I'm on a limited budget, so I have to limit the contests I can enter (mostly to those without fees, which is very few of them). I do, however, get some of my work published by submitting to magazines, so that clearly is a possible way of getting into print. That doesn't apply so much to a collection -- I haven't got a collection's worth of good work yet -- but I don't see why it would be so different.I worked in publishing for a long time, and the idea of paying to get a reading goes somewhat against the grain.

Sep 24, 2008 -- 7:35PM, Robert Lee Brewer wrote:

It seems many poets are traditionally published through contests now, but there are still many poetry publishers accepting submissions through open submission periods. Which way do you prefer: contests or submissions?Or, are you in favor of self-publishing poetry collections?

Hi Robert and all~

I do both, enter contests and send submissions during reading periods. Right now, I'm very down about the entire process, because nothing of mine is getting published. I'm not in favor of self-publishing as I've always wanted to be recognized as a poet by established literary journals. As the years go by, it becomes harder and harder it seems. Some tell me that making connections will help me meet with publishing success, and others say that it's the work and continuously sending it out; diligence is all.

Any advice is always appreciated.