If I want to get serious and try to publish, what would you recommend; poetry or

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   wayne barrettposted 12 years ago

   If I want to get serious and try to publish, what would you recommend; poetry or short stories?
   
   I keep hearing that I should try to publish my work, but I really am just a novice hobbyist so I have no idea what would be the best direction to take. For now I am enjoying myself and I can be patient...I am just curious!

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   JThomp42posted 12 years ago

   It really depends on if you want to make money. My longer Hubs do make money. But, my poetry does not. But, I really enjoy writing poetry, so go with what makes you happy my friend.

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      wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the input, JT.

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      JThomp42posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You are welcome Wayne.

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   stuff4kidsposted 12 years ago

   I am a total newbie to the writing scene, too, so I'm afraid I can't give you any knowledgeable advice from first hand experience, but...
   
   My research shows that the easiest ways to break into print (and get paid) are these, in descending order:
   
   1. Articles and features for magazines
   
   2. Copywriting for blogs, advertisers, corporations etc.
   
   3. Short factual books as part of publisher's pre-existing series
   
   4. Short stories for popular glossies
   
   5. SF, 'erotica' and thriller novels (in that order of popularity)
   
   6. Children's stories
   
   7. Graphic novels
   
   8. Inspirational and religious
   
   9. Poetry
   
   I guess in the end it depends what you motives and aims are.
   
   In all cases, it seems that a bucket load of sheer grit and determination with a few spades of luck thrown in are needed.
   
   Good luck and bless you! 

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      wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's quite a list, but it gives me something to think about. Thanks!

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   WillStarrposted 12 years ago

   E-publishing is fairly easy these days, but the problem is publicity...without it, no one knows you are there. Publishers prefer full length novels, so short story collections are a hard sell.
   
   The key word is 'publicity'.

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      wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Will. I am working on a full length novel, but I figured that might be tougher to get published. I agree with the publicity...that's where my patience will need to kick in.

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   Joanne M Olivieriposted 12 years ago

   Wayne,  I think the best option is to self publish.  There are many venues for self publishing.  I researched all of them before I published my books and found Createspace to be the best for a couple of reasons.  You have virtually complete control over the process and you have the option of your book, once published being on Amazon.com. 
   
   The only money I put out on the process was buying a proof copy of the book before it was published.  They are a print on demand venue.
   
   You could actually publish poetry and short stories in one book or two.  The way I see it, if you publish them together in one book both your readers who are interested in just poetry or your short stories will be exposed to all of your works which is good.
   
   The main thing is, with self publishing is you need exposure so you have to promote the books with social media, blogs etc...It is a fun process and can make you some money.
   
   Also, doing it on your own is very easy.  You can format the book in word, then send it to a PDF and you are ready to go.  I think it's a great idea.

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      wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for that tip, Joanne. I had heard of self publishing but don't know much about it.

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   Rayne123posted 12 years ago

   Well I am working with this wonderful woman who I have researched and spoke with many times. Lets just say I was led to her.
   
   She has all my poems and is willing to publish them, however I am just waiting for my finances.
   
   You can say that I gave you her name.Her name is Grace, however I cant find the toll free number now and seem to lost her info but you can look it up
   
   her email is as follows
   
   Grace.Vasquez@xlibris.com
   
   The company is xlibris and they have many different packages.
   
   Tell her I send you , my name is Laurie from Ontario, and I am writing poems.
   
   Very nice woman and legit company. She is actually spiritual, not sure it makes a difference but to me it helps.
   
   So if you can email her or if you want I can do it and give her heads up.
   
   Hope it works
   Laurie

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      wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I will definitely check her out. Thanks, Rasma...Laurie?

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   xstaticposted 12 years ago

   Wayne, look into your state poetry association and maybe enter their contests, which I am sure they have. There is modest prize money awarded usually, but it is a good way to gain some recognition for your poetry too.
   Also, someone in my poetry group recently told me about a new site called sixfold.org which is just forming. Take a look at their website. I signed up, but am not sure they are quite up & running. They have an interesting concept and will be available for both poetry and fiction.

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      wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, x. I have thought about trying some contests. Sounds like there are a while lot of options I could try.

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      xstaticposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Wayne, Sixfold is up and running now. I just submitted a poem, was a six dollar charge, but voting is done by other writers in the genre. Rules are well set out there. I thought I would take a flyer.

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   Tayshiaposted 12 years ago

   I appreciate your question!  I too have a publising desire and am looking for tips!  Thanks for asking!

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      wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You are welcome :-)

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   Playdivadiposted 12 years ago

   I would recommend both but if you can write a story that pulls the reader in and keeps them enchanted  write the story. Poetry does not take long to write once the idea comes to you it seems to just flow out. A short story takes more concentration. If your a good writer write a short story.

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      wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Playdivadi

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    Phyllis Doyleposted 12 years ago

    I would recommend short stories.  Poetry and short stories are both good options, for, many readers prefer to have a book they can read just a little bit of at bed time, or when traveling. Short stories would be my first choice, mainly because I am a good storyteller and enjoy writing in this genre.
    
    I also believe short stories would sell better than poetry.

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       wayne barrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you, Phyllis.

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