Check submission guidelines on the websites of paying literary journals, which include “Boulevard,” “Cincinnati Review,” “Poetry,” “Massachusetts Review” and “Georgia Review.” These journals typically pay 50 cents to $10 per line of published poetry, although some pay per page. Follow each journal’s guidelines carefully in terms of submission procedure and deadlines.
Enter poetry contests sponsored by established organizations, including Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards, “Comstock Review” Annual Poetry Contest, Frances Locke Memorial Poetry Award, Meridian Editors’ Prize, Griffin Poetry Prize and Margaret Reid Poetry Prize for Traditional Verse. Prizes range from approximately $100 for smaller contests to $100,000 for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award for an original published book of poetry. Entry fees typically run $5 to $20 per submitted poem.
Submit a book of poems to a publisher, or secure a literary agent to submit your manuscript for you. Although poetry can be a tough sell, certain presses--including Grove/Atlantic, Harcourt, Meadowbrook Press, Northwestern University Press, Cypress House Press, Kent State University Press and University of Illinois Press--publish poetry manuscripts on a regular basis. Check each publisher’s guidelines on its website.
Self-publish your poetry manuscript. Shop around for the best printing prices and find a reputable publishing company. Sell your printed book to local bookstores or offer them for sale on your own website or through online book retailers.