How can I get my poems published either online or in books?

[JonnyBoy12]

Some of you may know that I write poems in my spare time, but I am unsure as to how to get them published. There are many competitions in this world, but most of them ask an entry fee, and that does not even guarantee a prize! I always feel that they should be paying me, not the other way round. Can any of you ABers tell me where I can get my poems published, and perhaps even get paid for it? I would be most grateful for this, and would post some on here, but they are all too long.

I thank you in advance for your replies.

JB12

[Andyvon]

I knew someone who wrote lots of poems Jonny. He eventually went to a local publisher and paid to have them published in book form. He sold them by him and his family going around newsagents, petrol stations and other places asking them to put the books on their displays. He had 50 books printed first and then 50 or 100 at a time whenever required.

If you did the same you would have to pay a few hundred pounds as an outlay but you get the money back from sales. You wouldn't make a fortune though. However, I don't think you will find too many people prepared to buy your work without some input from you. Good luck.

[marval]

Have a look at this

http://www.ehow.com/h...04_publish-poems.html

[Kefalonia]

I also write poems in my spare time - and I also have a high opinion of my own work! Poetry is a very niche market and almost impossible to make money from. I've entered many competitions and when I've read the winning entry I've despaired that mine didn't win and their doggerel did. Why not put a couple of yours on here for us to have a look at?

[AB Editor]

Dear Jonny,

Try submitting to poetry magazines: http://www.poetrymagazines.org.uk/ (Make sure that you've read each magazine's submission guidelines thoroughly and followed them to the letter).

If you want it published online, there are plenty of places to do it, or start a blog with Tumblr, Blogspot or Wordpress to get it done quickly.

If you want a print on demand service (books are only printed when ordered online), you can try something like LULU: https://www.lulu.com

And finally, you could try putting out and e-book on the kindle - although I am unsure how this is done (it may be worth seeing if Lulu - who work with Amazon - offer services like this).

All the best,

Spare Ed