Poetry as a Profession

If I write in verse,
For pennies or worse,
Is writing a blessing,
Or is it a curse?

Can a professional poet make a living?

In the most competitive publications, the top published poems might earn $100 apiece. Even then, that barely covers the cost of writing, editing, and submitting the work in the first place!

Many poetry publications simply pay writers in printed copies of the issues in which our poems appear. A few will pay pennies per word, dimes per line, or even a few dollars for a published poem.

To make matters worse, some publications even charge reading fees. In other words, the poet must pay the editor for the privilege of having him read the poem.

Why bother?

As poets, we write because we cannot help ourselves. A creative twist of phrase will wake us up in the darkest hours of the night. Rubbing sleepy dust out of our eyes, we crawl out of bed and scratch the lines on paper. We may squint at our computer screens and tap out a stanza or two before creeping back under the covers.

Poets must be incredibly prolific to generate income at the craft.

How many poems must a poet pen before a poet can pocket some pennies?

How can a poet make ends meet?

You can choose another profession, and make poetry your hobby. The overwhelming majority of poets choose this strategy. Try to select a job that allows you enough scheduling flexibility and intellectual freedom to pursue your creative craft.

You might write advertising slogans and jingles as a freelancer. Occasionally, advertisers will employ rhymed verse, catchy song lyrics, and other light verse to sell products.

You could consider submitting your work to greeting card publishers. Such companies often purchase rhymed and unrhymed verse for holiday and special-occasion cards.

You can gain visibility for your work and make a name for yourself as a poet by participating in local poetry readings and events.

You could apply to teach creative writing in a continuing education program, community calendar event, or even a local school. (Certification requirements may vary.)