Poems…

[Topsyswervy]

I’m trying to find ways to supplement my day job. One thing I believe I can do well is write poems that actually scan! I have a creative writing degree. I graduated many years ago, but havent really used my writing skills to earn anything since.

Have any of you had any success with writing verses for greetings cards? Or found any other ways of earning money for poems? I’m obviously not expecting to earn huge amounts… especially initially.

Thanks!

[istara]

My guess is that they'll just get GenAI to write that stuff in future. It's already so good at Hallmark type verse.

It's sad to say but there just isn't a lot of money in writing poetry. Song lyrics might be more lucrative (royalties) but I'm not sure how you'd get into that. Another option might be paid residences or even poetry performance nights, but you'd need to build up a reputation first.

Also, consider when was the last time you yourself bought a book of new poetry? This is the harsh reality. Hardly anyone buys it. I personally really enjoy poetry, but mostly classic stuff like the Romantics, Hopkins or children's verse from my childhood. So all long dead authors unfortunately, and mostly free on Gutenberg.