Write and revise at least 15 poems. You must have a large amount of poems you feel confident are ready to be published.
Research your publication options. There are thousands of poetry journals, both print-based and online, that accept submissions. Many journals do not pay in cash, but some do. Use a recent copy of "Poet's Market" (or a similar publication) as a reference guide. It has information on many of the poetry markets.
Make a list of journals that take unsolicited submissions, pay authors to print their work and publish poetry similar to what you write or on topics you like to write about. If you are unfamiliar with any of the journals on your list, read copies of the journal before you submit. If you send a journal poetry that is unlike what it publishes, you are wasting your time and stamp.
Pick five journals to contact. Review their submission guidelines. Pay attention to the submission requirements for each journal and follow it precisely.
Make fresh copies of the poems you are going to send. Each page can only be printed with one poem on it. Most journals want you to place your name and address on each poem. Some will want a cover letter along with your submissions. Make sure you follow all requirements given by the journal.
Use your organizational system to document the name of each journal where you are submitting work. Write down the titles of the poems you submit to each. Many journals that pay for poems will not accept poems that are simultaneous submissions, meaning that you've sent the same poem to another journal.
Mail each submission along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope (SASE), unless it's against the journal's submission guidelines, to the correct address. The SASE allows journals to send you a response to your submission. In most cases, your poems will not be returned.
Research current poetry contests. You can find information on many contests by looking inside poetry journals and magazines.
Read the descriptions of each contest carefully. Most contests give cash prizes as well as publication, but many also have an entrance fee.
Make a list of contests you wish to enter. Read each contest's guidelines and follow the guidelines precisely.
Write the name of each contest in your organizational system. Include the titles of all poems you are submitting to each contest.
Make copies of the poems, according to contest guidelines. Mail the copies along with the entry fee, a SASE and any other required materials to the correct address.
Continue to send out work as much as possible and keep track in your organizational system. You are likely to receive several rejections, but don't be discouraged. Revise your poems and send them out again, along with new ones.