Getting Your Poetry Published

[cameron]

Getting a poem published in a poetry magazine or e-zine is easier than getting a novel published or having your screen play accepted by Hollywood.

There are many poetry magazines out there that will publish good poems by new poets.

A full list of poetry mags can be found at Poetry Kit:

UK
http://www.poetrykit.org/magsatok.htm
or e-zines at: http://www.poetrykit.org/ezines.htm

USA

http://www.poetrykit.org/usa/usmags.htm

Australia

http://www.poetrykit.org/oz/ozmags.htm

However, before you send off your precious poems check out the following bullet points:

* Research the magazine in advance to try and get a feel for the type of poems that they publish. Different magazines have different editorial policies.

* Type up 3 - 6 of your best poems. Make sure that they are well presented and easy to read i.e. a single poem on a sheet of A4 paper. Remember to enclose a S.A.E.. Many poetry magazines are run on a shoestring and, therefore, cannot afford to pay for return postage.

* Do not send in your life history or say how good you think you are; let your poems do the talking.

* Do not expect the editor to provide a detailed critique of your work. His/her job is to produce a poetry magazine. You may get some useful feedback or you may simply get a compliments slip with "yes please" or "no thank you" written on it. If you want feedback on your poetry, join a creative writing group or use a forum like this one.

* Allow the editor time to consider your work. Some editors are very prompt but some are very slow. If, after 3 months, you have heard nothing it is reasonable to write and enquire.

* Most paper-based magazines will not accept submissions via e-mail.

* If you are fortunate enough to have a poem accepted don't expect a big payment. You might receive £10-£20 or you might get nothing at all.

* Beware of scams. There are some people out there who will try to prey on your desire to be published e.g. Poetry.com and Forward Press. As a general rule, reputable publishers will not ask you for money!

* When you have had at least half a dozen poems published in reputable magazines you could try sending a larger selection to a poetry book publisher with a view to getting your 1st collection accepted.

At the top of the tree there is Faber and Faber:

http://www.faber.co.uk

However, there are a number of other small, quality poetry publishers including:

http://www.peterloopoets.co.uk

http://www.bloodaxebooks.com

http://www.anvilpresspoetry.com

http://www.carcanet.co.uk

http://www.enitharmon.co.uk

http://www.viking-press.com

Remember: Many are called, but few are chosen!

Good luck and may the force be with you.

Cam