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Craft of Writing

Suzan L. Wiener

How To Make Your Poems More Saleable

Have you tried to sell your poems, only to receive those most unwelcome rejections? Here's a way you can turn those poems into acceptances. It has helped me to increase my acceptance rate quite a bit. I found attaching these rules to my computer really helps me to remember them. It's too easy to slip into an old rut of not stretching one's imagination.

l. Take out weak words such as and, but, if, etc., especially at the beginning of the line. These words don't enhance your poem and may make them appear less professional. Even if you are a beginner, you don't have to show the editor that.

2. Don't rhyme just for rhyme's sake. Old clichés such as a moon/June rhyme will only make an editor see you as an amateur. Strive to be creative and original.

3. Use dashes, where appropriate, at the ends of certain lines. This makes the poem more dramatic. It will make the editor and reader stop and think about it.

4. Repeat one outstanding line (toward the end) in the poem. I usually use the first line to make the poem more special. I found this will bring out the theme right away and make it more memorable.

5. Make sure the title pertains exactly to what you are trying to convey. Be specific with it, but don't use the same words in the poem. Using "Untitled" isn't a good idea as it just shows a lack of creativity. A title can make or break a poem.

6. Look for paying markets in Writer's Digest or other sources in the library. Being paid for your work makes the acceptance more meaningful. Even if you receive $1.00, it still means that your poem had merit and an editor thought it worthy of payment.

7. Read your poem out loud to someone whose opinion you respect. Don't just read it to your favorite aunt or cousin who will only give you praise. You want to get a critique to improve your poetry. Of course, if someone is panning your poem, without giving you constructive criticism that is something you shouldn't listen to.

8. Make sure your poem is typed and follow their guidelines as to whether they want your submission to be double-spaced or single-spaced. Editors have different ideas of what they want in the manuscripts submitted, so pay careful attention to them.

If your poem should be rejected, don't be dejected. Instead, see if the editor wrote a personal note and whether they want you to revise it. If he/she does ask for a revision, go ahead and do it. Then retype it and send it in again to that particular editor, saying it is a revision. This will let the editor know you are a serious poet and he/she will take notice.

9. Writing poetry can be lonely, so if you can join a poetry critique group, do so. The members can help you to improve your poem to the point of it being saleable. Make sure, though, members in the group are published poets and are willing to give you positive feedback.

10. Before submitting your poem(s), make sure to read the publication you wish to submit to. Sending it in blindly, without looking at what the editor uses, isn't a good idea. He/she will see right away that you haven't done your homework.

Following the above tips should help your poetry get the sparkle and richness editors are looking for and buying.