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Is it really possible to make a living from poetry? Or is it simply impossible to profit from the rhythm of your heart and soul?

I've been writing since I was a child and I believe in writing what my heart feels like and what my mind thinks of, in the way I love most, which is poetry. I used to share them in my blog and internet communities and they spread just like fire, published widely on the net even in places I've no knowledge of. Some were even credited to I don't know whom. I didn't believe that poems could make any money at first but after feeling unappreciated for my work yet being abused by those unworthy plagiarists, I thought I should seek some help in publishing my poems with rightful credits to my own name or pen name. To my surprise, poets and their writings should not only be protected but could also profit from their creativity just like any other artist.

Here are some tips to help with making a living from poetry:

1) Be consistent in writing. If you want your writings to feed you, they need to be sufficient not only in quality but also quantity.

2) Improve your skills. Read a lot, be in the know of the current issues and trends, learn the art from the pros and be a REAL POET!

3) Join online/offline poet communities. Share your work with the same minds, get critiques and get better! Some of them will also know the channels to profit from your poems or even publish them.

4) Be registered with a poet group or association. It usually publishes works of members in the form of anthologies.

5) Submit your poems to magazines, newspapers, both online and offline. They might be selective but they pay good money with honorary credits. If your first poem does well, the second would be accepted easily but if it didn't the first time, try and try again!

6) Watch out for contests and participate!

7) Do some search for publishers who publish poetry in numerous ways like greeting cards and bookmarks. Poems need not to only be placed in books.

8) If you have sufficient savings to publish your own poems, why not invest in an anthology? Engage yourself with the poet communities/associations first, make your work known to others, get help and recognition from their publishers and start publishing your masterpiece. Some might even voluntarily write you a preface or introduction to add some spice in it.

9) Venture into other writing genres. Learn copywriting for a start. Develop new skills and widen your avenues.

10) If you can read Malay, I suggest that you read Nimoiz T.Y's "How to Be A Millionaire Writer" (Bagaimana Menjadi Penulis Jutawan)

11) The least you can do is, stick to HELIUM!

Some poets feel bad about selling' their art but I think it's only fair enough to be credited and awarded for your own hard work especially if you meant to send the message of love, kindness and peace to the world. There's no point of putting beautiful, meaningful words on paper without giving other minds the chance to have a thought and benefit from them. And the best thing about publishing your work through professional publication that pays is you will also learn popular trends in the genre and how things are done. Sharing and marketing are some of the means which will sharpen your views and skills in life. You will not only then be able to write good poems but you might also learn how to make your anthology with your own touch in the content and cover making.

Take pride in your writings. Write well and make a living from it!

Learn more about this author, Nurin Zulkifli.
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