Select the poems you want to publish and format them all in a document. Create a title page with your name on it. On the second page, create a dedication if you would like. On the third, list a table of contents. On a fourth, optional page, list previous poetry publication acknowledgments if any of the poems in the book have been published before in small journals or other publications.
Research small presses using the website Poets & Writers. The small presses listed do not charge a fee of any sort to read basic manuscript submissions for publication consideration. While some charge a fee for contests, basic manuscript submission is free. Make notes about which presses you like. Search through the Poets & Writers Small Press Database to find appropriate publishers. Read about the small presses to see if their aesthetic and literary needs match your work well. Send your manuscript for consideration.
Submit your poetry according to the presses' guidelines. Many presses like to receive the work in a mailed document while others prefer it in the body of your email. Make sure to follow their requests carefully. If the press enjoys your work, you will be asked to sign a contract--all for free through to publication.
Visit the CreateSpace or Lulu website if you are interested in self-publishing your poetry. According to Poets & Writers Magazine, many poets self-publish in an effort to have more control over their book. Register for membership to the site and look at their publishing packages. CreateSpace offers free publication up until the author has to purchase their book's proof copies. Otherwise, there is no payment. Lulu offers the same sort of service.
Decide if you want to self-publish and save your book as a PDF. Upload your book to the CreateSpace or Lulu site according to their format guidelines. Pick your book's trim size, color and create a customized cover with their cover creators. When the book's design is complete, order a proof copy.
Read the proof copy and determine if the book is ready for publication. If not, edit and re-upload it. If it is ready, press "publish."