have a poem in the same book you had will actually see it (ok a few other people will see it but not enough to give you recognition plus you don't get any money back unless you are the grand prize winner!) Mostly, just write and write and write more.

Answer 3

Making a living out of writing poetry may not be the wisest of ambitions write now because you simply rely on the "possibilty" of people reading and buying you work, and then...will they enjoy it? It is a great hobby to have, and you should keep sending your poems to publishers, and perhaps if it one day falls into the right hands, you could finally become recognized for your talent! But I hope that you have a back-up plan for a career, because the arts is an unstable field.

Answer 4

Hardly anybody makes a living out of writing poetry, but lots of people make a living out of teaching poetry, teaching creative writing, judgind poetry contests and all the things that aren't poetry but are about poetry.
You need to get your poems published in some mainstream magazines, perform at some poetry slams, probably get yourself onto a creative writing course (the is a good one at U Chicago) - you need to get to know the scene.
Nobody makes a living out of poetry, but lots of people make a living out of the poetry scene. That is just how it is.

Answer 5

If you are in the US, you have a problem. There are maybe 5 people in the whole country who make a living as poets. Our culture does not appreciate poetry. But keep writing and submitting your work.

Answer 6

After reading all those answers, it's depressingly obvious you don't stand a snowball's chance in hell of becoming famous. So why not do a William McGonagall? He was so appallingly bad at poetry, he achieved infamy! (Consider his outstanding bad taste in writing about the Tay Bridge disaster of 1879.) And since he's been dead for over 100 years, there's a clear slot in the market-place needing filled. Go for it!

To inspire you:

I thought my poems divine,
But no-one would read them - the swine!
So in comes the rhyme
And strict metrical line,
So awful I'll hit the big-time!

Answer 7

Certainly if one gives oneself to literature fully which includes reading classical literature and attempting work of this nature I think that is the best he or she can do and there is pride that can be gained in knowing that one has seen the poignant and eternal merit in the classics and has sought to find his own inner voice that attempts to contribute to this genre. If you have done that I commend you for your diligence and thoughtfulness. I too have a book of poetry published in magazines and An American Papyrus is in libraries like Yale and Princeton but I decided that prose might be better for me but anything "literary" is an expression of the best aspects of the self, so continue to write and know that your dedication is a virtue and continue forward.

Answer 8

Well it sounds pretty much like you have to die, not a good option. You could try writing those verses for cards, or maybe team up with a hand crafted card making person and combine your skills and sell you products on line. Poetry web site, get people to commission poems for special events, weddings, birthdays etc, good luck

Answer 9

Write and publish great poems.

Answer 10

Oh, it's possible to be a living, sucessful poet. Lord Byron did it. Of course, were he around today, his methods would undoubtedly be compared to, say Paris Hilton...