Writing poetry is the most fulfilling branch of writing ... but getting it published is unquestionably the hardest.
We are here to give professional, detailed & constructive feedback on your verse. We can also guide you as to your publication options. In short, if you write poetry and want help, then you've come to the right place.
Please note, our advice is best suited to serious poets - those who enjoy reading it as well as writing it. If you're in that category, then we'd love to help
The poetry market
Britain and Ireland have an incredible poetry tradition - but you wouldn't guess it from your local bookshop. Very few shops now stock poetry, apart from a few of the classics and some anthologies.
This is sad. But there is a thriving sub-culture of small presses, enthusiastic magazines and committed readers. Getting a foot in the door of this small but passionate community is tough - and your work needs to be very strong. If you succeed though, the satisfaction is enormous.
What does the Writers' Workshop offer?
It's hard for most poets to get serious, in-depth feedback on their work - yet without that feedback it can be hard to reach the level needed for success.
We are here to offer that feedback.
Who are we?
Our poetry editors are both published poets who teach creative writing at the University of East Anglia, Britain's foremost creative writing school. They love working with new poets, and will be both sympathetic and very honest. For |
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more info on them see poetry editors.
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How we can help? We can help as follows:
• First, we can assess your poetry. We can tell you if it is good enough for publication. Our assessment will be understanding of your objectives as a poet - but also realistic about the standards that need to be met.
 • Second, we can offer you feedback on what elements of your poetry are working, and which are not. We will give you advice on how to improve your work.
• Third, we can advise you on your publication options. We'll give you lots of advice and info on how to go about getting your work published. If conventional publication isn't a realistic option, we will give you lots of advice on self-publishing. • And fourth, we'll talk to you. About your work. About publication options. About whatever it is you want to know. [cartoon courtesy of Gaping Void]
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How do I go about getting advice?
We charge £150 for giving feedback on up to 25 poems (max 35 pages). In return for this, you get:
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A full critique of your work
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An assessment of whether it is suitable for publication
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Comments as to publication next steps
- A phone discussion to pick up any points of concern
We also offer a budget service - £99 for feedback on 7 poems. Feedback is somewhat shorter, but otherwise the service is the same.
 Is this service right for you?
Our poetry service works best for those who are fairly serious about their own work. If -
- You read poetry yourself
- Enjoy contemporary verse
- and want to improve your own work
then we are probably the right people to help. If you don't read or enjoy contemporary verse, then you should think hard before sending your work to us for comment. For more, ask yourself Are you serious? |
Details, details ...
If you want to go ahead, please mail your work with a cheque to:
The Writers' Workshop
Pritchards Cottage
Steeple Barton
Bicester
Oxon OX25 4QP
The cheque should be payable to the Writers Workshop. Or if you want to pay by Visa / Mastercard, we can take payment by phone. We'll send you an email acknowledging your work as soon as it arrives. It normally takes 3-4 weeks to get back to you with our thoughts. Finally, if you need any further help, please feel free to contact us. We're here to help.
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