by Casper Reaves

Created on: August 15, 2011

We know about the mythos of the “struggling artist”.  Poets fit into that category.  Even if a poet creates outstanding work and does everything right, they will still mostly likely need a “day job.”  Here are a few suggestions on how to make money as a poet.

The right attitude:  To continue to make money, a poet must keep a positive attitude.  Some may call it a hustling attitude, similar to that of a salesperson.  Constantly look for the next opportunity.  Ask to be published.  Get a “no”.  Go somewhere else.  Ask.  Get a “no”.  Many successful poets and writes have piles of rejection letters. 

Submit, Submit, Submit:  You must publish your poems.  Submit them to literary journals, newspapers, on-line magazine and website.  Some situations will pay the poet.  This is the goal.  Even for publications where the author is not paid, consider them if they build your reputation. 

Poet’s Market:  This guidebook, published by Writer’s Digest, provides extensive list of publication avenues for poets.  Listings include poetry publications, book/chapbook publishers, and contests.

Hunt for avenues:  Beyond the Poet’s Market, continue to search for avenues for publication.  Magazine for the field such as Writer’s Digest and Poets and Writers publish list of publication opportunities, both in print and on their website. 

Do readings:  Poetry is best enjoyed during readings.  Look for opportunities to do readings.  Check at colleges and local community programs.  City and state cultural departments may have information on programs they sponsor. 

Reputation and Networking:  Doing readings is a part of building your reputation as a poet.  Take a professional approach to networking, reputation building, and personal marketing.  What can you do to expand your personal brand as a poet? 

Set up a website or a blog with ads:  Web marketing is one way for a poet to exhibit their work directly to the public while earning money.  You could do this on a blog.  Two blogging sites which provide easy set up for making money from ads are blogspot.com and wordpress.com.  If you are more web savvy, consider setting up your own website and advertising their.  Two simple options would be google ads and Amazon.com ads.

Greeting cards: 

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