Ever sat with a finished poem in your hands, the ink still fresh (or the words bright on your screen), and just known it was special? That feeling, that spark, is the start of a new journey. For many poets, the dream isn’t just to write; it’s to share. It’s to see their words in a book, a literary magazine, or an online journal, connecting with a reader they’ve never met. But the path to that goal can feel like a big question mark. You might be staring at your screen, wondering, “Okay, so what now? How to get your poem published?”
I get it. The world of publishing can feel like a secret club with its own set of rules. But it’s not a secret. It’s just a process that, once you understand it, becomes a lot less scary. I’m going to walk you through every step, from making your poem shine to finding its perfect home and handling the good and the not-so-good news along the way. Your poem deserves a chance to be seen. Let’s make that happen. Contact Fleck Publisher to get your poem book published.
Step 1: Making Your Poem Shine (The Real Work)
Before your poem goes anywhere, it has to be ready. Think of this as the final polish. It’s the most important step, and it’s the one you have total control over.
First, I want you to read your poem out loud. Don’t just read it in your head. Say the words. Listen to the rhythm. Does a line stumble? Does a word feel out of place? Your ears are an amazing editing tool that can catch things your eyes might miss. You’ll find awkward phrases and clunky sounds that need to be smoothed out.
Next, look at every single word. Is it the best word for that spot? For example, instead of saying something “was beautiful,” could you use “dazzled” or “glowed”? Every word in a poem has a job to do. Make sure they’re all working hard. Don’t be afraid to change things—that’s what makes you a poet.
Finally, get an extra set of eyes on it. Share it with a trusted friend who loves poetry, or a writing group. Ask them what they think. Don’t just ask, “Is it good?” Ask specific questions like, “Does this last line feel strong?” or “Is the image of the sun clear?” Getting honest feedback is so important. It helps you see your poem from a new angle and makes it stronger. This kind of careful work is a huge part of learning how to get your poem published.
Step 2: Finding the Perfect Home for Your Words
Now that your poems are perfect, where do you send them? This is where your research comes in. You wouldn’t send a poem about a fantasy world to a journal that only publishes poems about nature, right? You need to find the right fit.
The most common places for a poet to start are literary magazines and journals. These come in all shapes and sizes, from well-known magazines to smaller online journals.
Literary Journals: These are the heart and soul of the poetry world. There are so many of them, each with its own unique taste.
Contests: Many journals and organizations hold poetry contests. Winning one can mean a cash prize and some serious recognition.
Anthologies: These are books filled with poems from different writers, often all on a single theme.
To find these places, you can use online databases like Duotrope or Poets & Writers. Take some time to actually read a few poems from the magazines you are interested in. Get a feel for their style and what they seem to like. This step can’t be skipped. Doing your homework is a critical part of knowing how to get your poem published.
Step 3: Getting Your Submission Ready to Go
Okay, you’ve found a few places you like. Now you need to prepare your submission. This part has a few simple rules you have to follow. Think of it like a job interview—you want to show you’re serious and professional.
Every single publication has its own set of rules on its website. These are called “submission guidelines.” You have to read them carefully. Don’t skim. Read them slowly and follow every direction exactly.
Look for these things:
- How to send it: Do they want an online form, an email, or even physical mail?
- How many poems: They almost always ask for a specific number, like 3 to 5 poems.
- What kind of file: Do they want a Word document or a PDF?
- Where to put your name: Some want your name and contact info on the file itself, while others want it only in the email.
You will also need a cover letter and a very short bio. A cover letter is just a quick, polite note. Something like, “Dear Editors, Please find my poems attached for your consideration.” Don’t overthink it. Your bio is a few sentences about who you are. If you don’t have any other published work yet, that’s fine. Just say something like, “Jane Doe lives in Chicago and is working on her first poetry collection.” This is all part of the formal process of learning how to get your poem published.
Step 4: The Waiting Game and What Comes Next
Now comes the hard part for many writers: waiting. Some places respond in a few weeks, some in a few months, and some, well, they can take a year or more. It’s important to be patient. While you wait, keep writing. The best way to deal with the wait is to be working on something new.
And then comes the news. For every “yes,” you will likely get many, many “no’s.” It’s just the way it is. Even famous poets get rejected all the time. A rejection isn’t a statement about your talent. It’s just that your poem wasn’t the right fit for that specific editor at that specific time. The key is not to give up. Get a rejection? Thank them (if you feel like it) and send that same poem out to another publication. Persistence is a huge part of learning how to get your poem published.
When you do get that magical email that says “yes,” celebrate! You’ve earned it. Respond professionally and quickly. They’ll let you know what happens next. When your poem is published, share it with the world! Post about it on social media, email your friends, and tell your family. This is your chance to shine and help the publication get more readers, too.
Stepping Up – From Single Poems to a Full Book
Once you’ve had some success getting individual poems published, you might start dreaming about something bigger: a full book. This is a big step, and the process is different. A poetry book is usually a collection of 40-80 pages of your work, all connected by a common theme or feeling.
To publish a full collection, you typically have two main paths:
Submitting to a traditional publisher:
You send your entire book manuscript to a publisher. This is very competitive, but if you get a deal, the publisher handles all the hard parts, like editing, printing, and marketing.
Self-publishing:
You do all the work yourself, or with a company you hire. This gives you total creative control, but you are also responsible for the costs and promotion.
The most common path for poets is to build a name for themselves by getting individual poems published first. This makes your full collection a lot more attractive to publishers.
The journey of a poet is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about more than just writing words down; it’s about sharing them and seeing how they connect with others. By following these steps and staying persistent, you are taking control of your writing career. You’re not just wondering how to get your poem published; you’re making it happen. So, get started, and enjoy the wonderful feeling of seeing your name in print.
