Publishing and Promoting of Poetry anthologies and chapbooks

by: Rose DesRochers
So you have always dreamed of having your poetry published? Why not self-publish it or go with a pod publisher? Poetry is something perfect for self-publishing or pod publishing. Now you are asking yourself how you get started.
Start by choosing up to 100 of your best poems, think of who your market will be. Who will be purchasing your book? You also might want to go to your local book store or library and have a look at other anthologies and chapbooks. Then start by putting your poems together in a manuscript. You might want to have someone go over your manuscript. You can have a professional manuscript reader go over it or maybe a friend. You are going to want someone who will be honest with you and help you edit it.
Then develop a budget of how much you want to spend on printing your book. You are going to want to shop around and look at the different prices of pod publishers or printing companies. If you are going to go the self-publishing route you are going to need your own ISBN number and cover designer. In Canada you can get an ISBN number through http://www.collectionscanada.ca/isbn/s11-202-e.html. I found WRITERSWORLD http://www.writersworld.co.uk/ offers the most complete and professional service for pod publishing. Be sure to tell him Rose DesRochers referred you. You can also check out http://www.instantpublisher.com/ if you want to start on a small budget. A Quick and easy bookbinding for writers and others who want to see their words in print is http://www.gigabooks.net/. Now that you have your poetry book published you will need to look at promoting it.
Website
Create a website to showcase your book. Did you know that blogging is a great way to advertise your book? Google spider’s blogs more often than other web sites. If you would like a professional website and know little about creating a website I recommend hiring a web designer. http://www.invision-graphics.com/ offers writing templates and book covering design. Poetry Readings Set up a poetry reading at your local public library, coffee shop, card shop or book store. You can get the word out about your reading via your local radio station, news paper and the Internet.
Reviews
Reviews are a great way to see if your poetry anthology has any merit once published and reviews will help increase your book sales. Joining an online writing forum like Todays-Woman.net is a great way to get reviews, offer to review other poet’s books in exchange for them reviewing yours. I recommend Shirley Roe founder of http://www.allbooksreviews.com/. Shirley is a regular reviewer for Foreword Magazine, Midwest Reviews and several other prestigious review publications and sites.
Distribution
Visit your local book stores and try to set up a meeting with the manger. Most book stores will take your book on a consignment bases and while you are there you can discuss having a poetry reading.
Press Releases
Write a review of your book and see if your local paper won't run the review. You can also submit a free press release to http://www.prweb.com/
Self-publishing or pod publishing your Poetry book is a great way to break into the market.