How to Achieve Sales when Publishing Poetry

Understanding the Market

I had a recent email exchange with a poet I work with on the theme of difficulties in achieving sales, which has prompted this blog. When it comes to selling poetry, understanding your market is crucial. Poetry, unlike other literary forms, appeals to a niche audience. It's important to know who your readers are, what they like, and how they consume poetry. Are they traditionalists who prefer hardcover books, or do they enjoy digital content? Do they lean towards classic themes or contemporary issues? The answers to these questions should guide your sales strategy.

Creating Quality Content

Quality is key in poetry. Your work needs to resonate with readers and evoke emotion. Consistently delivering high-quality content will help build your reputation, attract more readers, and, ultimately, drive sales. To improve your craft, consider joining poetry workshops, reading widely, and seeking feedback from other poets.

Building an Online Presence

In this digital age, having an online presence is non-negotiable. A website or blog where you showcase your work can reach a global audience. Social media platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter are also effective tools for promoting your poetry. Regularly post your work, engage with your followers, and be part of the poetry community online.

Utilising Social Media

Platforms like Instagram have given rise to a new generation of poets. The platform's emphasis on visuals and concise content makes it ideal for sharing short, impactful poems. Instagram poetry has gained popularity over the years, with poets like Rupi Kaur amassing millions of followers. Twitter, with its character limit, also encourages brevity and can be a great platform for sharing haikus and micro-poetry.

Publishing Your Work

There are several avenues to publish your poetry. Self-publishing is a popular route, giving poets full control over their work, from content to cover design to pricing. However, it also means handling all the marketing and distribution efforts post completion of the design and editing journey. In my experience, many poets just don't have the energy or commitment to do this and then get disappointed with lack of sales. Traditional publishing, on the other hand, provides wider distribution but is very often much harder to break into.

Exploring Poetry Contests and Anthologies

Here's something I've found very useful. A way to get your work out there to the public is through targeted (and I do mean targeted) poetry contests and anthologies. Winning or even placing in a reputable contest can significantly boost your visibility in the poetry community and gives you an opportunity to use your social media. Anthologies, which are collections of poems by various authors, also provide exposure and are often seen as a stepping stone to publishing a full collection.

Connecting with Your Audience

Lastly, connecting with your audience is integral to your sales success. Attend poetry readings, engage with your readers online, and be open to feedback. Remember, poetry is a form of communication. The stronger your connection with your audience, the more likely they are to support your work.