Dec 11 2008
Is There Any Money In Poetry?
First, I have to comment on a short article written by Nancy Breen who was the former editor for Poet’s Market. She basically says “there’s no money in it.” You can read her entire article if you grab a copy of Poet’s Market. Page 28, Publishing Poetry - A reality check.I think it to be very discouraging for the beginning and even well seasoned poet to pick up a copy of Poet’s Market which is a listing of publishers who accept poetry and basically tell them upfront you’re not going to make any money. And from a sales standpoint, if anyone reads that before they buy the book, do you really think they are going to make that purchase? I don’t agree with her.
While there aren’t many poets who are making a living off of their poetry there are some who make money. This includes myself. I do occasionally receive a check for my work from different publications. No, it’s not paying the rent but I do make some money. I’m neither famous nor well known. Most people who see my name do not automatically recognize me as being a poet or writer. There are some very recognizable people in the poetry world who I would think do make some good money. If I’m getting some checks here and there, the well knowns are certainly doing the same and more.
Ms. Breen also says “even if you were to be paid by every publication and journal who offers payment, you still would not be making any money.” I beg to differ with that one. Granted most publications and journals do not pay however there are many that pay and pay well.
The bottom line is, if you are passionate and dedicated to your writing and consistent to a point where you write on a regular basis, there is money to be had so don’t ever listen to anyone that says you’re not going to make an money on your writing. For God’s sake there are many poets who have today.com blogs They get paid regularly. Proof enough?
some good points although I have never made any money with my poems as much as I would like to..it doesn’t reduce the satisfaction I get from the writing
very good point
i love your stand. it is always nice to be passionate to what you do and also earn from it.
Thanks you two and yes it is more about the writing than the money.
Great article and great site. Loved your posts.
especially loved “spread the link love”. Great idea.
I’m not writing for income - though that would be nice. I was very happy, recently, to have a poem I wrote published on sfgate.com by a Chronicle writer around the impending budget cuts that will impact the Department of Public Health, which included an article about our agency. That publicity was priceless.
It gives me a great deal of personal happiness to have my poetry appreciated by others and, often, people tell me they will buy my work if I publish it. We shall see!!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi jodapoet,
I’ve sold copies of my chapbook in the past - not enough to burst my wallet but the pocket change has come in handy.
However, I found that what made me the most money was guest readings and running creative-writing workshops. Workshops over here (UK) tend to pay very very well, especially schools. I know quite a few poets that earn a crust that way.
So in answer to your question, in my experience, yes, there is money in poetry (in addition to, and beyond, publishing).
I think part of the issue with making money from poetry is the same as part of the problem with making money blogging.
While some people who are not poets or aspiring poets read poetry, it’s largely a club. Poets buy other poets’ work. So do school teachers. That’s about it.
I think the other similarity to blogging is that, like blogging, most of the poets that are TRYING to make money probably don’t have what it takes. The really good ones are the ones, who, like you pointed out, are doing it because they love it.
http://thezspot.today.com
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martin - That is probably what she means though it can be discouraging for some. Thanks for stopping by.
mango - Workshops can be beneficial. Thanks for commenting.
Zach - It’s all about doing what you love. Thanks for reading.