Rhemalogy

For years there’s been a falsehood going around that poetry doesn’t pay. Sometimes, when starting out as a poet, you may feel that way; but perhaps there is more information to the contrary. Well, I’m here to demystify this untruth to give hope to all of the poets out there. Below is a brief list of companies paying for poetry. It is not a dying art form and it is certainly alive and well in 2021. Take your time in navigating these poetical seas, you may find a life preserver or two before you’re done. Be sure to read the submission guidelines—try not to miss anything. Good luck!

1. Palette Poetry

Palette Poetry is a poetry organization that endeavors to uplift and engage emerging and established poets in our larger community. Their vision or mission is to create a safe and encouraging space for all voices. Their partner poets can expect to be paid anywhere from $50 per poem, up to $150.

2. Confrontation Magazine

Founded in 1968, Confrontation Magazine‘s mission is to bring new talent to light. Upon submission acceptance, payment can be $75-$100; more for commissioned work.

3. Event Magazine

For 50 years, EVENT has published the very best in contemporary new poetry and prose. EVENT encourages writers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels to submit their work. Payment is $40/page for poetry and $35/page for prose, up to a maximum of $500. Payment is issued upon publication. All contributors receive 2 copies of the issue in which their work appears.

4. Etsy

Although known for being the other “go-to” internet marketplace. Etsy sells everything from software to silverware and a lot of beautiful homemade goods that give their competition a go for the money. It is also quickly becoming a popular place for diverse artists who want to cut out the middleman and go straight to the customer. You can sell your poetry or write custom pieces for clients from $20

5. Fiverr

Those of us who’ve been using Fiverr for years, know this is one of the best places to increase your finances. Although competitive, being a global market has its advantages. You can hang out your shingle for writing services including poems for custom cards for every occasion for the nominal fee of $20.

6. Subtropics

The literary journal for the University of Florida, Subtropics focuses on many diverse literary forms such as essays, prose, personal narratives, creative nonfiction, and much, much, much more! Selected poems are paid $100.

7. Arts & Letters

Founded in 1999 at Georgia College, Arts & Letters attracts both emerging and well-established writers. Operating out of the MFA Program in Creative Writing, Arts & Letters features works from international writers as well as here at home. $50 is the minimum payment for all submissions and they do charge a $3 submission fee.

8. Bellevue Literary Review

BLR seeks high-caliber, unpublished work, broadly and creatively related to our themes of health, healing, illness, the mind, and the body. BLR pays $50 for poetry and $100 for prose. Published authors will receive two copies of the issue in which their work appears, plus an additional 1-year subscription to BLR. 

9. Three Penny Review

Three Penny Review is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit magazine that is noted for its “offbeat combinations of the tried-and-true with the deeply unexpected.” They accept submissions from January 1st thru April 31st. The Threepenny Review is paying $400 per story or article, and $200 per poem, or Table Talk piece.

If you get published it will help to build your writer’s resume. Especially with the experience and exposure. Below you will find more links to help you in finding sites that pay poets. We hope this springboard will help you as you dive into these poetical seas!

• Get Paid to Write Poetry Online
• Top 68 Places That Pay Cash to Poets
• How To Get Paid To Write Poetry From Home
• Get Paid to Write Poems: 25 Places to Submit Your Poetry
• 14 Poetry Job Markets For Freelancers

Keep on that creative path! Thank you so much for your continued support and readership.Until next week…Blessings and Peace.