The Poetteer

Hello Poetteers,  There are four options when it comes to editing a body of work. It's best to use all of them. You can't rely on online editing apps unconditionally. It doesn't replace an actual editor. It helps you have a clean manuscript to give to your editor. With that, they can dive deep into your story to give you the copy edits you're looking for.  Self editing : find a checklist and familiarize yourself with the track changes feature on your word processor.  Editing software : services like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and AutoCrit Beta readers and sensitivity readers : they will give an outside perspective and look for accuracy.  Professional editor : hire one that specializes in your genre and provides the feedback you're looking for.  Formatting your work is the next step after editing. Two softwares to consider are Vellum and Indesign. I wish you the best of luck with your work!  Are you looking for a poetry editor? Check out my services and snag...

Hello Poetteers,  When it comes to editing their poetry chapbooks poets print out every poem and rearrange it until it best tells a story and flows well. It's a good method that helps you physically see how the story can work and moves your headspace so that you don't feel stuck.  My body of works are larger and honestly I don't want to waste paper. It could work better for smaller projects. I could possibly focus on the rearrangement by chapter. What works for me is to have a list of the titles, a topic jogger and number it in the order I want them in. Then I go into the document and move the poems. After all that my first step is to read it in full and read it aloud. As I do that I take notes on paper or through track changes. I start with the smaller tasks and move on to the bigger ones.  For Individual Poems: Remove unnecessary words and lines Look up synonyms and rhymes Rearrange lines or stanzas and change POV Expand and personalize: research about the topic, look a...

Hello Poetteers,  I'm here again to compile the upcoming poetry book releases of 2021.   January I Must Belong Somewhere By Dawn Lanuza  Written during her year of rest and travel, this new collection speaks to the indescribable feelings of displacement and longing for the companionship she left behind. If I Tell The Truth by Jasmin Kaur Told in prose, poetry, and illustration, this heartrending story talks about living undocumented and the constant anxiety over safety. Poems for the Dawn by Jen Rogue In her Letters for the Universe Goodreads Choice Nominated poet J.R. Rogue shares intimate poems written lovingly for her readers. Take a journey through the eyes of author and reader as Rogue shares a glimpse into the private task of writing poetry dedicated to readers worldwide. Shine Your Icy Crown by Amanda Lovelace This is a story about not letting society dictate the limits of your potential. it’s time to take back your power & realize that you don’t need a king i...

 Hello Poetteers, I had the honor of editing this poetry collection.  it's past midnigth somewhere by Jamal-e-Fatima My rating: 5 of 5 stars I love the imagery of nature and love. There is a beautiful awareness of cultural identity and faith. It resonated with me. I can feel the pain and pride behind the poems. There are pieces included that empower the reader. Purchase the book !

Hello Poetteers,  Is Amazon publishing worth it? Amazon KDP is the most well know book distributor among indie authors. It’s easy and free. The pro is that it’s a site with lots of traffic. It has a rating system to get your book on their own bestselling lists. Amazon’s sole focus isn’t book distribution. They sell everything. You want to find a company who prioritizes their authors. Places like BookBaby, IngramSpark and Smashwords. It’s important to diversify your marketing. Your book should still be sold on Amazon and also use other distributors to reach retailers like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, etc. All your eggs shouldn’t be in one basket. You want to expand your reach. When getting ready to publish and promote your book, one important thing is cost. What are the expenses on your book? What is your income goal? As a self published poet I’m competing with traditionally published authors. Traditionally published poetry books (paperbacks) are priced at $8 to $16. Ebooks ...

Hello Poetteers, I recently read The Sweetest Kind of Poison by Katie Wismer and enjoyed it.  She released a new poetry book today! Blurb: If you are underwhelmed by me, please just let me go... Poems for the End of the World is a coming of age collection and exploration of the confusing and disillusioning trek through young adulthood in a broken world. Divided into four chapters—waking up, growing pains, crushing realities, and disappointing beginnings—this collection covers everything from self-discovery and heartbreak to chronic illness and fresh starts. Author Bio: Katie Wismer is a die-hard pig lover, semi-obsessive gym rat, and longtime sucker for a well-written book. She studied creative writing and sociology at Roanoke College and now works as a freelance editor in Colorado with her cats Max and Dean. Her first poetry collection The Sweetest Kind of Poison and her debut novel The Anti-Virginity Pact are available anywhere books are sold. When she's not writing, reading, o...

Hello Poetteers, Original Poem Always when I talk with you, I'm afraid to say everything because I think you might not understand it all because of the somewhat different beliefs we have. Yet you ask questions to help me. And I'm glad you do. We are, together breaking down another wall of isolation. Response Poem I hold back afraid to say anything worried you might not understand because of the different beliefs we have;  you say something that contradicts my beliefs and I shrink back wishing someone else was in place where I didn’t have to explain the cultural expectations before expressing how I feel You are willing to ask questions and learn it feels tiring like there’s no space for me. Behind the Poem I enjoy sharing my beliefs and values. Sometimes I get tired of having to explain my religious beliefs and cultural values, especially before pouring out my emotions. I wish people were more aware and understanding of different cultures and religions. That right there is why...