Publishing a Book of Poetry

34 posts / 0 new

Mon, 2012-09-10 16:19

Hello good people. Today is special, my birthday #70. Imagine and yet I feel so good to still enjoy writing even more than I did several years ago.

Any advice on the best and very easy format to prepare a Poetry Book Manuscript to send off to print publishers? I never made a serious attempt to do one yet, and only submitted single poems to Journals, etc. If I can get one begun, using all of my 70 Cherry selected poems, it will be my birthday present to myself.

Also any specific book publishers you are knowledgeable about? Thank you, Richard L. Provencher. For those who come up with good ideas later, my e-mail address is: richardprov2@gmail.com

Mon, 2012-09-10 16:29

Highhat

Happy Birthday Richard- sorry I personally can't help you- am not in the UK or USA so I haven't a clue. ;)Pia

Mon, 2012-09-10 16:58

jolono

A very big and happy birthday Richard, all the very best sir.

Mon, 2012-09-10 17:28

skinner_jennifer

Hi Richard, A Very Happy Birthday. I hope you manage to get your poems published, what an achivement that would be. Good luck. Jenny.

Mon, 2012-09-10 17:43

hudsonmoon

I wish I could help you in that regard, but I know little about. But I do want to wish you the best of luck with it. And cheers to you on your 70th birthday. Rich

Mon, 2012-09-10 18:00

Richard L. Prov...

Thank you everyone for your best wishes. I used to think 70 was ancient, now the closer I get to 100, the younger I feel. Eh? Richard and Esther ps. Esther, my wife, thinks I am still a stud. Yahoo.

Richard L. Provencher

Mon, 2012-09-10 18:10

lenchenelf

Happy birthday Richard, forever young at heart. Best wishes and luck with your endeavour xx

Mon, 2012-09-10 18:19

(Reply to #7) #8

Richard L. Prov...

Thank you so much, Maddalena. You have a great day too. Richard

Richard L. Provencher

Mon, 2012-09-10 21:47

scratch

Richard. Your writing inspires me so really you have given a present to me on your birthday. Happy birthday Richard. Ask Esther to give you a slightly harder hug - the extra squeeze is from me. Good luck with the conundrum regarding the poetry book I'm sorry that I can't be of any help as I have no knowledge of the best way to do it

Mon, 2012-09-10 23:28

#10

Richard L. Prov...

scratch---what a lovely thing to say. Inspiring, eh? Wow. I know you are able to pass it on. Cheers. Richard

Richard L. Provencher

Mon, 2012-09-10 23:41

#11

Sooz006

Hi Richard, a very Happy Birthday to you, love xxx I use Iuniverse, they aren't cheap, but by some standards they aren't too expensive either. Lulu and the likes do it for free. I've always had a good job done with Iuniverse. But they are there soley to make money. They will give you three free choices of cover to your specification (after that they start charging) they do what it says on the box, nothing less, nothing more. Enjoy your day.

Mon, 2012-09-10 23:51

(Reply to #11) #12

Richard L. Prov...

Thank you very much, Sooz. Much appreciated and will look into it. Richard

Richard L. Provencher

Tue, 2012-09-11 07:09

#13

Insertponceyfre...

no advice from me, but I wish you a very happy birthday!

Tue, 2012-09-11 11:54

(Reply to #13) #14

Richard L. Prov...

