Publication of a book length or a chapbook length collection of poems is something that many writers aspire to. Yet, unlike our counterparts in prose, poets do not have agents to rely on to “shop” our manuscripts, and often times publication through the contest model can feel akin to playing the lottery. Left to our own devices, the “behind the scenes” work that poets do to successfully prepare a manuscript for publication can seem overwhelming and be misunderstood. Although there is always an element of chance in finding publication, there are, in fact, tangible strategies to improve your chances of getting your manuscript noticed in the slush pile. This conversation will explore questions and strategies for cover letters, different types of manuscript submission, contest research, submission organization, and finding the right press for your work, as well as the more technical elements of manuscript preparation. No matter what element of manuscript submission you are still curious about, this conversation will help you prepare to send your collection of poems out into the world.

Keith Kopka is the author of Count Four (University of Tampa Press, 2020), which won the 2019 Tampa Review Prize for Poetry. His poems and criticism have appeared in Best New Poets, Mid-American Review, New Ohio Review, and The International Journal of The Book, and many others. He is also the author of the critical text Asking a Shadow to Dance: An Introduction to the Practice of Poetry (GRL, 2018) and a recipient of the International Award for Excellence from the Books, Publishing, & Librarie.

Wednesdays On the Stoop is a series of free writing programming by Zoom every Wednesday from 4 pm - 5 pm. From accountability co-writing to generative prompts to discussions of exciting forms and authors of all genres, these sessions are designed to be a constant structure--every Wednesday at 4 you can count on Blue Stoop to plug you into your writing energy with an informal and supportive session.