This platform for self-publishing writers can guide you in three key areas: understanding poetry formats, practicing the creative process, and publishing your work. As you apply its tips and use its services, you’ll grow into a better poet.
1. Learn About Different Types of Poetry
The first step in taking your poetry to the next level is understanding what this art form is and what manifestations it can take.
Reading widely really is one of the best ways to improve as a writer of prose or poetry. Head to sites filled with books to read next, and focus on poems.
Start with popular and classic works. Once you have a sense of what interests you more, follow your curiosity. Find inspiration and learn from other poets’ techniques. Pay attention to their language, themes, devices, and more.
Another very important lesson is poetic structure. Reedsy’s guide on types of poems breaks down what a sonnet, ballad, or villanelle should look like—you’ve got to know the rules before you start to break them.
Absorb as much knowledge as possible, and see how it can benefit your creative process.
2. Practice Writing Poems
You can’t become a great poet overnight. It takes work, determination, and putting your heart into your art.
Fortunately, best practices are easy to pick up. To get you started, follow the poetry-writing steps Reedsy suggests in collaboration with published poet Lauren Stroh.
The more you practice brainstorming, free-writing, reading aloud, and revising, the smoother the process for each poem will become.
You’ll learn to appreciate this ritual, as well as your own poetic style. But don’t hesitate to take your education further by taking part in poetry writing contests listed on Reedsy.
It’s also a good idea to compile your work into a file or reliable website for writer portfolios. You can review old poems, while appreciating your evolution as an artist and sharing your creations with the world.
3. Marketing and Publishing Your Poetry
Today, there are multiple ways to break into publishing, which can be overwhelming for new writers. For that reason, start simple.
Look through Reedsy’s tutorial on publishing poetry. While preparing your work for publication, whether traditional or independent, carefully choose how to promote your writing and yourself.
Initially, a few reliable methods will do. For example, you could share your publishing plans on social media, or with online communities for writers.
Post extracts, as well, to hook readers. Create a YouTube channel and perform your poetry. Instagram posts can create a stir, too. Depending on your interests, you’ll reach a wider audience by playing on your strengths.
At the same time, look into publishing options. Reedsy lists places to submit poetry, like online magazines. You can get decent compensation for individual pieces and put your name out there.
Alternatively, you can self-publish collections of poems, unless you land a traditional poetry publisher from Reedsy’s list. If you go down this route, however, make sure your book is polished to perfection, from cover to interior.
Think About How to Fund Your Poetry
You can write and share poems without paying a dime, but more ambitious projects, like self-publishing a collection, come at a steeper cost.
While Reedsy’s services can help you create, edit, and market your book, gathering the money to support the whole process is up to you. The good news is that the digital world has solutions for that, too.