Merci insert... Gee, I should have a birthday more often, such nice comments. Now get writing something which should be very interesting. Here is a stimulous challenge---write about a tree branch in a poem of seven words on each of four lines. Then write a short short story of 50 words on the same subject, new title, and post both. One week max to post, now goooo. Richard

Richard L. Provencher

Tue, 2012-09-11 09:48

#15

Natalia

Happy birthday! All the best for your book I'm sure you'll find a good way to present your manuscript- I don't really know anything about it so yeah :p

Natalia :)

Tue, 2012-09-11 10:17

#16

andrea

I think your best bet, Richard, might be the small press, indie poetry publishers. You might find something interesting here -- > http://genres.ukauthors.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=list_pages_categ... (although some might be defunct as I haven't updated that page for ages). I can personally recommend this one: http://www.indigodreamsbookshop.com/#/ronnie-goodyer/4542699677 I might add that LuLu are very good and, as Sooz says, free. P&P puts some people off, but as you're in the US (I think) that's no problem. They give you an ISBN and get you on Amazon etc. Worth looking into, but of course (imo)there's more prestige in a 'proper' publisher, even a small one, many of whom are quite brilliant. Good luck and happy birthday! http://www.ukauthors.com

http://www.ukauthors.com

http://www.ukapress.com

Tue, 2012-09-11 12:08

(Reply to #16) #17

Richard L. Prov...

I will definitely look these up carefully, and someone else suggested lulu, but indie catches my eye. Cheers. Richard ps. and thank you for those nice B-day wishes.

Richard L. Provencher

Tue, 2012-09-11 12:38

#18

fatboy74

Hey Richard many happy returns hope u had a great one

Tue, 2012-09-11 13:11

#19

ItsSteveDave

Happy Birthday Richard, and best of luck with getting your poetry published. It's among the best I've read on this site, and it is consistantly so, which is the real challenge. I see no difference between the standard of your work and many well-loved poets, and often its better. Go get em! Steve.

Tue, 2012-09-11 14:12

#20

Geoffrey

Read Pam Ayres autobiography! You don't have to join the RAF but how she got into show biz is the interesting part. Once you have a known name the rest follows. Best of luck kid!

Tue, 2012-09-11 14:26

#21

Richard L. Prov...

Thank you so much, Steve, for your very kind comment. It is humbling to have someone say what you have. I have always adhered to the fact to write the best one can, and to stop when it is the right moment. I used to drag out an idea, only to have it fall flat. I don't anymore, and that is why some poems are quite short and others longer. Re a book, I have less energy to chase after publishers these days (gets harder over 30) but will give it another try. Cheers. Richard ps. your work is very interesting. A suggestion I give everyone---look beyond the facade of your subject, ie the tree without bark shone in the sun---change to "an aged silhouetee etched against the cliff honed by the elements into an eagle's perch, like iron and a throne for a mighty king." Massage the obvious. Yes, writing is fun. RLP

