Despite the global economic issues and the rising competition in the book market, poetry is a growing sector with an increasing readership. In the world of writing it is generally well known that poetry is one of the hardest genres to market, however there are a huge number of opportunities if one knows where to look.
Depending on the media's operations you might be calling in to a live show, or you might be recorded for a later date. Most radio shows will simply have a conversation over the telephone, so your location is not usually an issue, and this helps you reach a global audience.
MP4's are videos or mini-movies that can be anything from book trailers and readings to enacted scenes or recorded live author interviews. These are sometimes included in online publications or they can be a valuable link to use in the show's description. Amazon allows authors to upload short videos, which might be something for you to consider.
Over the years I’ve noticed a growth in online radio programs that focus on poetry. Like print publications, each radio program will have a unique focus – some may accept poetic works according to the region, genre or topic. If you have access to the internet, all you need to do is do a search for podcasts, blogs, v-logs and radio shows using key works such as poetry, poets, writing and the genre you write in (i.e. gardens, environment, social change).
When you prepare the query there are several options to consider. First, how do you appeal to their audience? When does the radio show go live? How do listeners access the archived show? How do you plan on promoting the event if they decide to feature your work?
Depending on the media's operations you might be calling in to a live show, or you might be recorded for a later date. Most radio shows will simply have a conversation over the telephone, so your location is not usually an issue, and this helps you reach a global audience.
Some radio shows are Skype friendly (skype.com); Skype offers a way for people to have conversations using their computer and a headset – which is a budget-friendly option helping us avoid expensive long distance telephone charges. Zoom is similar service, but focuses on audio and video rather than replacing phone.
Whatever the platform is, be sure to get a free account and browse the system, help and beginner how-to instructions before the media event, so that you can become familiar with how everything works.
You may be wondering what in the world could be covered in a conversation with a poet. The host might want to interview you about the creation process, your experiences with poetry readings or the publication industry. They will ask about the writing process, whether you are a part of any groups, done open-mic events or taught poetry... and they'll want to know more about those experiences. They will want you to read at least one of your poems on air, be sure to choose poems that suit their audience. Choose one long and one short poem, and based on the remaining time left in the interview you can decide which one suits the situation best.
The host may ask you to offer a pre-recorded MP3 file of your reading, and this is where you can have a lot of fun with having background music, or a variety of sounds from nature to industry Рdepending on your reading. When creating an MP3 file you can either use a recording of a live performance you did recently at a poetry caf̩ or something like that, or you can do a reading specifically for that radio show. Some radio shows will ask you to provide only one poem in MP3 format, others will want a longer performance. Be sure you have clarified what the host or program director requires from you.
Occasionally a radio host will be open to playing a 30 second promotional MP3 for your published book, magazine or website during one of their shows for free – all you have to do is ask. MP3 files that were created for radio shows are useful for websites as well, allowing visitors to a website to listen to the author reading their work in their own voice.
We can also consider a variety of publications from e-zines and newsletters to blogs and print magazines that are often very willing to highlight a poet’s work. Another frugal and useful option is YouTube videos (youtube.com) where you can record yourself reading your work, or presenting it to a live audience. These videos are helpful for websites, publications and blogs to enrich the experience for their audience.
Be sure to visit unusual outlets for selling your book directly to readers such as corner stores, especially those located near camping grounds, tourist destinations or outdoor supply centres. One of our online poet friends that lives fairly isolated in a rural environment, sold several hundred books annually through a store that serviced a popular camping resort, the few local residents and highway travellers. Gift shops, coffee shops, craft stores, farmers markets, hotel gift shops and bistros are great places to sell poetry books through.
So put your purple snowflake marketing hat on and find some creative, but effective, ways of getting sales for your poetry book.
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