How Difficult Is It?

Blog Posted by Farah Chamma: 9/24/2010 1:17:00 AM

Good Day Soupers,

Getting my poetry published is appearing to be a very difficult task. To put it very simply: I don't know how to do it and who to seek help from in order to get it done. Most publishing websites require an age of 18+ and I, as many of you know, am still 16.

I have chosen to turn to you Soupers, for you are the ones who have constantly been reading my work and of course motivating me to "keep my pen flowing". I thought maybe your experience and knowledge on the matter can get me started. Any thoughts?

Lots of love XX
Farah

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Debbie
Guzzi

Date: 9/24/2010 2:54:00 PM

OK I have a totally different view! GO FIGURE LOL. 1st my sis is published by Amazon, they paid for everything once they accepted her she get less than .25 cents a copy sold. 2nd You can just format the whole thing on Microsoft word in the 2 perpage formate, import your own art if you like (keep the amt. of colored pages under 6..remember there will be say 4 poems on 1 piece of paper, and the extra charge for color will be charged even if only one color is used) You can do a 100 copies for about 50-75 pages for around $700 at any printer. They will make a proof copy for free for you to approve of. You sell them to family and friends and you will get your money back! Say $15 each.

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 9/24/2010 9:59:00 AM

Carolyn is right, just get a Poets Market book (Bible for getting publishes) and find magazines looking for teen poetry. By getting involved in those kinds of things, this will lead you to publishers looking for teen poems in their anthologies. If you just want your own chapbook to sell yourself at a small events or give to people, there is always Shadowpoetry.com. She does excellent work! You pretty much have to be famous to actually be a best seller of poetry.

Linda-Marie
Sweetheart

Date: 9/24/2010 9:12:00 AM

Well Farah ... my suggestion is start with New York City ..the mecca of fashion, food, and publications.. age will not be a factor in the Big Apple... there are many publishing houses so u need to research on line and be prepared for the cost factor too... its quite expensive but not to be discouraged... continue in your quest ... I started young also and published three books ..working on a fourth of poetry and an autobiography as well.. do not know who I will use this time around and the publishing house I went through in NYC has moved now.. but where there is a will there is always a way... good luck luv..

Constance
La France

Date: 9/24/2010 8:22:00 AM

I am no expert in this area, but I have heard some horror stories, so be very careful, it can be an expensive mistake, if you do not pick a very good publisher, I think like Carolyn suggested start small, like a magazine, and see where that takes you, best of luck in your endeavours, and how mature you are at 16, to even be considering this~~

Carolyn
Devonshire

Date: 9/24/2010 5:06:00 AM

You might seek publication in magazines designed for teens, Farah, although I could never have known your age by reading your great poetry. Google should help you find the right magazines. Love, Carolyn