The answer, in a nutshell, is: you don't. Writing poetry is very rewarding, but not usually in monetary ways. Even the best-known poets typically also teach, work in the publishing industry, journalism, or in some other field.

What do poetry publishers pay?

The market for poetry is very small, and publishers often make little or no profit.

As a result, standard practice for most literary periodicals & magazines is to pay with one or more copies of the publication in which your work appears, rather than cash.

The same is true for small literary presses, which often publish chapbooks, or poetry collections. Typical payment is a percentage of the press run. (If you are lucky, the publisher may also offer a percentage of the profits, in the event your book makes a profit. Many don't.)

You could sell some copies of your book at your readings & perhaps local bookstores or your website to generate a little cash. (See our book marketing tips for more ideas.)

Mid-sized and major publishing houses seldom publish poetry. When they do publish it, press runs are small, and with payment of corresponding size. They only publish well-known figures in the poetry world, who have amassed many periodical, chapbook & small-press book publications & have gained a large, loyal readership which is likely to buy the poet's books.

A short aside: poetry contests

Since we're talking about money, I should mention poetry contests. Some are scams; they just want to publish your poems so they can sell you the book in which they will appear. Legitimate publishers won't ask you for money; they will compensate you as described above. If anyone tells you that you won a contest and then asks you for money, run the other way.

There are however, a number of legitimate poetry contests / awards, some of which are very prestigious & pay nicely. The current edition of Poet's Market, published annually by Writer's Digest Press, lists them, along with submission information & deadlines. You can get a discounted copy of Poet's Market at Amazon.

Literary Careers

Given the state of the poetry market, poets are left to primarily earn a living in other ways (either in a literary field or doing something else completely). They may also occasionally earn a little from publishing, poetry readings, giving workshops, etc.

Take a look at the links below for ideas about literary career paths.

Self Publishing

Self-publishing has a long history as route to publication for both beginning & well-known poets. However, just like with books published by major publishers, self-published books don't have a terrific track record when it comes to making money (you may or may not recoup your costs). We've written articles about self-publishing and selling your own books which you may find helpful.

good luck!

No matter what you choose to do for a living, keep writing poetry! Do it because you love it, need it, because you are a poet.

I wish you much success!

~~ Denise

Literary Careers & Publishing Info:

Kennesaw State University. Information on jobs for writers & poets.
Kennesaw's list of writing-related careers.
Poetry Portal. Publishing information & advice. Excellent.
Academy of American Poets Advice on publishing.
WritersWrite.com database of markets, paying & non-paying

Please also check out our Advice on Writing & Publishing Poetry page! You might also find our information on marketing & selling your poetry book helpful.