Publishing - Get ready in 8 Steps

A poem can be anything, but it's usually a condensed story to convey an emotion. These are guidelines, not rules on writing professional poetry in the year 2026.

1. Why improve? When your expression improves, you get more satisfaction from your writing. Many poets write as therapy, and aren't sure if they want to improve or edit. We argue you should!
2. How can I learn more about poetry? Read, Read Read! The professional poetry journals at your local bookstore are a great place, as is our front page. Also read nonfiction books about poetry - poetry for dummies and the poetry home repair manual. Read every day, read thousands of poems.
3. Rhyming is a common distraction for new poets - we suggest poets master non-rhyming poems first. The left-brain skill of matching word endings distracts strongly from the primary purpose of an emotional story. More on rhyme & forced rhyme
4. Associate with poets you admire. Allpoetry is perfect for this! Take your friendships here to the next level by email, IM, phone. Don't be afraid to ask for help or for someone to be your mentor.
5. Poetry is a serious art - put in the time, effort, and research required. Get organized and get outside your comfort zone.
6. Keep a journal and write every day - collect your notes until they're ready to be combined into a poem. Write at least 30 minutes every day.
7. Editing is required - Poetry is generally made from two parts - inspiration and editing. Some poets stop after their initial inspiration and never edit - editing is an absolutely necessary part of a strong poetic process. Read your poem out loud every day, and work on a single poem for at least a few days - each day you'll see different things about it.
8. Join a writing group - see our groups, and hit the critique exchange. Get comfortable with people you trust to critique your work. Meetup.com is great for in-person writing groups near you. Online is great but can sometimes lack a depth that comes more easily in person.

Get Published - Join our Shared Publication

• Just $38, includes a copy
• Publish your poems in a book with other allpoetry poets
• Editorial review

Publish your custom book with All Poetry

• Full service professional design using your poems from the site
• Get your own publisher account for royalties
• Includes edits and site advertising to get you started

Success stories - books by allpoetry poets Add yours • List all »

Alcatraz Avenue

Alcatraz Avenue gathers a motley mix of poems and story‑like fragments written during years of life in Berkeley, traci..

by CrowWhisperer

Reflective Thoughts

Lee enjoys writing poems in his spare time to share with others. He hopes it gives you pleasure to read these poems ‘R..

by Leerobertpoole

Brian’s Poems

Brian Watson was born on August11,1978, in Hampton, Virginia, and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. A keen observer..

by Brian S. Watson

Words of the Spirit

Thomas Vanleer has spent sixty-five years in the ministry: Seven years as an Associate Pastor of Two Denominations [ ..

by Papavan

That Kind of Funeral

Noir

by Agee

Traffic Of Divine Invitation

Traffic Of Divine Invitation gives welcome to the world in which plays the oldest archetypal story ever told... A..

by Strobe Buzz Warp

A Breeze In The Trees (Coming Soon...!)

A Breeze In The Trees is a poetic stroll through the woods, and all there is to see, to touch and to feel. The poetry..

by RW Stauter

Feeling

Feelings is for the restless the brave the ones who fight to feel fully too love fiercely and to keep dreaming when th..

by Sahrean

A Storm of Horses

A collection of poetry.

by Only rob

Dream Weaver

Love takes many forms, not all of them pleasant. Poet Carl D. Foggey knows this well. In Dream Weaver, he explores man..

by Blackstone75

where the night sings

The Blue Nib are proud to present this debut collection by exciting Ugandan poet Faith Atuhumuze. She has an origina..

by A. Faith

Reach 2019

IPC Fourth Year Anthology

by Elegia