Evaluating and Submitting Your Poem for Publication: A Comprehensive Guide
Today, almost anything can be published, but is it any good? This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you determine if your poem is ready for publication and how to submit it effectively.
Assessing Your Poem's Quality
Before you consider publishing your poem, make sure it is of the highest quality. Read your poem aloud to a friend or family member and ask for their honest opinion. Come back a week later and ask them to recall what they remember. If they struggle to remember more than 20 syllables, your poem might not be ready for prime time. This simple test can help you gauge whether your work is impactful and memorable.
Steps to Evaluate and Submit Your Poem
Follow these steps to evaluate and submit your poem for potential publication:
Research Publications
Begin by looking for literary magazines, journals, and websites that publish poetry. Each publication often has specific themes, styles, or guidelines that you should familiarize yourself with before submitting.
Read Submission Guidelines
Each publication has a set of submission guidelines. Carefully review these guidelines, as they may specify formatting, length, and thematic preferences. Adhering to these guidelines can increase your chances of being accepted for publication.
Analyze Your Work
Reflect on the themes, style, and language of your poem. Consider whether it aligns with the work published by your target journals. This introspection can help you identify areas for improvement.
Seek Feedback
Share your poem with trusted friends, writing groups, or mentors. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses. Use this feedback to revise and improve your poem.
Revise and Edit
Based on the feedback you receive, revise your poem. Pay attention to clarity, imagery, and emotional impact. A well-revised poem is more likely to resonate with readers and editors.
Submit Your Poem
Once you are confident in the quality of your poem, submit it according to the guidelines of your chosen publications. It is also a good idea to consider poetry contests as they can offer exposure and potential publication opportunities.
Additional Considerations
When preparing to submit your poem, consider the following:
Testing Your Poem
Ensure that your poem meets the specific requirements of the publishing house. Test whether it rhymes or if the lines meet the specified length. Check the usage of characters like …, which may represent a single pause or multiple pauses, depending on the context.
Check Grammarly for Errors
Use tools like Grammarly to check for grammatical errors. These tools not only identify spelling mistakes but also offer suggestions for improving sentence structure and usage. Pay attention to preferences for English spellings, such as baptizm versus baptism or Saviour versus Savior.
Creation of Multiple Versions
If you have multiple versions of the same poem, try to determine which version is the best fit for the publisher. Some publishers have specific requirements for the number of lines, including gaps between verses. You may need to adjust the verse lengths to meet these requirements.
Email Communication and Copyright Permission
Direct correspondence with the editor can be useful. If you need to make changes or edits, send a request for permission to the publisher's email address. Keep a copy of any correspondence for your records.
Online Submission Dates and Updates
Some poetry websites add submission or editing dates to their web pages. This can be helpful for tracking the version of your poem that is being considered. Ensure that your publisher informs you of any upcoming anthology themes, as early submissions can be highly regarded.
Remember, persistence is key in the publishing process. Rejections are common, but don't let them discourage you. Keep submitting your work to different venues and stay informed about new opportunities in the poetry landscape.