Workshops

How Do Poets Get Published? Learning What It Takes 2016 | August 21 – August 24, 2016

The publishing world can seem murky and impenetrable, especially if you write poetry. As poets, we ask ourselves, “Why do publishers accept some poems over others? Why were my poems turned down, while poems in a similar vein were published? What do publishers want?”

This intensive, three-day workshop will demystify what goes into the decision to publish poetry, including editorial meetings, editors’ likes and dislikes, markets, and other factors. At the same time, the workshop will focus on the nuts and bolts of writing for publication and give you plenty of writing time. You’ll be working under the guidance of David L. Harrison, a prolific and award-winning poet, with the goal of increasing your awareness of publishers’ expectations. You’ll create up to four poems that will be included in a printed portfolio that you can share and take home with you.

Two weeks prior to the workshop, you’ll have an opportunity to submit a maximum of three poems that will be critiqued in writing. You can also submit questions that will be answered by guest speakers, including a poetry editor, story editor (rhyming picture books), magazine editor, and art director. You’ll also have the chance to speak with them personally. Mornings will be devoted to presentations, prompts, and one-on-one consultations. Afternoons will include guest speaker presentations, writing time, and additional one-on-ones. Here’s what you can expect:

Mornings:

• Hour 1: Guest speaker presentation followed by David introducing a poetry genre, modeling it, and providing handouts and prompts.
• Hour 2: Poets will be free to start their own poems based on the prompts for that session.
• Hour 3: David will be available throughout to consult with anyone with questions about their work.
• Hour 4: Poets can finish up their work for that session. David will be available throughout to consult with anyone with questions about their work.

Afternoons:

• Hour 1: Guest speaker presentation followed by David introducing a poetry genre, modeling it, and providing handouts and prompts.
• Hour 2: Poets will be free to start their own poems based on the prompts for that session.
• Hour 3: David will be available throughout to consult with anyone with questions about their work.
• Hour 4: Poets can finish up their work for that session. David will be available throughout to consult with anyone with questions about their work.

Final morning:

• Mock editorial meeting to review attendees’ work using the elements of decision making presented by the guest speakers.
• Select one poem per poet from each of the four categories studied during the workshop (free verse, unrhymed verse, short form rhymed verse, and long form rhymed verse) to be included in a printed collection.
• Wrap-up and goodbyes.

If writing poetry is your passion, this is one workshop you don’t want to miss!

Faculty & Special Guests

David L. Harrison

Rebecca Davis

Karen Boss

Mary Colgan

Allison Kane

Patrick Greenish