How to Make Money Writing Poetry: A Comprehensive Guide

Poetry is more than just an art form; it is a powerful medium for expression that, when strategically leveraged, can also be a source of income. Whether you are a seasoned poet or just starting, there are numerous avenues available to monetize your poetic skills. From traditional publishing to digital platforms and creative merchandising, this guide explores the best strategies to make money writing poetry.

Understanding the Poetry Market

The poetry landscape has evolved significantly, with digital media providing new opportunities for poets to gain exposure and earn revenue. Traditional literary journals still hold prestige, but online platforms, self-publishing, and social media have opened up broader possibilities for poets to monetize their work.

1. Submitting Poetry to Publications

One of the most reputable ways to make money from poetry is by submitting your work to literary magazines and journals. Many publications compensate poets for accepted pieces, providing both financial reward and credibility.

Top Paying Literary Magazines

Publication	Payment Rate
Poetry Magazine	$10 per line, minimum $300
The Sun Magazine	$100 - $200 per poem
Ploughshares	$45 - $250 per poem
The Kenyon Review	Competitive compensation
AGNI	$40 - $300 per poem
The Fiddlehead	$60 CAD per published page
Iowa Review	$1.50 per line, minimum $100
Boulevard Magazine	$25 - $250 per poem

Online Platforms That Pay for Poetry

Platform	Payment Rate
Strange Horizons	$50 per poem
Rattle	$50 (online), $100 (print)
Palette Poetry	$50 - $150 per featured poem, $500 for contest winners
Three Penny Review	$200 per poem
The Pedestal Magazine	$40 per poem

Pro Tip: Research submission guidelines carefully. Format your work correctly, adhere to word count limits, and follow reading periods to increase your chances of acceptance.

2. Entering Poetry Contests

Poetry contests offer another lucrative way to earn money and gain recognition. Many prestigious competitions provide substantial cash prizes.

Notable Poetry Contests with Cash Prizes

Boston Review Annual Poetry Contest – $1,500 grand prize
Saturnalia Books Poetry Prize – Cash award + publication
Ploughshares Emerging Writer’s Contest – $2,000 prize + publication

Important: Always verify contest legitimacy and beware of excessive entry fees.

3. Self-Publishing and Selling Poetry Books

If you have a substantial collection of poems, consider publishing your own poetry book. Self-publishing allows poets to retain creative control and earn a larger share of profits.

Best Self-Publishing Platforms

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Global reach with e-books and print-on-demand
IngramSpark – Professional distribution for print books
Lulu – Print and e-book options with a straightforward setup
Blurb – Ideal for illustrated poetry books

Alternatively, traditional publishers provide professional editing and marketing, though the submission process is competitive. Consider poetry-focused publishers such as:

Milkweed Editions
Copper Canyon Press
Graywolf Press
Four Way Books

4. Selling Poetry Through Alternative Channels

Many companies seek poetic content for creative applications. Greeting card companies, for example, pay for well-crafted verses.

Greeting Card Companies That Accept Poetry

Blue Mountain Arts – Pays $300 per accepted poem
Oatmeal Studios – Accepts poetry submissions
NobleWorks – Seeks humorous and edgy poetry

Merchandising: You can print poetry on T-shirts, coffee mugs, posters, and other products to sell on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6.

5. Freelance Poetry Writing

Offering personalized poetry on freelance platforms is another income stream. Many clients seek customized poetry for gifts, events, or branding.

Top Freelance Platforms for Poets

Fiverr – Sell custom poems with personalized themes
Upwork – Offer poetry writing services for various projects
Reedsy – Work with authors and publishers seeking poetry content

6. Building an Online Presence

Creating a strong online presence can increase visibility and generate revenue. Here’s how:

Launching a Poetry Website

A professional website allows you to showcase work, attract commissions, and sell poetry books or merchandise.

Recommended Platforms:

Wix – User-friendly with drag-and-drop features
Hostinger – Budget-friendly with excellent performance
Squarespace – Elegant templates for creative websites

Leveraging Social Media for Poetry

Instagram & TikTok – Share short-form poetry with eye-catching visuals
YouTube – Publish spoken word poetry and tutorials
Twitter & Facebook – Engage with poetry communities and promote your work

Tip: Use relevant hashtags and collaborate with other poets to increase engagement.

7. Monetizing Poetry Through Teaching

If you have expertise in poetry writing, teaching can be both fulfilling and profitable.

Platforms to Teach Poetry Online

Skillshare – Create and sell online poetry courses
Udemy – Offer structured poetry workshops
Teachable – Build a personalized online school

Speaking Engagements: Libraries, schools, and literary events often seek poets for lectures, workshops, and readings.

8. Additional Platforms That Pay for Poetry

Publication	Payment Rate
The Antigonish Review	$30 per poem
Grain Literary Magazine	$40 - $70 per poem
Chicken Soup for the Soul	$200 per published poem
US Kids Magazine	$25 minimum per poem
VQR Online	$200 per poem
Orion Magazine	$100 per poem

Tips for Long-Term Poetry Success

Hone Your Craft: Write daily and explore different poetic forms.
Seek Feedback: Join poetry critique groups for constructive criticism.
Organize Your Submissions: Keep track of where and when you submit poems.
Diversify Income Streams: Combine magazine submissions, books, contests, and teaching for maximum earnings.
Stay Persistent: Success in poetry takes time. Keep submitting and refining your work.

Conclusion

Poetry presents numerous opportunities for creative individuals to earn money. Whether through traditional publishing, self-publishing, contests, merchandising, or freelancing, poets can turn their passion into a viable income stream. By leveraging digital platforms, building an audience, and diversifying revenue sources, you can make poetry not only an art but also a sustainable career.

Embrace the possibilities, perfect your craft, and start monetizing your poetic talents today!

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