Creating A Brand: 11+ Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Poetry
If you are reading this article, chances are you have a deep and abiding love for poetry, and you’re considering ways to sell your work on your own website or through an online store like Amazon, Etsy, or even eBay. You’re on the right track, we have compiled some questions that you need to know the answers to before getting started.
We hope to provide some information on how to effectively sell your poems online and what people are looking for when they purchase them from you!
Table of Contents
Can I sell my poems for money?
Yes, in fact, you can sell your poems in various ways, both online and offline. That’s what we are going to discuss in this article!
How much can you make selling poetry?
Well, that depends where you are selling it; literary magazines pay between $5-$250 per poem, while online poetry websites pay anywhere between $20 and $300 for every published poem. You can also charge per word or per hour on websites like Fiverr.
Can you sell poetry on Etsy?
Yes, you can sell poetry on Etsy! The website is designed for handmade or vintage items such as vinyl records, paintings, etc. There is definitely a market for literature as well, in poetry books, anthologies, handwritten poems or even creative writing lessons.
How can I sell my poetry?
The best way to sell your poetry is to start a blog or website. It is a great foundation to showcase your portfolio and show prospective clients that you mean business. Market your products and services to family and friends first and get initial feedback.
Websites now come with easy e-commerce functionality that allows you to accept payments in exchange for your physical or electronic products. Woo-Commerce and Shopify are examples of such platforms.
Bait your readers with bite-sized quotes from your poetry using the “Stories” feature on your favourite social media platform and grow from there. Gradually you can move on to open mic shows, book readings, poetry competitions, poetry submissions and even your own book on websites like amazon!
How do I sell my poems on Amazon?
If you have a collection of poems ready to go, the answer is simple! Just read through Amazon’s self-publishing guidelines and follow them accordingly.
There may be some formatting requirements depending on whether your book is in Kindle Unlimited or not; if so, make sure it is fully compliant before publishing it for sale. If you need help, you can try using a free online formatting tool- like Canva!
You can also use Amazon’s Print On Demand service to produce paperback copies of your book, so you don’t have to worry about stocking inventory.
Can I sell my poetry with Kindle Direct Publishing?
Yes! Kindle Direct Publishing is a great way to sell your poetry. Just upload your work in pdf format, create an attractive cover and then select the “Kindle eBook” option for publishing. You can also opt for paperback or hardcover if you want!
Kindle is a great way to sell your poems if you already have a large fan base or add value to your website. Many people are comfortable reading on their Kindles, so it’s a great choice if you want to go digital! Furthermore, Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world, so selling your poetry here can really help you get exposure.
Do poetry books sell?
Yes! E-books and paperback poetry books sell pretty well. According to The Guardian, in 2018, a total of 1,3 million volumes of poetry were sold, equalling $16. 4 million dollars, up 12% from the previous year. The trend continues to look up so there is no better time than now.
How do I sell poetry on eBay?
eBay is a great place to sell your poetry if you need people to auction or donate towards a good cause. It is also suitable for selling second-hand books, especially collector’s items.
Can I sell my poems to a magazine?
Yes, you can sell your poems to literary magazines online and offline. Magazines such as The Sun, The Newyorker, and The New York Times pay a publishing fee for all original poems. Check out their submission guidelines before sending in anything, though. Here’s a list of all the most popular websites that pay for poetry.
What are people looking for when they buy poetry?
People may be looking for poems that they can read to their children. Some people are looking for poems to help them get through tough times. Others are just looking for a great Sunday read over a cup of tea.
Everyone has their reasons, but it is important to remember that the best poetry speaks to everyone in one way or another.
People looking for great poems don’t have a specific age range, nor do they have an interest level. They just want poetry that will speak to them on some level and help them feel something new with every poem they read!
That is why it is so critical to write honest, authentic poetry that is not afraid to be vulnerable.
Conclusion
It takes courage and a lot of hard work to write great poetry that will help connect with people emotionally! If you can do it, keep writing poems and sharing them with the world: there are so many people out there who need your words right now!
Start by selling your poetry to family and friends. The initial feedback you stand to gain from them is invaluable. We wish you all the best with this exciting chapter in your creative journey and check back in with us soon for more poetry conversation
