Publishers

Hi there I am a poet of poetry now, anchor books, triumph house which are all in peterborugh, they are the same company as what you are asking about. poetry.com are vanity publishers stay away from them, they will print anything. Anchor books etc... use to pay royalties but stopped. They went to court as vanity publishers and came away with the credit that they were not. Since then they stopped paying people for work, so you make your own mind up. I will no longer write for them. ok If you want some advice, here goes. Never pay to have work published even to enter a competition, they pay you. If you have work published the norm is for the publisher to at least give you a copy of the book free or some kind of payment. But it wont be much, it would be better having a book as this is more then you would get in cash. If you want to be known enter competitions, but never give up, if you think its worth publishing then go and do so. If you want more info and I can help get in touch. lynette dunn

It's a tough one. Forward Press (and their numerous magazines and imprints) are not vanity publishers in the self-parodic style of poetry.com. They don't usually tell you you're a literary genius and ask for £40 to be published in a book full and dismal Pam Ayres impersonating pap. That said, I'd imagine they make more money selling stuff to writers than to readers. Mainly because most of the stuff they publish is very, very bad.

Hi Lynette and David, Thank you both for your answers to my questions about these publishers. Are there ANY honest publishers of poetry? I am begining to think that they are an extinct breed. I know that my work is good even if I do say so myself and I am not afraid to venture into the world of the Vanity Press but where do I find someone with a minimum of honesty? once again thanks, greetings Wandelaar

The general rule is if a poetry publisher can afford to put ads in newspapers or magazines saying 'please send us your poems' then they aren't 'honest' publishers. Most 'honest' poetry publishers already receive far, far more submissions than they could ever hope to publish so won't be remotely interested in unsolicited work from poets with no track record. Whether or not you know your work is good is irrelevant. The issue is whether anyone would want to buy a book of it. That's a very different question. Publishing is a service to readers not a service to writers. The best thing to do is try to get some work published in magazines such as those in The Poetry Library's list:

Hi in the early years I was bitten too. If they want money avoid them... like the plague. If you want to enjoy the experience, of being published and your not that passionate about your work, go for it.. My advice is - for what it is worth... So much effort just to see your name in print... Leave em well alone. I once was nominated as a poetry competion winner and a trip to washing DC. They promised me an award and certificate and a share of $40,000. The award valid and recognised by all uk publishers. I felt like I was on the first rung to my writing career.. I didnt go to washing DC. (I couldnt afford it) I recieved nothing through the post. When I chased them up for what I felt were my items. They said "No!" I should have gone to the awards night to recieve them - a total con. After I blew my top and went barmy, they sent me a poxy little certificate that I could have printed myself on Ex proffessional. If it is a good honest company they will already be snowed under in submissions. I have learnt not to do any competions... the only person who wins is the publishers. Hope this helps Jan

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