Posts tagged ‘poetry’
Publishing Poetry: Set Realistic Marketing Goals
Read this original article and other poetry publishing tips on Wordclay’s Poetry Spot.
You’ve published your first collection of poetry, and you’re an emerging writer officially on the literary scene — it’s no wonder you’re excited. But you can’t let your excitement run away with your sense of marketing. Publicizing (and selling) your collection requires a realistic examination of your content, your experience and your sphere of influence. However, a marketing plan that sets unrealistic goals only leads to disappointment and disillusionment.
Readers may have lined up hours to buy the latest Harry Potter volume, but how many avid poetry fans do you see camped outside your local bookstore, eagerly waiting the moment when the doors unlock and they can finally buy the latest collection by Li-Young Lee?
Not many.
That’s because poetry is not about the Benjamins. It’s a way of expressing your deepest thoughts and innermost feelings, and besides, you didn’t publish your poetry book to become a millionaire. It would be wonderful to bank on your work immediately and get an impromptu phone call from Oprah inviting you onto her show, but the realistic picture is much different, and the more you try to jump ahead of your marketing plan, the more you’ll miss the mark of your goals.
Some unrealistic poetry publishing goals include:
- A high profile agent coincidently stumbles upon your book and, out of the kindness of his heart, arranges national talk show interviews for you the next morning.
- An acclaimed editor buys your $8.99 book on a whim, loves it and writes an article in the news as copies of your book fly off the shelves without you ever having to lift a finger.
- Simultaneously, bookstores across the nation decide they’ll take a chance on one totally unfamiliar poet and choose to stock your book on their shelves and invite you to read at their benefits for the next five years.
Of course, you’re voice is unique, and your message, critical, and such occurrences have been known to happen once in a blue moon, but you shouldn’t count on unrealistic goals for your literary satisfaction. Being picked by The Oprah Book Club without employing a single marketing strategy is about as likely as winning the lottery, and you don’t see intelligent people planning their retirement around winning the Powerball. Appearing on Oprah isn’t impossible though, nor is winning the lottery, but if you put in the hours, practice effective marketing and keep publishing, you never know – renowned critics could be knocking at your door in the future.
But what are some of these realistic poetry marketing goals, and how can you begin to practice smart marketing?
Consider some of the following methods of smart marketing for your poetry:
- Submit individual poems to literary journals and contests.
- Join online writing communities and network with other emerging writers.
- Post your poems, constructive feedback and opinions onto ongoing blogs.
- Arrange book signings and readings in your local area.
- Attend open mic nights and sell copies of your book afterward.
- Leave flyers and posters at venues where you know your readers frequent.
- Create and maintain a Web site with your biographical and book information.
- Book radio, television and magazine interviews.
- Send your book to professionals for review.
- Include information about your forthcoming books in copies you sell.
The more you focus your efforts on achievable objectives, the likelier you will notice tangible results, in both monetary and emotional rewards. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so make your first step onto the poetry scene a good one and make real, observable progress today.
Read this original article and other poetry publishing tips on Wordclay’s Poetry Spot.
Keep writing.
-Angie Kelly Pheifer
Staying Connected to Writers: Blerp, Twitter, Facebook & Other Social Networks
Because of their creative and overly romanticized pursuits, many now think that writers and authors lead solitary lives, disconnected from other writers, pecking away at their keyboards in some kind of tacit, no-holds-bar competition with each other, the phone off the hook, never once needing (or appealing) to others for a little inspiration.
Today, however, that’s hardly the case. Social networks like Facebook, Myspace, WritingRoom, not to mention applications like Blerp.com, Twitter, even text messaging, now allow writers to interact and maintain contact with each other from around the world. What does this mean for writers? Well, for starters, you can count on more support from fellow creative individuals to help motivate you when finishing your manuscript. Plus, you can always jump online for a break and comment on an interesting discussion thread that may just awaken the creative beast slumbering inside you.
Even now, as you’re reading this blog, you’re participating in the great connection between writers around the world, clicking through the communities that may turn out to be your saving grace in moments of writer’s block or research in forums where you can ask about any number of current events and topics for your book.
Be sure to check out the reading communities as well, such as Shelfari, goodreads and LibraryThing, where you can manage your personal book catalog and engage readers in your target audience. Finding out what readers look for in books within your genre can be incredibly useful and help guide you as you finish writing your own, incorporating their suggestions and their expectations into your own poetry or prose.
The Point: Writers and authors aren’t the hermit crabs we might think they are. Stay connected to your network for inspiration or support, and stay energized about writing your collections and manuscripts every day!
