I've been thinking about creating poetry business for quite sometime now.
And I haven't accomplish that feat yet.
However,if last 3 years of stagnation taught me anything,it's to be okay if results don't come straight away.
Unsure if its still popular now but after I graduated high school(which was 4 years ago )I try to make my hobby my passion.Long story short, 4 years later,it's still a hobby.And that's okay.Because I haven't given up on my quest to make writing my business.Been on 7 year journey,while stagnated last 3,I come too far to stop now.
Adam does give some ideas(as he did make a video about this),guess the only issue I have is I would need a big following and even if I have it today,I still wouldn't monetize.
I heard someone said that "the issue with brands when they start out is they monetize way too soon."
I am paraphrasing but its true.I would love to create a poetry business.Recently, my hearts been wanting to travel.And I haven't travel outside of my state at all.I already plan on creating my freelance writing business,and a website to showcase writing samples,along with a poetry tab to showcase my poetry.
So this month,I do plan on creating writing samples. By,at the latest, October, I would have my writing website ready to go.
Unsure how I would be able to get poetry and writing sample tab on website,as my mentor would say: "How is none of my business".
Think I've been more determined than ever by simply trusting the process and receive results when they come.
Hope this help someone and if this did,glad this post serve its purpose.
Until then,have an awesome rest of the week,Covers!!!!!!!!!!
I think boosting each other up is an important thing. Maybe the most important thing within a poetry community. Building a strong network of writers should probably be your main focus now and monetisation may follow.
Apart writing poetry itself, the only reason I prioritise the importance of networking over the aspiration for monetary gain because the harsh reality is, it is difficult to make a living in poetry. Very, very difficult; it's a bit of a taboo thing to say but it is true. The good news is, it doesn't mean you should stop aspiring for your goals and dreams. It's just that there may be an additional way to build your reputation without expecting $$$ in return. After all, what could be more rewarding than creating and sharing art itself? Don't get me wrong- monetarily profiting off your poetry is rad! And aim for that if that's what you want. But capitalism has made us perceive this to be the end goal- it's a deep-rooted problem that also inspires unnecessary competition among each other. You can read the silent bitterness in people like a newspaper, and I'm sure we've all encountered people like this somewhere within the community. It defeats the purpose of building a community.
On a positive note, I have connected often with a few of you here and feel like we have a mutually respectful and supportive network. I can also see that in networks I'm not a part of. Connecting with others like this also helps open your eyes to work that is not your own and you learn to step outside of your own circle, which I feel has made me more humble and passionate about work that isn't mine. Yes, we all want to self-improve and promote our poetry but the Cove is unique in the sense where good poetry and all poets are given an equal chance to stand on the same platform. This could even be the beginning of shifting the culture of poetry to be one that is a bit more inclusive than those massive publishing houses that in actuality, do discriminate against those who either don't have a platform/aren't 'well renowned' in poetry circles and those who refuse to write poetry about what publishing houses want to see, to fit their own ulterior motifs. (I've written an extensive paragraph/rant about this in another post).
This makes me wonder, it would be pretty cool to publish a book one day of all our best poems. That might steer people into thinking about poetry a little differently; maybe encourage a more communal culture. It also means readers will be exposed to an array of different styles, themes and tempos. The bigger the network, the more welcoming and inviting it becomes. But that's just my opinion.
I am a lot older than most of the folks writing here and I have not given up. I have had many careers and I am now in a place where I want to do more with poetry. It would be nice to get published, to have a following, to monetize etc. I will definitely keep my day jobs to make sure the bills are paid, but I know from experience that the key to success is to show up and put your work out in the world. As long as I am writing, sharing, connecting with other poets and growing, I know I am on the right track.
Your right Ken, consistency is one key to be successful
Base on what I have seen on your IG,I have no doubt you would make a great coach.
Self doubt will still exist,its how we channel self doubt and turn fear into intuition that creates the characters of their movies.And lead them to second act,that tells ultimate story!!!!!!!
Hey Bendy,
I just started my own poetry coaching business this past week, and I'm already running into some self-doubt. I think the key thing is to be consistent. Keep going and never stop. Just as a fisherman sits atop the docks to catch a fish for dinner he may come home with nothing, or he may come home with a pail full. That's just the way of things.
A pressing concern that I've run into though is this: am I selling myself short? I've begun to monetize like you mentioned. I mean practicality would dictate that this is how a business is run, right? So why not charge for your services. However, I've contemplated offering sample mini-lessons on my socials (predominantly IG), but I don't want to give so much work out for free. I know that offering these samples will help individuals see what I'm all about, but at the same time I don't know if I'm selling myself short by doing this. Sure it might build upon my portfolio a bit, but at the same time I'm losing out on potential profit.
So I understand where you are coming from my friend.