If you’ve written a number of poems and, more importantly, practiced the fine art of revising, you may be ready to submit a batch of poems to an editor. To go about this:
• Read, study, and support poetry journals, contests, and e-zines.
• Notice who publishes poems you actually enjoy reading.
• If these poetry journals or magazines have a website, study the poems archived online.
• List contact info for publishers whose work has a similar feel to yours.
• Carefully follow poetry guidelines on each company's website.
• Type each poem on its own page with your name and contact information across the top like a letterhead.
• Submit a batch of 3-5 poems to one editor at a time.
• E-zines will usually accept poems by email or online managers, while other publications may want poems sent by postal mail. If so, always enclose an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for the return of your work.)
• Keep track of where and when you sent your work. If you do not have a response in 3 to 6 months, follow-up.
• While you wait to hear about one batch of poems, start another.
• If an editor returns your work, read each poem aloud. Listen for rough spots. Revise as needed, then submit your poems or manuscript to the next publisher on your list.
• If your poems still keep coming back, let them sit for as long as it takes to see and hear them clearly. Then tweak accordingly.
Mary Sayler, poet-writer
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