Submit to Poetry and Writing Contests: Margaret Reid Poetry Contest & The Writers of the Future Contest Now Open for Submission
One of the best drives and the most memorable payoffs in writing is entering (and sometimes winning) a literary contest. That’s why writers should always look for the writing contest that best suit their styles and formats, whether poetry (in the case of the Margaret Reid Poetry Contest for traditional verse form) or speculative fiction (in the case of The Writers of the Future Contest)
What is the Margaret Reid Poetry Contest?
The sixth annual writing contest sponsored by Tom Howard Books, the Margaret Reid Poetry Contest is now calling for submission of original, traditional verse forms. Simultaneous submissions are welcome, and you can also submit poems that have been published or won prizes elsewhere, as long as you own the online publication rights.
Prizes include: $2,000 (first prize), $1,000 (second prize), $500 (third prize), and $250 (fourth prize). There will also be five High Distinction Awards of $200 each and six Most Highly Commended Awards of $100 each. Fifteen top entries will be published on the Winning Writers Web site and announced in Tom Howard Contest News and the Winning Writers Newsletter, a combined audience of over 25,000 readers.
Though you have time – entries will be accepted as long as postmarked by June 30, 2009 – set aside the reading fee ($7.00 for every 25 lines submitted) and start revising your best poetry to win the biggest prize and publication.
The contest will be judged by John H. Reid, a former journalist and magazine editor who has judged literary contests for more than 15 years. He has published several novels, a collection of poetry, as well as many books on film criticism and movie history. The other judge of the Margaret Reid Contest is Dee C. Konrad, a leading educator and published author. Ms. Konrad was Associate Professor in the English faculty of Barat College of DePaul University, and served as Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the year 2000-2001.
Read the complete contest guidelines here>>
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What is The Writers of the Future Contest?
Established in 1983 and sponsored by L. Ron Hubbard, The Writers of the Future Contest is now calling for submissions from the best aspiring writers in the field of speculative fiction and fantasy. Luckily, no entry fee is required, and all rights in the story remain the property of the author. All types of science fiction, fantasy and dark fantasy are welcome, just so long as the submission is original, written in English and under 17,000 words in length.
To cull only be best amateur writers, the contest is open only to those who have not published a novel or short novel (or more than one novelette or more than three short stories) in any medium or genre. For complete guidelines on format and submissions click here>>
Additionally, judges will award three cash prizes in each quarter: $1,000 (for first place), $750 (for second place), and $500 (for third place). Plus, the four first place winners of each year will have their entries re-judged, and a grand prize winner shall be determined then, receiving an additional $5,000.
So if you have the next breakthrough best seller in science fiction or fantasy, definitely consider The Writers of the Future Contest. Who knows – you could get the exposure you deserve as well as a bucket full of cash to fund your next novel.
This is Justin, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.
Becoming the Next Poet Laureate
Poets across the United States aspire to reach many goals: best selling author; highly regarded professor; speaker; song writer; super hero … But if “Poet Laureate of the United States” is on your list, you’d better get to work. There’s a lot of competition, and you have to be good — really good.
In a press release, James H. Billington of the Library of Congress announced the naming of Kay Ryan as the newest Poet Laureate. Billington defines this role in simple terms: ” … the Laureateship is uniformly awarded for the highest quality of poetry.”
The “highest quality of poetry”?! Well that’s certainly a tough one to mark off your to-do list.
Now, for those of you who have been thinking to yourself, “What the heck is the Poet Laureate?” here’s how it’s explained on the Library of Congress Web site: “The Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress serves as the nation’s official lightning rod for the poetic impulse of Americans. During his or her term, the Poet Laureate seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry.”
Sounds like an exciting job and quite an honor. So, how did Kay Ryan come to fill this position? Billington of the Library of Congress explains:
“Kay Ryan is a distinctive and original voice within the rich variety of contemporary American poetry,” Billington said. “She writes easily understandable short poems on improbable subjects. Within her compact compositions there are many surprises in rhyme and rhythm and in sly wit pointing to subtle wisdom.”
It was interesting to hear Ryan’s perspective when she was recently interviewed on The News Hour:
“I felt extremely unlikely. I didn’t think it would ever happen. Usually the laureates are chosen from among the academic classes,” said Ryan. “I’m academic in the sense that I have taught remedial writing skills for 33 years. … Usually it is someone with a more public profile in the creative writing world.”
What are your thoughts on the practice of appointing a Poet Laureate? Are you familiar with the role itself or Kay Ryan’s works? Have you ever aspired to this position?
