Comments on: Fascinating Discussion of Poetry Book Sales and My Own Tips for Selling Poetry Books

By: Jeannine Gailey

Jeannine Gailey — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:28:29 +0000

In reply to Joanne Kenzy. Thanks Joanne. My advice would be to get ahold of the latest version of a book called "The Poet's Market," which has a ton of great articles about how to get started sending out and publishing your work, from how to write a cover letter to how to find good markets for your work. I also recommend the magazine (if you can find it at your local bookstore) called Poets & Writers Magazine. You need some money for the entry fees for book contests, and some magazines charge a small fee to read work, but there are lots of places that don't charge. Also check out a web site called NewPages.com, which has a lot of info on literary magazines that might be helpful. Good luck! Jeannine

By: Joanne Kenzy

Joanne Kenzy — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 18:31:03 +0000

I treasure this article. It has alerted me to many things.
I have been told over and over again that my poetry is beautiful. I have about 100 pieces, all written since I retired from full time work. 54 years of work. I have an immense dream, but no investment money. Even if I did most of the work myself it is costly, at least by my definition. What would you advise?

By: Kristin Berkey-Abbott

Kristin Berkey-Abbott — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 09:52:47 +0000

I wonder how the explosion of online classes will impact the chances of getting one’s book adopted for classes. It would be easier for a poet/writer to visit an online class that adopts one’s book. I wonder if in future years, poets and writers will be expected to have resources for online teachers who adopt the book. Writers could record mini lectures and/or readings of all sorts. As an online teacher, I’d be more inclined to adopt a book if it came with resources. Of course, at some schools, one doesn’t get to create one’s own content.

And then there’s the question of charging for the extra content. All teachers wrestle with how much content to create for free, and what happens to online content–who owns it? As a poet, do I want to create readings or lectures for students for free? Do I do it for love? Do I do it in the hopes of increased book sales? Do I only do it if the book has been adopted?

It’s a brave new world–much to consider. I may write a blog piece of my own about it once I’ve had time to think about it a bit more.

By: Jeannine Hall Gailey

Jeannine Hall Gailey — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:05:08 +0000

In reply to Jan Priddy. Thanks! I'm doing more research into book marketing as well - hope to be able to share more tips soon!

By: Jan Priddy

Jan Priddy — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 19:38:16 +0000

Thank you for practical and reassuring advice.