Ready for Publication?
Another old one.
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When trying to get work published, online or in print, it is imperative to do your homework. This takes time, but it will increase your chances of success.
Check to see what has been published before. Read the previous issues of an e-zine or magazine to see what kind of work is published. Is your work of the same caliber? The same genre? Obviously, romantic poetry will not find favor in a science fiction publication and rhyming poetry will not be well received in a free verse setting.
Check to see what poetry is winning competitions. The IBPC (interboard poetry competition) selects the best of 17 poetry boards each month. This competition has been around for several years and is quite prestigious. The NPAC (net poetry and arts competition) selects the best of 16 boards each month. This competition is relatively new and favors some of the newer poetry boards. Find out what is considered to be the best from these sources.
One way to get a real dose of humility is to visit other poetry boards on the internet to see what kind of reviews their poets receive. Post some of your own work. Just remember that one unfavorable review does not mean the end of the world. Consider the comments you receive and decide if there is merit in them.
If in doubt, try a workshop! A workshop is a wonderful way to unleash latent potential. It is also a great way to get multiple opinions of your work.
If nothing else, put your work away for a couple of days and then look at it again with a fresh view. This is a good way to catch typos and incorrect wording in your work. If you start with a good word processor, spelling errors should be eliminated but common errors still require a keen eye.
Make sure you follow submission guidelines. Failure to do so could land your work in a trash can even if it would have been published. Are you meeting all the requirements? Do they ask for a bio? Do they accept email submissions? If not, do you need to send an SASE? Do they require the completion of a contract?
Be prepared for rejection. There are many talented poets out in cyberspace (more than you think) and only a limited number of publication pages to fill.
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When trying to get work published, online or in print, it is imperative to do your homework. This takes time, but it will increase your chances of success.
Check to see what has been published before. Read the previous issues of an e-zine or magazine to see what kind of work is published. Is your work of the same caliber? The same genre? Obviously, romantic poetry will not find favor in a science fiction publication and rhyming poetry will not be well received in a free verse setting.
Check to see what poetry is winning competitions. The IBPC (interboard poetry competition) selects the best of 17 poetry boards each month. This competition has been around for several years and is quite prestigious. The NPAC (net poetry and arts competition) selects the best of 16 boards each month. This competition is relatively new and favors some of the newer poetry boards. Find out what is considered to be the best from these sources.
One way to get a real dose of humility is to visit other poetry boards on the internet to see what kind of reviews their poets receive. Post some of your own work. Just remember that one unfavorable review does not mean the end of the world. Consider the comments you receive and decide if there is merit in them.
If in doubt, try a workshop! A workshop is a wonderful way to unleash latent potential. It is also a great way to get multiple opinions of your work.
If nothing else, put your work away for a couple of days and then look at it again with a fresh view. This is a good way to catch typos and incorrect wording in your work. If you start with a good word processor, spelling errors should be eliminated but common errors still require a keen eye.
Make sure you follow submission guidelines. Failure to do so could land your work in a trash can even if it would have been published. Are you meeting all the requirements? Do they ask for a bio? Do they accept email submissions? If not, do you need to send an SASE? Do they require the completion of a contract?
Be prepared for rejection. There are many talented poets out in cyberspace (more than you think) and only a limited number of publication pages to fill.
posted by Vickie at 10:20 PM
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