Poetry is
increasingly democratic in its use of different formats - anyone can post a
video on YouTube or start a blog, podcast or zine. However, literary poetry
publication is still structured on a defined model of competition and
prestige, where a publisher or prize can transform a poet’s career. Poets who
don’t have this specific information may find themselves unwittingly throwing
away opportunities by publishing the wrong type of book in the wrong time or
format, and it can take years to assemble another collection which may not be
eligible for the same prizes as their all-important debut. In a competitive
field, this information is not easy to access, and many poets make mistakes.

How do
poets make the finances work? Should they release a pamphlet or a full
collection? Which promoters should they work with? How can they get their
work reviewed? How do they maintain a public profile if performance isn’t for
them? What mentoring and publication options are there for mid-career poets?
The Poetry Guide will answer all these questions and more, with
practical advice on managing income and funding a career and information on
options for printing and distribution, marketing and publicity, and submission
to editors, reviewers and prizes.

This new book
gives a clear and up-to-date picture of what poets should focus on at
different stages in their career.