How to Publish Poetry in Canada

Getting your poetry published in Canada isn't as hard as you may think. With the participation in poetry associations and developing relationships with local arts publications and coffee houses, you can build a writer's resume that will get you published in the main stream and in independent sites, as well.

Things You'll Need

• Digital files of your poetry
• Membership in a poetry association

Instructions

1. 

   Join the Canadian Poetry Association. This is the best way to network with other poets, learn new techniques, join contests and hone your skills all in one place. A membership to the Canadian Poetry Association makes you eligible for unique poetry challenges and gives you access to those who can help you get your work published in the future. Read member blogs and learn about local publishing opportunities.

2. 

   Start with online sources to build your resume. In order to get published with mainstream Canadian magazines and book publishers, you need to show that your work is quality by providing a resume of past published material. Canadian e-zines (electronic magazines) are a great resource to get your work published, although usually for no pay. You maintain your copyrights and get "tear sheets" or samples to show other publishers. Canadian e-zines like "It's Still Winter" and "Taddle Creek" are two to consider.

3. 

   Begin your own poetry blog. A poetry blog allows you to post as much content or as many poems as you like. It's a functional and creative way to provide links to your work for online submissions, as well as help support your fellow poets by allowing them to submit to your blog. Be sure to include something that relates to your Canadian hometown in the blog title to let viewers know you are a talented Canadian poet.

4. 

   Submit to local arts papers and magazines. Most average-sized Canadian provinces have arts or "new age" publications that advertise artistic pursuits and feature artists of all types including the fine arts, writing and poetry. You'll find these magazines in the lobbies of co-op food stores, art/movie houses and coffee shops and their submission guidelines are printed in each issue.

5. 

   Enter Canadian poetry contests. Whether through Canadian poetry forums or poetry magazines, you will find plenty of opportunities to submit your work to poetry contests which, if won, will offer you some monetary reward, as well as look terrific on your writing resume. Most poetry contests are themed so be prepared to do some spontaneously perfect poetry.

6. 

   Send your poems to Canadian publishers. Many publishing houses print poem anthologies and often call for poets to submit their work to be included in a comprehensive book. A link below lists Canadian publishers who seek out poetry submissions. Simply submit your work, along with a writing resume, highlighting your past publication achievements.

Tips & Warnings

• Divide your poetry blog into sections to reflect the different types of poetry you write. This will make it easier for people to browse your site.

• Always follow submission guidelines to the letter. Nothing leaves a worse impression than submitting poetry that doesn't follow the publishers guidelines.

Resources

• Canadian Publishers
• Canadian Poetry Association
• Canadian E-zines