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After you write a poem, the next step is to let the lines sit and rest a while before you go back later to revise. For some poets, this can seem like too much work to bother, so it may not be worth it to you to change a single thing.
Also, if you write for emotional release or self-expression, you might want to stop there and leave the poem as is. If, however, you want your poetry to be appreciated by people other than close friends or loved ones, you might need to spend some time revising.
As you revise a poem or poetry manuscript, include as many of these elements as possible:
• Well-chosen subject to engage your potential readers
• Accuracy as you research factual data and observe sensory detail
• Credibility and an honest voice
• Fresh perspective or unusual treatment of the theme
• Genuine exploration of the topic so readers want to read and re-read the poem
• Word choices with interesting connotations, denotations, and sounds
• Rhyme or sound echoes to emphasize a thought, sound, or image
• Distinctive language or idea presented by an interesting speaker or persona
• Tone in keeping with your subject, for instance, lively lines in a humor piece
• Humor rather than cleverness, irony over mere wit
• Appropriate form for traditional verse and effective line-breaks for free verse
• Musicality that becomes obvious as you read the poem aloud, for example, as you hear the individual syllables receiving variation in rhythmic stress
• Conflict, counterpoint or juxtaposition to provide push-pull tension between knowing and not knowing or to balance order and disorder – something to keep the poem from becoming a closed box that shuts out additional thoughts or locks tightly at the end
If you feel unclear about the above terminology, study a poetry dictionary, and order the book Poetry: Taking Its Course.
To enjoy ongoing discussions about poetry, follow The Poetry Editor blog. Ask a general question, post a comment, or suggest a topic for future articles. Also, click “Like,” and follow The Poetry Editor page on Facebook.
For a Christian perspective on writing in all genres, revising, publishing, and living the life of a freelance writer, follow In a Christian Writer’s Life blog.
If you want The Poetry Editor to read your poems, give you a professional opinion, and make helpful suggestions, you’re ready for a critique.
When you’re happy with your revisions, market your poems or poetic manuscript to a traditional publisher of books, chapbooks, journal, or e-zine.
Present your poetry in a professional manner by using a 10 or 12-point font, such as Ariel or Times Roman, with each poem centered or typed flush left on its own plain white page. Type the title in bold with your byline (name) below in the same font.
To submit your poems to a traditional publishing company by postal mail, send a manuscript or batch of 3 to 5 poems with your SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope with adequate return postage) to only one editor a time.
If the editor of a publication wants you to use an online submission manager, upload the poems from a designated file in your word processor. If an editor prefers direct email, find out if the person can open an email attachment. If so, attach the poetry file to your email. If not, send your submission directly to the editor by typing 3 to 5 poems flush left in plain text within the body of your email.
If your work places with an editor, congratulations! If your poems or writings keep coming back, give your priceless work a reasonably priced critique.
©2009-2012, Mary Harwell Sayler
All Rights Reserved.
Do not use without her permission.
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