When it comes to writing poetry and getting it published, the markets are a little different than it may be for the journalist or book author. In order for you to be a successful poet, you need to know the markets and know them well. Understanding how they work can get you far.

Literary magazines

Literary periodicals and poetry journals are good places for newcomers to begin. These publications are very reputable, especially among literary scholars, so getting published in one is a big deal.
It is important to note that not all journals want the same kind of poetry. It is vital that you find out what type of poetry a journal wants before you send your work in, and to be sure to follow its submission guidelines should you decided to submit. It is a good idea to purchase a sample copy first and read them to find out what they are looking for; and by all means, if they have a website please be sure to visit it and do so often. If they have  blog, comment and be seen.

Electronic publications

With the electronic publications you are witnessing a publishing revolution is happening right before our eyes. This is because many poetry magazines and publishers have already experimented by putting some or all of their back catalogues onto electronic archives. What makes this so revolutionary is that poems are usually archived for years to come. This is a good thing for the poet looking for solid ground to stand on.

Don’t be fooled because getting published in an online journal still counts as getting published. Just be sure that the e-zine is reputable and worthy of your poetry. Each e-zine has its own requirements on how to submit, so visit the sites, see which one matches what you are looking for in a publication for publishing your poem, and ask for submission guidelines.

Directories of poetry publishers

You can find a vast array of directories of poetry publishers that you can use as guidance for knowing where to send your work. For the most part what these guides will provide you with is the following:

• Publication name

• Contact name

• Address

• A few-lines worth of description of the publication

Keep in mind that these directories are useful but they do not compare with getting your hands on the actual publications. The directories will often provide snail mail addresses to which you can write for a sample issue of a magazine.

You can also try getting published in newspapers but this is more for the well seasoned or known poet. Nonetheless it does not hurt to try.
Discover your market today and start submitting those poems.