does anyone know how to make money from writing poetry..?

Question

does anyone know how to make money from writing poetry, i have quite a lot of poetry written and wondering what to do with it. Lyrics for songs too.

Answer 1

Hi

Some people may tell you that poetry doesn’t get published. Published poetry is only that written by people who have already died. That is not true however. Poetry is not as frequently found as other kinds of writing, but it is a genre that is still alive and well in today’s publishing world. If you are a poetry writer, you are also probably a poetry reader. You of all people know that poetry publishers are still out there. There are specific types of poetry that tend to get published though. There are special interest outlets for other types, but in general, what gets published gets repeatedly published as time goes on. There are three main categories that currently published poetry falls into. Those categories encompass the most important interests of people today.

Prayers and Matters of Faith

The first category of published poetry involves faith. There are people that subscribe to all different kinds of faith and it is that belief that is at the core of many people’s lives. Atheists are a minority in the world. Since faith is such an important part of so many people’s understandings of the world, it is no surprise that it draws poetic words from those who believe. It started long ago. The Bible, for example, is full of poetry. Those people who first knew God were inclined to speak of him through the illustrative voice of poetry. Today people are the same way. Such is their deep experience with God that they must express their emotions with an emotional type of writing. Since so many people have personal experiences with God, those who do not write are interested in reading the writings of others. For that reason, matters of faith, and especially expressive prayers placed in poetry get published.

Ploys and Plans for the Nation

National interest is also of major interest to most people. As a group of people head through their lives, united with others of the same nationality, they must want to know where the group as a whole is headed. Much of the published poetry in this category contains hopes and dreams for a country’s future and expected path through history. More of the poetry in this category though is in protest of how a nation has forged its path as it has grown. Frustration with events beyond one’s control elicits words that can only have their full meaning in poetry. Since those of a nation are united with each other, poetic commentaries about that nation are of interest to everyone. They help each person express their feelings and frustrations and hopes for their home country.

Passion and the Human Condition of Love

People are obviously not only connected to each other as citizens of the same country. People need each other in a much more personal sense than that. A third major category of published poetry is that which contains expressions of love between people. Love poems are a genre that dates back, again, to biblical times. Romantic love has always been a popular theme within poetry because of the passion that can be displayed with poetic devices. Other kinds of love are also well expressed in verse. The love of a mother for her child or that of a friend for another friend is a common topic in poetry. Humans thrive on love. That is why poetry about love gets published.

Published poetry does fall into three major categories. It appears in books and anthologies, but also in magazines and even greeting cards. As long as a poem is effective in describing a common human reaction to life, it will probably be passed along from person to person. Poetry is a beloved form of writing that connects people to one another. As long as humanity feels, poetry will continue to be published.

Hope that helps.

Take care

Paul

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Write a book that sells. That entails 1) submitting a TON of poetry to various--mostly non-paying--reputable journals and having at least a dozen or twenty poems accepted for publication; 2) giving many public poetry readings which garner reviews; and 3) convincing a publishing company that your collection of poetry is not only good, but will sell to a reading audience.

Let me just say now, with all honesty, that there's virtually no money in poetry for the average, and even for the good, writer. I speak as both a poet and an editor.

Answer 5

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RE:
does anyone know how to make money from writing poetry..?
does anyone know how to make money from writing poetry, i have quite a lot of poetry written and wondering what to do with it. Lyrics for songs too.

Answer 6

Yes, some people know how to make money from writing poetry...but until your name is "Madonna", or "Paris", or someone already famous, you'll have to get used to being a poor poet. Lyrics used in songs pay a little, but only if the lyrics turn into a top 40 hit and you get a share of the sales instead of a lump sum for the lyrics...which is what you'll usually get if you're even that lucky.

About the only way for the average "Joe" to make any money with poetry is to find a "hook". Do you have something that sets you apart from the rest of society? Have you won any marathons, published any other novels, climbed mount Everest, or anything that makes you "different" and "notable"? If not, then you're one of literally thousands of people who write poetry and try to publish it for fame and fortune...neither of which is likely to come from your poetry alone.

If you try to be a publisher, you'll have to find an inexpensive way to get the poems out. If you publish the works of others, they'll expect something in return for their work, or you'll have to be a vanity press (like poetry.com). So, yes, there is money to be made, but not by the poets, so not from "writing" poetry.

However, if you find a clever way to market your poetry in a different format, you may actually make money...hey, there was once a guy who put rocks into little milk cartons and sold them as pets...he made millions...and no one remembers his name.

Meanwhile, write poetry for poetry's sake and as a way to put your thoughts in a form for others to share.

Keep your day job, but keep writing.

Answer 7

It is gradual process to be a poet & famous for his poetry. I hope that you must continue to write poems if you have deep insight & send them to the additor of your area news paper. If the news paper commity thinks your poems are full of deep thought, they must publish them. Fortunately you may be a good poet worldwide. But don't write only for making money. Shakespeare, Brouning, Shelley, Jone Done did not write for money. I hope you to write by using your talents & try to follow some poetic rolles. Best luck for you!

Answer 8

All you need is for your words to become one hit song that will be played over and over again from now till eternity, then you will be swimming in residual royalties (money) for the rest of your human existence... the true question is: how do you get your poetry to the "right " people without selling your soul in the process.

Answer 9

You've poured your soul into your poetry, and you think you have something that you want to share with the world, but you don't know how to proceed. Who publishes poetry, and how can you make sure they see yours? We'll show you a few ways to proceed

Answer 10

well its good for the soul, its good to get your feelings out , poetry by itself is hard to make money on . i suggest you try a short story , then when it feels right a book. i like this question cause im almost finished with my first book. it was way more work than i thought it would be .but very rewarding. if you can e-mail me a short story that would be cool.
be well brother
jethro