Were do I go to make my pomes make me money?

Question

I write poems and I have a few on the net, but I would like to get money for my work.

Answer 1

Writing poems is rarely finanically viable. Very few publishers will even consider looking at poems, and most poets make little, or next to nothing from their work. A few poets, (of outstanding genius), might become well-known long after their death. But if you're looking for an income, the odds aren't good. You'd stand a better chance of being struck by lightning! I know that's not what you're wanting to hear ... but it's the truth. I don't mean to sound callous. It's just that there's no point me giving you the answer you obviously want; all it would do is give you false hopes, setting you up for almost inevitable crushing disapointment. Forget about the money. Just continue writing for the pleasure of it; share your work with others freely, and, if you are truly talented, you might, one day, gain some recognition ... but, honestly, don't hold your breath!

Answer 2

You would like to get money for your work? So would about 50 million other poets, but Igor is right: poetry is not a saleable commodity in the 21st century. And those who chided you for your spelling are also right: no one will take your work seriously if it contains spelling errors.

The best thing to do: read good poetry and learn from it. Write and re-write. When you improve, get a copy of the latest Writers Markets and start submitting to literary magazines. No, they don't pay except in courtesy copies, but if you succeed in getting published, it all goes on your resumé. Maybe someday you will make it big!

Answer 3

There are quite a few Literary Magazines (like Poetry, The New Yorker, or Ploughshares) that publish poetry but generally they don't pay that much...usually people cannot make a living out of poetry itself so they teach or write in other fields as well.

Answer 4

You write poems and you dont even know how to spell it? hmmm. I agree with the 2nd person. You can't just go straight to a publisher... they'll look at you like you're crazy for going straight to them. You have to start out small, let others read your work, build upon their comments and advice. It's good to ask around about it, maybe find some connections to people who could help you get known.

Answer 5

This is a site of poetry publishers. (Just be sure not to send your poem to a "publisher" that charges you and says you will get royalties when they are sold; this is a scam)
http://poetry.about.com/od/poetrypublishers/

Answer 6

What you could do as well is start a podcast of your poems. Read them and post on a podcast. Let people hear what you have to say.

Answer 7

go to a publisher

Answer 8

Being that you spell so badly..........
You should start in spelling class.

Answer 9

i agree with igor