- English, creative writing and poetry students should think about advanced degrees before completing their studies. Poets often work as high school teachers, college professors and instructors at community centers to pay their bills. An MA or PhD in poetry lends greater credibility to a poet's work and opens up doors to teaching and research unavailable to BA holders. As a poet tries to get his work published, he should join local writing groups and online forums to test out his work. The criticisms and suggestions of fellow poets can help refine a poet's voice over time.
- The main avenue for getting poetry published is the hundreds of journals published at American universities and colleges. Publications like the "Beloit Poetry Journal" and "Ploughshares" give exceptional poets exposure to fans of the genre. Another path to publication for poets is the local alternative newspaper, which may dedicate space to sonnets and haiku based on local themes. The key to getting poetry published in journals and newspapers is ensuring that the contribution matches the tone or theme set by the publication's editors.
- An aspiring poet should look for part-time and temporary work in teaching or publishing while trying to get work published. Poets with master's and doctoral degrees can seek out work at local colleges and universities as adjunct lecturers. These positions offer a decent monthly salary and connect poets to faculty members and students who love poetry. A poet who wants to learn more about the editing process should look for administrative positions at newspapers, magazines or journals. In addition to paying the bills, poets can learn from editors and experienced writers what it takes to get their works published.
- Every writer looking to get poetry published should temper her expectations about poetry prizes and self-publishing opportunities. Awards like the Walsh Prize through the "Beloit Poetry Journal" and the Cohen Award through "Ploughshares" offer small amounts to successful poets in addition to regional or national exposure. The prize money is often a few hundred dollars, which is insufficient to rely on for steady income. Aspiring poets are flocking to self-publishing opportunities like blogs and inexpensive presses to get their poetry "in print." These opportunities are geared to amateurs who simply want to have fun or play around with words on the side. A serious poet, similar to a serious writer or artist, should not rely solely on self-published books to make a name in this field.
- Poetry journals and arts publications look for versatility from their authors. A poet who simply sends in a bland poem about the seasons or a lost love does not stand out from hundreds of other submissions. Poets should carry around journals no matter where they go to capture the inspiration of small moments, whether it is day or night, rain or shine. The versatility required by poetry journal editors extends to paintings, found art and photography that can accompany a published piece. Every poet who wants to create a multifaceted submission to dazzle an editor should consider carrying a camera or a sketch pad around to support his words with images.
