POETRY
SUBMISSIONS
Do
not just send a random selection of poems. Periodicals that use
poetry generally use poems that fit their focus. For example, a
family magazine will want family-oriented poetry, a senior citizens
magazine will use poetry related to nostalgia or aging issues, etc.
If you carefully match your poetry to the appropriate markets, your
chances of selling are much greater.
The
reason you prepare poetry as separate manuscripts is so editors can
select the poems they want and return the others. Also check the
poetry sections to see what type of poetry an editor prefers. Some
accept any type, while other may prefer rhymed or unrhymed. Send
them what they want. Most periodicals pay little or nothing for
poetry (although there are exceptions), but if you are a poet you
want to get your poetry published everywhere you can whether you are
paid or not. The good poets rise to the top eventually, but you will
never be discovered unless you are published widely. It is the
established poet who has the best opportunity of having a book of
poetry accepted by a royalty publisher.
Poets
often ask whether they should enter poetry contests or submit to
poetry anthologies. Contests are a good way to get some recognition
for your poetry as long as there are no or low entry fees. A poetry
contest that charges high entry fees is likely in it for the
money—not to discover promising poets. The same is true of
anthologies. Some are legitimate, some are not. Never get involved
with an anthology if you must buy one or more copies as a requirement
for entering. Buying a copy should simply be an option, not a
requirement. Also, try to find out if they accept everyone, or if
they select only the best poetry. There is no value for you being
included in an anthology that is filled with awful poetry.
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