—Angie
Top Five New Literary Magazines to Read: Discovering Fresh Voices & Writing Talent
Justin here, and after a heated brainstorming sessions here at Wordclay, our team has finally agree on the top five new literary journals to which all authors and writers should subscribe. Of course there are hundreds of great magazines that are publishing amazing poetry and prose – some up and coming as we speak – so we’re certain this list will be revised in the future.
The real question is: what makes a literary magazine worth reading? With so many new journals emerging online and in print, with so many varying tastes and aesthetics, how can anyone separate the good from the bad?
The short answer is: there just isn’t a definitive way of separating them. Some prefer curling up with The New Yorker or The Paris Review, while others adamantly subscribe to The Missouri Review or The Denver Quarterly. As the saying goes, there’s no accounting for taste, and our decisions this time around could only be based on our personal preferences, the only criteria being that the magazine started publishing in the last decade.
So without further ado, here’s the Wordclay bloggers’ list of lit journals to check out in 2009. And if you’re a writer, check out their submission guidelines and current contests. Remember, it can’t hurt to submit your work, but it can seriously hinder your writing career if you never send your prose or poetry out. Besides, you might even get a free subscription to a great new magazine from submitting.
Canteen MagazineAbout Canteen: Canteen redefines the literary magazine. Their staff asks accomplished writers to reveal their creative process, and then they pair that insight with the best new work in fiction, poetry, art and photography — all designed to look more like a fine art book than a dusty old journal.
Mission Statement: “Canteen is the literary magazine that comes with instructions. We admire what writers and artists do, and we want insight into how and why it’s done. To get that, we ask contributors to move beyond the boundaries of genre and final draft to delve into reputation, ferocious drive, unmarketable dreams, the danger of reader takeovers, and just what makes a work important.”
Submission Guidelines: Canteen accepts original fiction, nonfiction, and poetry of up to 4,000 words. They are also interested in essays and commentary that relate to the creative process. Canteen accepts original individual images or portfolios of up to 10 images by a single artist, in a variety of media, including photographs, drawings, paintings, sculpture, video stills and digital art. Please submit all work to Canteen at: submissions@canteenmag.com.
Stephen Colbert Interviews Inaugural Poet Elizabeth Alexander
Two weeks ago, during an interview, Stephen Colbert actually asked interesting questions about meaning and the poetic form employed by Elizabeth Alexander. Using his naïve absurdly conservative comedic approach, Colbert asked questions such as:
- Poems aren’t true, are they?
- What’s the difference between a metaphor and a lie?
- What is a praise song?
- What is an occasional poem?
- Why not use soaring rhetoric?
Learn, laugh and check out the interview here>>
Truth is, Colbert is actually asking about figurative language and its place in literature, which is a debate that has gone on for centuries. Should we simply say what we mean? And what is the point of dressing up meaning with flowery language?
Furthermore, he also inquires (albeit humorously) about the dissection of poetry, because the honest truth is that interpreting the words chosen for a poem ain’t easy, which is also part of the analytical and emotional fun of poetry after all.
Think about it. What did you take away from Alexander’s poem Praise Song for the Day? What is your poetic style? Why do you choose the words you do? Start a discussion, comment on Alexander’s poetry and submit your thoughts on your own poetry here.
Say, What? Lessons in Language and Audience
On Tuesday, America watched in anticipation as Barack Obama was sworn in to become the 44th president of the United States of America. The moment was translated and expressed through many forms of language. From classical music to the soulful voice of Aretha Franklin, to prayer to marching bands, speeches, news briefs, still photos and poetry.
Remember who your audience is.
I suppose all of these translations are necessary because there are some things that cannot be said in a news report, but not everyone speaks “marching band.” In each of these methods to deliver a message, there is a range in the audience who will listen and understand.
As I think about Elizabeth Alexander, faced with the challenge of writing a poem to deliver at the inauguration, I remember that a key factor in composing such as work is realizing who her audience is and writing for them.
Sure, she was challenged with the task of speaking to “everyone” – all Americans. What’s more, even people around the world were watching that day. But, she’s a smart poet. And I’m sure she remembered that poetry, even though it’s technically English, is not a language that everyone understands.
My husband Chris and I watched as Alexander read her poem. I enjoyed the interesting perspective that was shared through poem. He said it was “weird.”
… Weird? Was the man listening?! Jeez.
Let it be a lesson, dear writers. “Everyone” should never be your audience. You already know this. You may fear it, but fear not. You may have thought “Americans” would be a great target audience for an inauguration day poem. But, a better target is “Americans aged 15+ who like poetry.”
Your audience is a precious thing. Speak to them in a language they can understand, and forget about the rest. There will be some that don’t like your work – and that’s OK.
