Poetry is a unique and deeply expressive writing discipline that stands apart from other forms. It has a concentrated use of language, emotion, and rhythm that poets have to understand and master to craft beautiful poems. On top of that, you have to think about publishing, but where do you start? We’ll walk you through it step-by-step, so keep reading!
Write your poetry book
1. Preparation and Inspiration
- Read Poetry: Dive into poetry. Explore various poets, styles, and forms. It’s like a buffet for your brain.
- Write Regularly: Keep the pen moving. Jot down ideas, lines, and drafts in a journal or digital file. Practice makes poetic.
- Find Your Voice: Discover your unique style. Play around with themes, forms, and techniques. See what clicks.
2. Develop a Concept
- Theme: Decide if your poetry book will have a central theme or concept. This could be anything from love, nature, and personal experiences to abstract ideas.
- Structure: Consider how you want to structure your book. Will it have sections? A narrative arc? Or a collection of unrelated poems?
3. Write and Compile Poems
- Gather Poems: Round up your poems that match your book’s theme or concept.
- Edit and Revise: Critically review each poem. Tweak for clarity, flow, and impact. Feedback from trusted friends or mentors can be gold.
- Select the Best: Choose the strongest poems that fit the theme and vibe well together. Remember, quality beats quantity.
4. Organise Your Manuscript
- Order of Poems: Arrange the poems in a logical or aesthetically pleasing order. Think about the flow and how one poem leads into another.
- Title and Sections: Decide on a title for your book and any sections or chapter titles if needed.
How to publish your poetry book
1. Design and Formatting
- Layout: Pay attention to the layout. Poetry thrives on specific formatting and spacing. Your poetry book’s design can be simple or nuanced. Avoid overdoing it—fancy elements can overshadow the poetry. If you opt for a design, ensure it is nuanced. A skilled designer or typesetter can elevate your book without overshadowing the words.
- Cover Design: Craft or commission a striking cover that captures the essence of your poetry book.
2. Publishing Options
- Self-Publishing: Want to go solo? Check out platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Lulu, IngramSpark, or Australia and New Zealand’s own Author Freely.
- Traditional Publishing: Feeling old school? Pitch your manuscript to poetry publishers or literary agents who love poetry. Ginninderra-Press is a top pick in Australia and New Zealand.
- Print or Digital: Book or e-book? Why not both?
3. Marketing and Promotion
- Author Platform: Build your presence on social media, create a website, and engage with readers and other poets.
- Readings and Events: Participate in poetry readings, open mics, and literary festivals to promote your book.
- Reviews and Submissions: Submit your book for reviews to literary magazines, blogs, and online platforms.
4. Final Step
- Proofread: Catch those pesky typos and errors. Maybe even hire a pro—they’re worth it!