Is It Possible to Publish a Book of Poems and Make Money from It?

Is writing and publishing a book of poems a viable path to financial success? The answer, as with many creative endeavors, is both yes and no. On one hand, the story of Rupi Kaur shows it can be done. On the other hand, it's far from a guaranteed path. Here, we'll explore the realities behind this question, providing insights that can help aspiring poets navigate the challenging journey.

Success Stories and Challenges

The success of Thou Shall Not Hug Me, Kaur's first book of poetry, demonstrates that it is indeed possible to make money from writing and publishing poetry. However, Kaur's path was anything but straightforward. She initially self-published her work, but it was only later that a traditional publisher picked up her work and marketed it extensively, leading to her financial success. This highlights that while Kaur's poetry might not resonate with everyone, the marketing and distribution efforts played a crucial role in her financial gain.

It's worth noting that Kaur's journey is not the norm. Many poets, including those whose work is considered mediocre by some, have managed to make a good income through self-publishing. This suggests that while talent and quality are important, so too are factors like marketing, distribution, and luck.

Challenges and Reality

On the flip side, the reality for the vast majority of poets is much different. According to H. L. Mencken, the American public is often forgiving when it comes to their taste in literature. This principle was demonstrated in the 1970s when an entrepreneur made a million dollars marketing pet rocks. Similarly, an untalented and unimaginative poet like Rupi Kaur can become a millionaire by tapping into the public's appetite for self-published works.

However, if you're not in the position of a recognized international poet (such as William Shakespeare), making a good income solely from publishing poetry might be quite difficult. Non-fiction writers face similar challenges, and it's tough to earn a living from publishing books of original poetry unless you're known in the literary world.

Practical Approaches to Success

While traditional publication through a literary agent or mainstream publisher may be challenging, there are other avenues to explore:

Self-Publishing: As shown in my own experience, self-publishing can be financially viable. My first book of spiritual poetry, which cost me $500, only sold and gave away around 100 books. While it didn't recoup the initial cost, my second book, which cost $10 and was partially funded by the profits of the first, sold more and netted a few hundred dollars. This shows that with strategic marketing and limited personal investment, poetry can indeed be profitable. Workshops and Coaching: Incorporating your poetry into coaching workshops or events can create a more sustainable income. By teaching and guiding others on the themes explored in your poetry, you can earn additional revenue beyond book sales. Building a Publishing Company: Creating and managing your own publishing company aligns your income and creative vision more closely. This involves more initial investment but can provide long-term financial stability.

Conclusion

While it's possible to publish a book of poems and make money from it, doing so is far from easy. The success stories of figures like Rupi Kaur and the historical examples of self-publishing make it seem more achievable. However, the reality is that most poets will face significant challenges. If you're inclined to pursue poetry as a career, consider the various routes available and prepare for the potential difficulties. With strategic planning and a bit of luck, your poetry can indeed be a path to financial success.