Are there any individuals or Companies that pay cash for Poetry?

Question

Can anyone direct me to any individuals or Companies that pay cash for Poetry/Songs? I have submitted onto Poetry.com but they simply get rich off of my work. Woundering if there might be anyone out there that might be able to direct me to the right place, or at least in the general direction?

Answer 1

Check out the following magazines: The Writer, Writer's Journal, Poets & Writers A great place to start is contests. And there is nothing wrong with posting peices on Poetry.com it at least gets you some exposer...but I know what you mean about them making money while you don't. Contrary to popular beif there is a market out there for poets, you just have to keep working on it...and writing. Good luck!

Answer 2

It's true, there is just no real market for poetry. Your best bet would be to get published as many times and in as many different publications with as many different poems as you can, and then one day put together a book and find a publishing company to edit, publish, and market your work. This process, though, is a very long one and will probably take half your lifetime. Whitman spent his entire life making "Leaves of Grass," and when he died it still wasn't finished. Seriously - if poetry is your only marketable skill, then you will starve to death.

However, if you play your cards right, poetry can get you laid. It's true, Poetry.com is completely worthless...but I love telling people that I earned the "distinguished Editor's Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry," and that I have been published on two continents.

Answer 3

You're kidding, right?! Poetry.com doesn't get rich off your work, believe me. They are one of many lame sites out there that appeal to your vanity and they are virtually worthless. There is NO market today for poetry in the general mainstream, and no one is paying cash for your work unless you are supremely talented and have connections, and even then it's tough. Trust me on this one. This is basically something you do for your own enjoyment.