Why Poetry Submissions Are Rejected So Much?

Every poets desire is to have their work published, but it is not always so. The disappointment that registers in their face when the publishers turn them down is evident for everyone to see. So, what causes poetry manuscripts to be rejected?. This blog will share some of the glaring reasons why this mostly happens.

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Reasons Poetry Submissions Are Rejected

1)The publisher style and theme

Every publisher has a specific style or theme they are looking for and if your work doesn’t fit in be sure it will be rejected. Some writers write without understanding which style or them the publisher wants, do not be one pf them.

2)Emotional attachment

The purpose of writing a poem is to pass a message. While at it, the poet should ensure that the work evokes emotions in a reader. When the publisher reads the poets’ work and does not have vivid images in their mind, then they will turn it down.

3)Lack of originality

As a poet the work must be owned exclusively by you. Many poets tend to lack originality in their submissions. How does one ensure of having an original poem. They do so by understanding their niche and writing from their experience or sincere feelings.

4)Not adhering to submission guidelines

Whenever a publisher posts about welcoming submissions for publications, they usually have a dedicated page for guidelines on submission. Many poets do not read the guidelines, and if they do, then they rush due to excitement and in the end they do not understand the rules. So next time read the guidelines, because that is the mind of the publisher.

5)Poor editing

Sometimes , your poetry submission might be rejected not because it is not worthy but because it needs more editing. So instead of giving up, you can sit over it and see if you can make a revised then present as a stronger version. Also there is no harm in looking for a professional editor to lend you a hand.

6)Not understanding the audience the publisher is targeting

Whenever a publisher request for submissions, they have a target audience. Many poets just write for the sake of doing it and this gets their work rejected. So before making any submission, first make sure you understand the type of the audience the publisher is targeting as this will help in your wordings. Always make sure your work resonates well with publishers’ target audience.

7)Submitting poetry which is too similar to what they have published before

It is good to stand from the crowd, because submitting the work they have published before will mean they will hesitate to publish it. So the best way is to go through their publications then make sure your work is unique

8)Inappropriate content

As a poet it is good to write in a language that is acceptable and appropriate. Many writers tend to present the work which its content is not appropriate for readers. Passing a good message goes hand in hand with writing in an acceptable language.

9)Cliché themes

When you write in overused language then the publishers may not accept to publish your work. So find the wordings which are not overused and create a content that speaks out for itself.

10)Too many submissions received for limited space

Sometimes  publishers receives more submissions while actually they have little space to publish all of them. When this happens, they have to find a way to eliminate some of the poetry. As a poet you may find your work is in the rejected list, but do not give up, keep on trying and soon you might get published.

Tips for Reducing the Chances of Rejection

• Read and research wide. By reading about the works of successful authors you will understand what and how to write. Always be one step ahead by reading good books and researching.

• Accept criticism. Whenever you are done with your draft, find someone to go through it. This way you will gain insights on how to sharpen your work. And when someone gives you recommendations try to look at them from their perspective and work on them.

• Know what is trending. Many publishers request submissions based on new trends because poetry is suppose to inspire new ideas. So as a poet, try hard to know what is trending.

• Rejection is not the end of you. Many successful poets had their work rejected but they did not give up. Do not let rejection be a reflection of your worth as a writer. Instead, look at it as a stepping stone to a brighter future.

• Do not look at the publisher as biased. Submitting a great work is not a ticket to publication, so you have to write something convincing to the publisher because they decide what to publish and what not to.

• Write from the deepest part of your heart. It is really exhilarating when you write through your true thoughts and feelings. The words will just flow and you feel relaxed. Do not write just for the sake of writing but write what you really believe in.

• Find your niche. It is not going to be easy but with practice you will be able to tell what flows with you. Finding your niche makes it easier for you to write what you are well conversant with .

Final Thoughts

Being a poet, you know how it is to pour your feelings and heart out through  writing just for your work to be rejected by a publisher. This can be so discouraging but it should not make you give up. It is important to know rejection is part of a writing journey.

Being rejected does not mean you are a poor writer, it only means that when you start writing next time, you know what not to write. So instead of giving up, you have to keep on writing and submitting and surely one day, you will find a publisher who is looking for what you are offering.