You can get your poetry published regardless of the amount of work you have created. First, define your publishing goals, as you immediately can self-publish online by establishing a website or a blog. Several different publishers exist including traditional powerhouses and independent publishers. A national magazine also might accept your work. Before accepting payment, review the publisher's terms carefully to understand the inherent relationship--for example, one-time payment only means you give up property rights.

Basics

Begin developing work that you want published while considering your target audience. For instance, a book of poetry aimed at elementary students typically differs from poetry for teens or adults. If you have written several poems, select a few to prepare for a publisher. Before editing your own work, spend time doing something unrelated and then return to your poetry. Type the poetry out on standard-size paper. Avoid extreme formatting, such as very small font, since you want publishers to easily follow your work instead of remain distracted.

Features

Once your sample work is ready, your next step involves maximizing exposure to your work. Compile a list of publishers that work with new or emerging poets. Gather the publishers' contact information and submit your work to as many as possible. For example, Coffee House Press (Coffeehousepress.org) posted a notice on their website that they are not currently accepting submissions. However, Hanging Loose Magazine (Hangingloosepress.com) will accept a maximum of six poems or one story. Read submission requirements carefully so that your work is reviewed rather than tossed aside because of a careless error. Many publishers will respond with an acknowledgment that they received your entry, though further responses vary (a decision might take six to 10 weeks). If you want to self-publish your poetry, review prices from multiple sources. Programs, such as through Word Association Publishers, charge less than $2,000 to help you design a cover, format pages, obtain an ISBN number, and list the book online.

Considerations

Remember that getting your poetry published will require time and effort. Consider participating in various writing contests to increase awareness of your work. Besides publishing one of your works, writing contests usually include monetary prizes. For example, the Aurorean is a poetry journal that holds multiple writing contests. If you are an undergraduate or graduate creative writing student, submit a haiku for the Aurorean's Outstanding Haiku Contest (winner receives a $10 certificate plus publication in the journal). The Memoir also runs a prose or poetry contest and like the Aurorean, does not charge an entry fee (some contests charge participants a nominal fee). The Memoir's prizes include cash of $100 to $500 plus publication both online and in print.

Source:

Word Association Publishers: Options and Pricing

HarperCollins: Authonomy

New Pages: Independent Publishers

More Information:

The Aurorean: Contests

Memoir: Contest