Why Poets Remain Underrated and Underpaid: A Dive into the Unique Challenges of Their Craft

The field of poetry often remains in the shadows, its practitioners often underappreciated compared to authors. This article explores the unique challenges faced by poets, including their financial status, the nature of their work, and the societal perception of poetry.

Introduction to Poetry and Its Disregard

It’s a common occurrence where practitioners of a recognized field are acknowledged, but the field itself is often dismissed. In the case of poetry, it is frequently disregarded not just because of its complexity, but also because no one seems to understand what it 'does' within society. A stark example comes from Bob Dylan, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Many might assume he is a poet, but in reality, he is a word-together-stringer, a musician who weaves words into his genre of music rather than traditional poetry.

The Value and Production of Poetry

The poetry community faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of gaining recognition and financial support. Some poets struggle to publish their work due to a lack of proper editing for publishing standards. This often makes it more difficult to secure a contract with a publisher, who may view poets as time-wasters and not generating the return on investment one would expect from other authors. Publications of poetry anthologies may face similar challenges, particularly during economic downturns, thus reducing their chances of success.

Additionally, the nature of poetry is such that it can be produced in large quantities by many individuals. While an author might struggle to produce a book, a dedicated poet might write hundreds of poems in a single year. However, the issue arises in the monetization of these poems. Unlike prose, poetry is often paid for on a per-piece basis, typically around $50, regardless of word count. This is notably lower than the payment per word for fiction or non-fiction, which is often around 8 cents per word.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing the output of poets and authors, the discrepancy becomes more evident. A professional writer, like myself, has been producing science fiction and fantasy for over 30 years, with each work ranging from 5,000 to 150,000 words. These are typically paid for by the word, with a rate of 8 cents per word. A 5,000-word short story, for example, would earn about $400, which might be the equivalent of a few hundred short poems paid at a rate of $50 per piece. This disparity in earnings is not due to the ease of writing poetry but rather the structure of the publishing industry and the value it places on literary forms.

Support and Recognition for Poets

Support for poets today comes primarily through grants and awards, rather than through traditional publishing contracts. While novelists might occasionally receive such support, many poets do not have this luxury. This can be a challenge for poets, as they must often create a personal brand and find alternative means of supporting themselves through their craft.

However, the opportunity to publish poetry online offers a viable alternative. Rather than seeking traditional publications, some poets publish their work on the internet or self-publish through platforms like PoemHunter, which allow readers to download and share the poetry freely. This approach not only democratizes the publishing process but also potentially grows the poet’s audience while allowing them to retain more of their creative freedom.

Conclusion

While poets face unique challenges in terms of underpayment and disregard, their role in maintaining the cultural voice of their time is invaluable. The value of poetry lies not only in its monetary worth but in the emotional and intellectual impact it can have on readers. As society continues to value niche forms of art and expression, poets should be celebrated for their dedication and talent, even if the traditional financial models do not always reflect their worth.