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Step 1
This part is probably the easiest step of all. If you have a Myspace, Facebook, Blogger account, these websites will work very well to your advantage. Networking is a surefire way to get your poetry out there in public. Set up a blog on your accounts and put up your works. Hopefully, your networking friends can look and read your blogs. Encourage them to give you comments and any other feedback on your work. This is a great stepping stone for you and will also help not only your confidence, but with improving your the structure and quality of your poetry.
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Step 2
If you go to school, check if your school newspaper or magazine has a poetry section or at least, lets their readers publish their own work. Give them a call or send an e-mail inquiring about this. Most school newspapers do let their readers submit their work. If you get lucky, you will get a spot on their paper and this will give you at least a head start on getting your work published. This will also help you later on with making your resumes and applications to other literary organizations. They like it more if the poet or author has already been published before.
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Step 3
Check out local events like talent shows, spoken word events, and other poetry events. If you can, perform! Read your work! They can be in a coffee shop, a restaurant, a school, a university, a cafe, etc. Check your local listing in local newspapers, internet, and the radio. Check out local Myspace events or something. I find it useful at times once in a while.
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Step 4
Next, pick up a copy or just go to your bookstore or library and check out this book; 2009 Poet's Market. This in the most in depth book that has A LOT of editors, agents, publishing companies looking for YOUR work! Though it is not entirely for teenagers only, this is still a great way to see the market. Also, there are a few categories in the book that wants and focuses on young adults and their works. There is also the other book; 2009 Writer's Market for the more general market, not just on poetry if you are interested.
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Step 5
There are several contests out there you can join. But remember, the thing with online contests, is that it's very hard to figure out if the website is legit or real. However there are some websites like POETRY.COM that lets you send your poetry for free, only to send you a letter through the mail saying; "CONGRATULATIONS! WE WANT TO FEATURE YOUR POETRY." Unfortunately, if you do not know yet, this website sends the same letter to everybody who joins and you also have to pay $40-$50 for them to publish it. So be careful when choosing your website.
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Step 6
If you check out the magazine section, there are several literature and writing magazines. Read them. There are a lot of contests for poets. They would usually ask you to pay for an entry fee, but at least you can be sure that these literary magazines are not scammers. Take your chance. If you get published in these magazines, that's a great accomplishment!
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Step 7
Some contests can be found in your local newspaper in the entertainment section or Classifieds. They will post memos about it, and most of the time, there are contests specifically for teenagers. This is a great time to call them up and find out their rules and such and also if they are legit.
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Step 8
Now, if you have a compilation of your poetry and want to publish all of it, then I suggest finding a literary agent. Your agent will work for you to find you a publishing company suitable for your work. However, getting a good literary agent is the hard part. Check out the book; 2009 Guide to Literary Agents. This is an essential book for any poets and writers to help you find your agent. If you feel as if everybody keeps throwing you to their rejection pile, dont give up just yet. Remember, at least one agent will be interested and inspired by your work.
