How to Get Published Poetry

Getting your poetry published takes and lot of persistence, research, and some practical knowledge about proper formatting.  Diverse companies require specific layouts and submission guidelines that you must follow when submitting your work.  It is helpful to review different editor, magazine, or poetry journal guidelines for submission and publication.

• Distinguish the different media outlets that publish poetry.  Some of the companies include magazines, literary journals, poetry websites, open-licensed literary distributors, and poetry book publishers.


• Submit your poetry to a writing contest for unpublished poets.  Some publications and editors hold contests that award the winners by publicizing the poems.  Many contests have specific guidelines or genres of poetry that they will consider during the contest.  Be sure to submit your original work to legitimate publishers only. 


• Peruse new and used bookstores for books that fall into the genre and type of poetry you would like to publish.  Discover the names of the publishers so you can visit their websites on the Internet for details about how to submit writing for assessment.


• Format your poem to catch the interest of the editor immediately.  If the poem is more than several lines long then consider adding numbers in the margin to outline the true breaks in the lines of verses.


• Accept the fact that most poets see more rejection letters than acceptance letters during their careers.  Even published and well known poets face rejection from editors.    


• Set aside enough time to research and prepare your work for submission.  Some writers underestimate the amount of work this takes.  Organize a daily list of tasks to complete each day that bring you closer to your dream of being a published writer.