Richard L. Provencher

Wed, 2012-09-12 08:36

#22

Cavalcader

new Richard L.Prov Hi Richard. First A Very Happy 7Oth Birthday to you, great person and given,o the site,to AbcTales,great stories and poems. I have just had my 74th Birthday,like you forever young, I put on here and there,know one has said,wished me Happy Birthday. Only ,mentioned to a few! But gt day four of us. No tears,same date September 6th,fan loyalty date of gt late Princess Diana,buried on my birthday,the nightmare,too of awful Paris crash! unbelieveable, exactly same time,as Ray got up work shift a.m. Go to sleep said,put on t.v it happened. Loved her adored her,but Ray took me,London see flowers and remembrance notes cards,met people all a healing! But to receive card,from H.M.The Queen Wow! At the time laying in bad from bad shop fall clothing prop! Now just sending cards,have had wonderful cards,once putting,my name and address,in all adversity. And on 'Diana#s help on 'Divorce then,and mine so mixed up and dodgy! personalities,Wow! got replies Lady In Waiting back! Now thank you H.M.The Queen,beautiful card from her,I only sent one to H.M. The Queen and six photos of Ma'am 60 years Diamond Jubilee omg! One card to H.R. Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on first Wedding Anniversary came back to me! The paper's stated, H.R.H. Duke of Cambridge 3oth birthday to send,again,I did,my goodness,gorgeous photo of H.R.H.Duke Prince William arrived for me. But am collector,of books cd dvd given,to me,and 2nd hands things bought,through ages,back to H.M. Queen Victoria and all up to date! Royal family,especially beautiful,Princess Diana,things have,then bought £10 look a like ring, after terrific crash,Diana in Paris tunnel,never wore,until H.R.H.Prince William, "On Thee I Wed On Mummy's Ring" 'Diana' to Kate Middleton now Duke and Duchess Cornwall,shop guided me too,£5 replica fab! Sorry ramble on,great writer,always Publishers have pay,through the nose,though! I know can be Vanity! pay all the time. Once when I was attending Church,guy! made small booklet up poems,stapled them permission say 2o booklet paid 50p. Maybe shop take some,just ask. Course your great work is on here AbcTales.so many reading I wish,could write like you. Mine mainly part of life! good and bad,bit like late 'Diana'. And loving neighbour's cat 'Jazz'. Always here strokes massaging,owner let's us have,poems tried on AbcTales wow! one 'Green Eyes' Abc mag 23 What! an honour! Can buy books all are in AbcTales and 'Let's Start Again' on here in,many others. One Edited by 'John Wilkes' wow! and all asked! 'Lulu'. Pet's are comfort love and care,we don't have a pet,Ray never liked cat's now 'Jazz' sit on his lap! too be stronger massaged and tickled. especially 'Jazz' Write books don't you! phone or type someone,won't cost much,be careful paying OTT! All news and wish you best of luck! Keep on writing,and asking finding out,publish your, poem book. Ray has a copier now! so keep back now mine on AbcTales,or copy one I like someone,ask! maybe. Big hugs! to you. Couldn't get gt meetings London Wheatsheaf no h/aid in at moment, being treated one ear. Mine won't take me 'York' poet meeting Sept 21st Editor t.cook (Tony) hope maybe get back to 'Singing for pleasure' pay gt taught by Musical Conductor 'Simon Grey' no song sheets,takes and plays through all for us,for 'Martlets Charity Hospice' doing many of us,Sept 29th many favorite,'Sing A Long Songs, pray can go! all can be in. Now advertised in paper etc; love it,when can get there again! Some can pay,extra light opera! All news thought may like! love way you,tell stories. best wishes to you and your wife! Sun is shining back nurse Thursday. Watched H.M. The Queen's 60 years Diamond Jubilee' t.v and bought books,truly amazing,pageant! All Royalty,photos off t.v but all brilliant in paper,anyway. Pray for all? One my presents,daughter and son-in-law,was a Tea Tin,made me laugh wrapped up,thought something else in,no! tea packets,but tin,has beautiful picture coloured,of H.R.H. Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,Prince William and Kate Middletons,Royal Wedding fab, course many things. Anonymous card,since 2005-2012 could been someone,knew church,put my real name,and xmas to Ray as well,sqiggle signature! Maybe kind someone,as did involved,then church,homeless. Taught! all adversity. Keep smiling! Please delete if too long! or boring. or I will let me know! Good luck! take care both of you. x cavalcaderl l is mistake. julie xx Ray big hugs!

Wed, 2012-09-12 08:52

#23

Cavalcader

new Richard L.Prov Hi Richard. Oh! computer it went through twice! Now deleting 2nd one,slow and sluggish! like me! julie. Missed all London Ray and I usually go,train free1 x worker Railway re-tired health now! My belated pop! handed me down,big family,huge! books binding going mouldy,on all wonderful 'Kings and Queen's each page written who! all in amazing colours had throw out! Never seen any more like it,he had for years,Navy Man,now scrap rusting at Portsmouth H.M.S. Aircraft Carrier'Navy one of my, four brother's was on,then in'Aden' war then,when pop! d. years back,shame! need all in paper.my belated mum,then gave me photo keep he was on,.another brother 'H.M.S. 'Bulwark' Navy. Pope made models' just rambling on. Time oil in ear,after drops weeks remove wax,h/aid broke. Write about 'Novia Scotia' is it sounds interesting. where you are and beauty surroundings. julie xx

Wed, 2012-09-12 19:01

#24

Parson Thru

Many happy returns Richard. I did one recently and am pleased with what the printers have done. Had to do all the pre-press myself to keep the cost down but looks fairly professional. Printer is UK based though. Called Biddles.

