Like me, many of you love hearing, reading or writing poems. If you are, or have been discouraged about not getting your poems published and the rejection letters keep coming from the publishers, I have some thoughts I would like to share:
1) Keep writing more poems. Don't give up.
2) Keep reading more poems from many different poets. Read English translations of poetry written by poets writing in other languages. The more good poetry you read, the more you will realize there are areas where you can perfect your writing. You will also be exposed to many more poetry styles, and you will become aware of the work of other poets across the globe, and might even make some connections. Poets like to know that people are reading their work, and they appreciate feedback.
3) Attend an open mic in your city and read your poems (I have not been brave enough yet to do this, but I hope to one day)
4) Do a book review of a new poetry collection. You will get your name out there, and the author will appreciate it.
5) Attend a writing workshop or retreat. There are many taking place in different cities and countries.
6) Reach out to a published poet and ask for advice; ask if they are willing to read a few of your poems and give you feedback, or if they have the time, and are able to provide some short term mentorship. I have reached out to poets such as Lorna Goodison, Christine Craig, and Pam Mordecai (all featured in the past on the blog), and they have all been very gracious with their time and advice. I have also taken the time to purchase their works, and in one case I wrote a review on the blog. One of these poets even shared with me that she actually self-published her first collection when publishers did not accept it. Which leads me to tip number 7.
7) Don't be afraid to self-publish your work. Publishers can never accept or publish all the manuscripts ever written, because of the sheer volume, and self-publishing has lost the stigma it once had. If you self-publish, you are also likely to get some reviews, which is useful feedback, and you will get your name out there. Many self-published authors have gone on to be prolific writers, and have achieved success all on their own. In my own case, I self-published my first collection, From Cane Field to the Sea, which was really a tribute to my mom and grandmother. Even if it never wins awards and makes me rich, the poems are special and personal to me.
8) Finally, when the next rejection letter comes, you could write a reply reminding them about J.K. Rowling, and the publishers who initially rejected her work. Just kidding! You don't have to waste your time and energy replying to publishers. Just keep writing, keep believing in your work, and aim to improve your craft.
Happy poetry writing!
1) Keep writing more poems. Don't give up.
2) Keep reading more poems from many different poets. Read English translations of poetry written by poets writing in other languages. The more good poetry you read, the more you will realize there are areas where you can perfect your writing. You will also be exposed to many more poetry styles, and you will become aware of the work of other poets across the globe, and might even make some connections. Poets like to know that people are reading their work, and they appreciate feedback.
3) Attend an open mic in your city and read your poems (I have not been brave enough yet to do this, but I hope to one day)
4) Do a book review of a new poetry collection. You will get your name out there, and the author will appreciate it.
5) Attend a writing workshop or retreat. There are many taking place in different cities and countries.
6) Reach out to a published poet and ask for advice; ask if they are willing to read a few of your poems and give you feedback, or if they have the time, and are able to provide some short term mentorship. I have reached out to poets such as Lorna Goodison, Christine Craig, and Pam Mordecai (all featured in the past on the blog), and they have all been very gracious with their time and advice. I have also taken the time to purchase their works, and in one case I wrote a review on the blog. One of these poets even shared with me that she actually self-published her first collection when publishers did not accept it. Which leads me to tip number 7.
7) Don't be afraid to self-publish your work. Publishers can never accept or publish all the manuscripts ever written, because of the sheer volume, and self-publishing has lost the stigma it once had. If you self-publish, you are also likely to get some reviews, which is useful feedback, and you will get your name out there. Many self-published authors have gone on to be prolific writers, and have achieved success all on their own. In my own case, I self-published my first collection, From Cane Field to the Sea, which was really a tribute to my mom and grandmother. Even if it never wins awards and makes me rich, the poems are special and personal to me.
8) Finally, when the next rejection letter comes, you could write a reply reminding them about J.K. Rowling, and the publishers who initially rejected her work. Just kidding! You don't have to waste your time and energy replying to publishers. Just keep writing, keep believing in your work, and aim to improve your craft.
Happy poetry writing!
