How to get your poetry published
  • 1. Which of these is the MOST important first step in getting your poetry published?
A) Writing strong, original poems
B) Submitting to as many journals as possible
C) Paying for professional editing upfront
D) Building a large social media following
  • 2. What is a 'slush pile'?
A) A collection of poems a poet is unsure about
B) The fee charged for submitting poetry
C) A negative review of a poetry collection
D) The stack of unsolicited submissions at a publication
  • 3. What is a 'query letter' typically used for in poetry?
A) To ask an editor if they are interested in your work
B) Rarely used; poetry submissions generally don't require them.
C) To introduce yourself to a literary agent
D) To request permission to reprint a poem
  • 4. What is the common advice regarding simultaneous submissions?
A) They are only allowed for new poets.
B) They are acceptable, but you must inform the publication if accepted elsewhere.
C) They are encouraged to increase your chances.
D) They are strictly forbidden and will blacklist you.
  • 5. Which of these is a good reason to subscribe to literary journals?
A) To guarantee your own work will be accepted.
B) To understand the kind of work they publish.
C) To get a discount on submission fees.
D) To directly contact the editors.
  • 6. What does 'SASE' stand for (though less common now)?
A) Submit All Simultaneously Everywhere
B) Submission Application System Entry
C) Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope
D) Standard Author Submission Expectation
  • 7. What is a chapbook?
A) A type of poetic form.
B) A critical essay about poetry.
C) A small collection of poems, shorter than a full book.
D) A biography of a famous poet.
  • 8. Which is a common way to find reputable literary journals to submit to?
A) Asking your friends.
B) Randomly selecting websites.
C) Duotrope or similar online databases.
D) Searching on Wikipedia.
  • 9. What is an 'acceptance letter'?
A) A rejection letter with encouraging feedback.
B) An invoice for publication fees.
C) A request for revisions.
D) A letter informing you that your poem(s) will be published.
  • 10. What does 'rights reversion' refer to?
A) The process of rewriting a poem after publication.
B) The automatic acceptance of your work.
C) The editor's right to change your poem.
D) The return of publication rights to the author after a certain period.
  • 11. What is generally considered the best time of year to submit poetry?
A) Always in the spring.
B) It varies, but avoid holiday seasons when journals are often closed.
C) Whenever you finish writing a poem.
D) Always in the fall.
  • 12. What is the role of a literary agent in publishing poetry?
A) They guarantee publication success.
B) Agents are rarely used for poetry, focusing on books, not individual poems.
C) They handle all submissions for you.
D) They are essential for getting published.
  • 13. What is the purpose of including a brief cover letter with your submission?
A) To demand a quick response.
B) To criticize other poets.
C) To explain the meaning of your poems.
D) To politely introduce yourself and your work.
  • 14. What formatting is generally preferred for poetry submissions?
A) Double-spaced, like academic papers.
B) Any formatting is acceptable.
C) Single-spaced poems, with a separate page for each poem.
D) Multiple poems on a single page.
  • 15. What should you do after your poem is accepted for publication?
A) Immediately submit it to other journals.
B) Demand a large payment.
C) Proofread the final version carefully and promote the publication.
D) Forget about it.
  • 16. What is a 'poetry slam'?
A) A type of poetic form.
B) A poetry workshop.
C) A formal poetry reading.
D) A competition where poets perform their work.
  • 17. What is the advantage of attending poetry readings?
A) Finding a romantic partner.
B) Getting free books.
C) Networking with other poets and learning about publications.
D) Meeting famous poets.
  • 18. What is the best way to handle rejection?
A) Write angry letters to editors.
B) Assume the editors are incompetent.
C) Give up on poetry.
D) Learn from feedback (if provided) and keep submitting.
  • 19. What is a good way to build a writing community?
A) Compete with other writers.
B) Isolate yourself and focus on your own work.
C) Join a writing group or workshop.
D) Steal ideas from other poets.
  • 20. What is a common theme among successful poets?
A) Perseverance and dedication to their craft.
B) Instant fame and fortune.
C) Lack of formal education.
D) Arrogance and self-importance.
  • 21. What is the main purpose of writing poetry?
A) Impressing literary critics.
B) Winning poetry competitions.
C) Getting rich and famous.
D) Expressing oneself creatively and connecting with others.
  • 22. What is the role of social media in poetry publishing?
A) It can help build a platform and connect with readers.
B) It is completely unnecessary.
C) It guarantees publication.
D) It replaces the need for good writing.
  • 23. What should a poet do before submitting their work to a journal?
A) Pay someone to write a cover letter.
B) Send the editor gifts.
C) Submit without revision.
D) Proofread carefully and ensure it fits the journal's style.
  • 24. What are contests and awards generally used for in poetry?
A) Guarantee future book deals.
B) Replace the need for other publishing efforts.
C) Prove your superiority over other poets.
D) Gain recognition and potentially publication.
  • 25. Which of these is considered unethical in poetry submission?
A) Submitting simultaneously to multiple journals.
B) Submitting the same poem under different names.
C) Asking for feedback on your work.
D) Including a brief biography in your cover letter.
  • 26. What does 'form rejection' usually mean?
A) Your poem didn't follow the journal's formatting guidelines.
B) The rejection was a standard template, not personalized.
C) Your poem was too long.
D) Your poem was too experimental.
  • 27. What is a book launch?
A) The deadline for submitting a poetry collection.
B) The first draft of a poetry manuscript.
C) A negative review of a poetry book.
D) An event to celebrate the release of a new book of poetry.
  • 28. What is a 'reading fee'?
A) A fee to guarantee publication.
B) A fee for attending a poetry reading.
C) A fee for receiving feedback on your work.
D) A fee some journals charge to consider submissions.
  • 29. What is important when choosing a title for a poetry collection?
A) It should be evocative and representative of the collection's themes.
B) It should be completely random.
C) It should be a quote from a famous poet.
D) It should be long and complex.
  • 30. What is a good way to improve your poetry writing skills?
A) Avoid feedback from others.
B) Read widely, write regularly, and seek feedback.
C) Only read your own work.
D) Never revise your poems.
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