Written for the poet who wishes to enjoy success in the world of publishing, How to Publish Your Poetry is a complete guide to breaking into the world of print poetry. The book begins by providing a window to the publishing world, so that you can see the kinds of publications you should target. You will learn about great market resources for locating appropriate publishers, and you will learn how to define your audience. Following this, the author helps you write a persuasive submissions package, and presents a proven system for sending your package out--a system designed to maximize results. When the acceptance letters roll in, the author guides you in selecting the publications that will help you meet your goals.

You’ve had the passion for poetry for a long time. Now, with How to Publish Your Poetry, you have a proven system for making your publication dreams come true..

Helene Ciaravino received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in Literature from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. After completing her education, she worked as a book editor and continued cultivating her passion for creative writing; she has written and studied poetry for over a decade. A freelance writer, Ms. Ciaravino is also the author of How to Pray: A Practical Guide to Prayer.

Contents

Acknowledgments
A Note on Gender Usage

Introduction
1. Understanding Your Goals
2. Understanding Publishing and Its People
3. Locating Potential Publications
4. Preparing Your Submission Package
5. Using the Square One System
6. Evaluating the Results
Conclusion

Resource Directory
References
Index

Introduction

There is a quiet holiness associated with a poet such as Emily Dickinson. She never committed to the struggle for publication in her lifetime. In fact, in a letter to a literary critic who became a long-term correspondent, Dickinson wrote: “I smile when you suggest that I delay ‘to publish’--that being foreign to my thought as Firmament to Fin....My Barefoot Rank is better.” Most of Dickinson’s original poetry was not found until after her death. Whether the poet believed the literary world was simply not ready for her, or whether she truly had no desire to see her verses go public, is a subject that allows only speculation. But we do know that as she got older, Dickinson became increasingly offended by publication and fame. She died an unfamiliar name, an unpublished poet. Something tells us that Dickinson would have it no other way. Posthumous praise allowed a beautiful ending to the story of the poet who dressed solely in white and secluded herself within her parents’ Amherst house.

But let’s face it. You don’t always dress in white. (In fact, if you’re amongst the poets in Manhattan, there’s a chance you dress only in black.) You’re not hiding in your childhood bedroom. And, considering that you picked up this book, you probably won’t be content until you see your work in print. Your poetry means a lot to you--it is hours of red-hot emotions, exhausting expression, and painstaking editing--and you are willing to fight for publication. It takes energy and time to make it into a magazine or literary journal, and perhaps someday, to publish a collection of your own. You need a little guidance and a couple of ideas. Well, this is the book for you.

How to Publish Your Poetry offers practical information on how to break into the world of print poetry. The information is gathered from extensive, current literature on, and advice from, the publishing world. It also stems from the experience I gained in my years as an editor, and from my passions as a poet who has been writing and studying verse for over a decade. I understand and support not only your love of the poetry craft, but also your desire to share it with others. Your journey is my journey, and everything that I suggest is based in the realm of reasonable endeavors. You’ve probably dreamed about being in print for a long time, but perhaps you are intimidated by the unfamiliar world of publishing or simply don’t know where to begin. Here’s the good news: if you read the information and follow the organized strategy in this book, you’ll greatly increase your odds of getting published. You’ve had the passion for a long time; now you have the system.

Chapter 1 introduces you to the whole process of “getting into print” by guiding you into the proper mindset. The Square One System will work most effectively if you have a realistic view of poetry publication and if you establish short-term goals. Chapter 2 reveals the basics of the publishing industry, including what kinds of publishers are available to poets and what types of publications you should target. Chapter 3 suggests great market resources for locating publications, and also highlights the importance of finding your audience. Chapters 4 and 5 get to the nitty-gritty, discussing what to include in your submission packages and then the system behind sending them out. Chapter 6 covers what to do with the results. It also offers some other options in case things don’t work out the way you planned.

There is one thing, in particular, that this guidebook is designed not to do: overwhelm you. All of the information is broken down into clearly labeled sections; the advice is realistic; and the steps of the system are well-paced. How to Publish Your Poetry provides a great working knowledge of the publication process. So let’s start you on your way to becoming what you’ve dreamt of for a long time--a published poet.

Reviews

"This comprehensive how-to for the aspiring poet makes and then fills its own niche."
"Offers a hefty slice of information ..."
" ... those who want to see their poems between covers will welcome her guidance."
--Booklist

"The one book that novice poets need in their quest to get published!"
--The Poetry Connection

"This encouraging, motivational, up-to-date and practical guide is pure poetry for lyrists with a yen for print."
--Today’s Librarian

"It provides real options and establishes realistic expectations ...
a winner in our opinion."
--WriteResources

 

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