For example, if you had an accident or someone close to you has passed away, you may write about mortality or celebrating life. Inspiration could come at any time and surprise you. Carry a small pad of paper and a pen with you or use the Notes function on your phone to write down anything that pops into your head.

Consider your audience for the poems you’re writing. The subject matter doesn’t have to relate to every single one of your readers, but they should understand the emotions you’re connecting to it. Try free-writing or journaling to get in the practice of writing regularly. [4] X Expert Source Alicia CookProfessional Writer Expert Interview. 11 December 2020.

Revisit writing prompts once in a while to jot down new ideas you may not have initially thought of.

For example, you may think about how sitting in front of a warm fire feels, or how the weather is during your favorite season.

Ask your local librarian or a literature teacher for poetry suggestions. Try writing a poem that emulates their style as a warm-up.

Literary journals often list potential publishers that you can later contact when you have poems of your own.

If you have poems you want to read or perform, these nights are great opportunities for you to practice.

See if your city or a city near you hosts a writer’s conference. There, you can meet other writers and attend lecture sessions.

Search on YouTube or Vimeo for masterclasses or lectures from professional poets.

Many MFAs require you to have prerequisite courses or similar experience. Make sure you check the school where you apply for information on what you need. Getting an MFA in poetry doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get a job as a professional poet.

Every person has a time that works best for them for writing. Try a few different times throughout the day to find when you’re the most productive.

Many poems follow a specific rhyme scheme, but rhyming is not required. Try free verse poems to have more freedom. Haikus are short 3-line poems that usually discuss topics like nature or moments of beauty.

Avoid using clichés in your brainstorming, such as phrases like cold as ice or busy as a bee.

Practice performing your poem to get an idea of how others may read it.

Ask friends that you trust or literature teachers to look over your poems to see if they have any constructive feedback for you.

Look on their site for all submission guidelines that they may have. Ask your local librarian for the current Poet’s Market book published annually. This book lists all places that are accepting submissions and the styles they prefer. [21] X Research source Look out for publishing scams. If it sounds too good to be true or they ask for money when you send in your poems, do not use them.

Make sure you double, or even triple, check the spelling and grammar in your poem before submitting it.

Cover letters are not required for all submissions. Check with the guidelines for where you would like to submit to see if it’s necessary. Include information if the poem you’re submitting has been previously published.

Keeping a spreadsheet allows you to easily keep track of your publication history and will prevent you from accidentally sending the same poem to the same publisher.

Use Twitter and Facebook to promote your collection to let others know it’s available for purchase!

Use Twitter and Facebook to promote your collection to let others know it’s available for purchase!