Assemble your manuscript. Include only your best poems, and pay attention to the order of the poems. Format only one poem per page. Make sure that your manuscript is error-free; include a table of contents and page numbers.
Research presses and publishers. Not every press is interested in every type of poetry. There are many online resources to help you find publishers of poetry. Once you have found a press you like, read some of their books. If the work they publish seems similar to yours, you should send to them.
Examine the submission guidelines and follow them exactly. Most presses have particular rules for sending manuscripts; these are usually posted on their website. For example, some presses only read poetry during one month of the year. Others accept submissions only through contests. Some presses charge a reading fee; others do not. There may also be specific directions for how to format your work.
Write your cover letter. This can be a simple three-paragraph letter. In the first paragraph, state that you are sending a poetry manuscript and include the title. This will help if your manuscript becomes separated from its cover sheet. In the second paragraph, include any publication credits -- for example, if you have published individual poems in literary journals. In the third paragraph, thank the editor and sign off. Do not include an explanation of your work or personal information; this is considered unprofessional. Allow your work to speak for itself.
Assemble your package of materials and submit the manuscript. Online submissions may involve registering on a site or putting your manuscript in a particular format, such as Word or PDF. If you are sending in hard copy, some presses ask you to include a self-addressed stamped postcard to acknowledge receipt of your submission. You may also be asked to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage if you would like the manuscript returned.
Keep track of your submissions. Make a list of where you sent your manuscript, the date, and when you can expect a reply (if you know).
Be persistent. Publishing a manuscript is difficult and can take many years. Keep sending your work until you find an editor who responds to your unique style.