How to Become a Self Published Poet

For aspiring poets who would like to publish their work, the best route is usually self-publishing. It's sometimes difficult to be published in magazines and books due to the number of submissions they receive each each year. With the diversity of self-publishing tools, computer software and printing materials at our fingertips, it's very simple to become a published poet. Below are publishing and marketing tips to help any poet become a self-published author.

Things You'll Need

• Publishing or printing services
• Website
• Business card

Instructions

1. 

   Gather your poems into word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Works. Create a table of contents, biography page and dedication page, if you'd like to dedicate your book. Put any pictures into your pages that you'd like to appear in the book. For help with editing and layout, ask friends or family who have experience in book design, or find a book editing service. Lulu, an online self-publishing company, offers editing services such as formatting and analysis (see Resources).

2. 

   Find a publisher to print a copy of your book. Check with online services such as Lulu, iUniverse or AuthorHouse (see Resources). Find out from your local printing company what it would cost to print copies of your book if you don't want to use an online publisher.

3. 

   Donate copies of your books to local libraries and schools. Set up a book signing at the libraries to which you donate books. Offer to speak at nearby schools or in the classrooms in which you have donated your book. Share with others how your book could be beneficial to them. Speak about what inspired you to write it, and any life obstacles you overcame to make publishing possible.

4. Offer to read poems from your published book at local events or facilities. Speak with churches and area women's clubs, or talk to the chamber of commerce about possible venues for sharing your work. Also offer to donate your time at area nursing homes to read poems to residents. Leave copies of your poem or a copy of your book for the residents to enjoy.

5. Promote your book. Self-publishers are also responsible for marketing their book. Contact newspapers to print press releases, and offer to speak on local news stations during community programming. Some morning shows talk about new books that are out or share community news. Create a website that displays some of the poems published in the book, and shows where visitors can purchase it. Set up a book tour around the area where you live and share your poems. Print business cards to pass out when you come across a new contact or venue.

Resources

• Editing Services at Lulu
• Self-Publishing for Books, Artwork and CDs
• IUniverse
• AuthorHouse