–Angie
Poet Elizabeth Alexander to Read at President Barack Obama’s Inauguration
Today, after the historical induction into office of the President-Elect Barack Obama, be sure to watch Poet Elizabeth Alexander read the poem President Obama requested she write specifically for the Inauguration.
Elizabeth Alexander | 2009
Elizabeth Alexander has published five books of poems: The Venus Hottentot (1990), Body of Life (1996), Antebellum Dream Book (2001), American Sublime (2005), which was one of three finalists for the Pulitzer Prize and was one of the American Library Association’s Notable Books of the Year. Most recently, her first young adult collection (co-authored with Marilyn Nelson), Miss Crandall’s School for Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color (2008 Connecticut Book Award). Not to mention the fact that she’s also published two collections of essays The Black Interior (2004) and Power and Possibility (2007), and her play, Diva Studies, was produced at the Yale School of Drama.
A few months ago, Alexander was selected to compose and deliver a poem at Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration. She will be the fourth poet to read at the swearing-in ceremony: Robert Frost recited “The Gift Outright” at John F. Kennedy’s in 1961; Maya Angelou read “On the Pulse of Morning” at Bill Clinton’s in 1993; and Miller Williams’ “Of History and Hope” was also read for Clinton in 1997. Alexander will deliver her poem immediately following president-elect Obama’s inaugural address, so stay tuned this afternoon and catch what’s sure to be an inspiring and memorable moment in the history of poetry.
According to PBS’s Art Beat, asked how Alexander has been crafting her poem, she replied, “I am trying to both be quiet inside and keep my ears open outside to listen to where we are right now.” Later, she continued, “I think what I hope to symbolize and demonstrate is the important role that arts and literature can play in this moment when the country is thinking so keenly about moving forward and coming together.”
Please join us in congratulating President Obama and Poet Alexander for their significant contributions today, and let us know your thoughts on the eloquence of Obama’s address as well as the power of Alexander’s poem.
Announcing: Ottawa International Writers Festival Coming Soon: October 18-27th
Wordbot here, informing all writers about the big shindig approaching. That’s right! Come October 18th, the Ottawa International Writers Festival starts…
Even if you’re not in the area, be sure to drop by their Web site, read about the events and perhaps even download the insightful, interesting podcasts of the events, which are sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Discover the possibilities at:
Ottawa’s Festival of Ideas (since 1997)
Read their Mission Statement below for more information…
We launched the first Ottawa International Writers Festival at the National Arts Centre on September 5, 1997. It featured sixteen writers from Ireland (the largest contingent ever to read beyond the Emerald Isle), sharing the stage with thirty-five Canadians writers from across the country. We called our inaugural Festival the “Writes of Passage” and we spoke of the gift of literature and the intimate relationship between the writer and audience that reminds us that “ultimately none of us lives in isolation, that we are all interconnected, all part of one large, often cramped, sometimes raucous, but never dull world-family.”
The Festival opened with an Aboriginal elder conducting a sweet grass ceremony, followed by the haunting sounds of Celtic music and dancing. From opening night to our closing celebration with Pulitzer Prize winner Frank McCourt reading from Angela’s Ashes, those nine days had transported us to a different world. Those were heady days, when we were crazy enough to program six writers each evening without an intermission! Heady days, when we transformed a former NAC bookstore turned storage room into our “Irishtown Pub” — selling more beer during the course of the Festival than the entire NAC summer program! The Fourth Stage was born!
For more than a decade now, (more…)
Poetry Contest: WritingRoom Calls Poets to Submit in September
Greetings, Earthlings,
As the writing community that allows writers to connect with other writers and readers, WritingRoom is now calling for poetry submissions for their September Poetry Contest.
One Grand Prize Winner will receive:
(1) $50.00 cash
(2) A featured spot in the Anthology of the September ’08 contest entries
(3) A printed and bound copy of the published Anthology
(4) Entry into the yearly contest, and a chance to win $1000.00
One Runner Up will receive:
(1) A printed and bound copy of the published Anthology
All participants will receive:
(1) A certificate of achievement and publication in an Anthology
The deadline for poetry submissions is Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008.
All styles of poems are eligible, with a maximum of three individual poems, each poem must be 50 lines or fewer. Be sure to list your name and screen-name on each page of your submission.
To enter, simply create your profile at WritingRoom, and e-mail your selected poem(s) to contest@WritingRoom.com, with the subject line “September Poetry Contest.” Include your full name, phone number, WritingRoom screen-name, title of poem(s) and e-mail address within your e-mail.
Visit WritingRoom’s Contest Page for more information.
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