Parson Thru

Thu, 2012-09-13 18:02

(Reply to #24) #25

Cavalcader

new Richard Prov.. Hi! Richard hope you had good birthday, year older like me. Re; publishing your poem book, Left you some ideas, under your last poem,spoke for you ;The Big Issue' bought today out with Ray,left number and address for you,lady selling said write,I mentioned' Nova Croatia; was it. do read may be of use to you, I and other's were in too. Julie x

Thu, 2012-09-13 14:04

#26

steve_elliott04

Happy Birthday, Richard! Hope you had a good one, and good luck with the publishing.

Thu, 2012-09-13 18:06

#27

Cavalcader

new Richard Prov.. Hi! lost comment back to you, hope you enjoyed your birthday I did at the time. Just typed left you ideas under your last poem! May help! contact etc; So not typing on here again,lost what typed. Look under your last poem from me! julie xx

Thu, 2012-09-13 18:06

#28

Cavalcader

Thu, 2012-09-13 18:25

#29

Cavalcader

new Richard L.Prov.. Hi! Third time lucky, posted comment ideas, three times,button,not taken but my ideas,and help maybe for you publishing poems,is under your last poem 'No End In Sight'. Do read explains who! where maybe contact? Hope you had good birthday,I did week ago now! I' sure pushing comment button,not come up three times. Just having tea. take care,beat you in age! julie 'Young Forever' aye!

Thu, 2012-09-13 18:25

#30

Cavalcader

Thu, 2012-09-13 21:24

#31

Richard L. Prov...

HELLO DEAR READERS AND ENCOURAGERS OF MY WRITING AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHERS, I SURELY APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. I SEND IN THIS GROUP FORMALITY A HUG FOR EACH OF YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVELY COMMENTS. My wife, Esther and I, just returned from visiting dear relatives in Westville, forty miles away. Had a great time. Each of us working to overcome health problems of one description or another. And each of us carrying on one way or another. Sincere best wishes, from us.

Richard L. Provencher

Thu, 2012-09-13 21:34

#32

scratch

Hoorahhhh.

Thu, 2012-09-13 21:38

#33

Richard L. Prov...

Hi Scratch, this birthday business is really neat, I might have another one next month. Ha. I gave Esther an extra squeezy hug just from you. Keep smiling, Richard.

Richard L. Provencher

Thu, 2012-09-13 22:25

#34

Cavalcader

new Richard L.Prov Hi! Rich,sounds you have had good birthday, and going all those miles with Esther,you kiss and cuddles from us,Julie and Ray. Sent to you,six times,damn computer,re; who to contact1 for your poems1 So put one writing under your last poem! Wen through ok. Sat here thinking me1 computer trying POST COMMENT to you,comes up, STATES your comment has been queued for MODERATION BY SITE AND WILL BE Published after APPROVAL. What Approval needed.; trying POST COMMENTS who! you can get in touch with saw someone today,from The Big Issue,bought told her bit of you! Now under your last poem,left t/no or email you may want to connect. Usually only take one,lady said you write address or email left you. Ray saved six times written,as all went so put under my name one of my poems,again! Tried Stan and Silver-Spun-Sand Tina,as she pointed out,large message here. Now damn thing,gone through four times,I give up. And mentioned I had three in get paid maybe,! Homeless did,group then. Richard blightersrock in recently. Hope all helps you. Must be tired! bet wishes Esther,good person help so many. I did too big family eight mum dad dad. Part of life isn't it. julie and Ray xx hugs! and kiss Esther! Seems be working now! Can't be bothered delete,it going through four five times now! Time wasting me,not my end. kept thinking me!