The tight-knit world of poetry is growing with publishers ready to take on works from newcomers and old-timers alike. For the poets among us, one of the best ways to enter the world of poetry is by publishing a poetry book.

With that in mind, here are some of the top poetry book publishers to consider along with information on what each one is looking for.

Graywolf Press

Graywolf Press is one of the best poetry book publishers out there, and though small in size, their poets regularly receive literary awards. The press publishes around thirty books a year and, along with poetry books, they publish literary fiction and nonfiction. Their submission periods are not open all year, so it’s best to keep a lookout for when it opens.

Pleiades Press

A publishing house in the University of Central Missouri, Pleiades Press is also a small publisher and is open to regular submissions. The press accepts a more traditional style of poetry along with a special type called “visual poetry” which is open to interpretation. Examples of visual poetry may include comics, collages, and other graphic works.

Copper Canyon Press

Copper Canyon Press has published some of the top names in the poetry world including a former U.S. Pet Laureate—Ted Kooser. The press also has a first book price that can be won if your book is chosen. The submission periods are open twice a year depending on availability and newer poets should not be shy to try their luck.

Persea Books

A long-standing press, Persea Books is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to poetry books—publishing a wide range of poetry, including translation work. The press is open to submissions year-round and even has different prizes for exceptional work such as the Editor’s Choice Award and the First Book Prize.

Wipf & Stock

If your poetry has religious and spiritual themes, then Wipf & Stock is worth considering. The press started out more on the academic publishing side and has since started to publish poetry. Many great poets have already been published by the press and submissions from others interested in getting their feet wet are accepted.

BOA Editions

BOA Editions publishes a wide range of poetry and is more than willing to consider the unique and strange. The press has published a number of prominent poets and has a couple of different submissions to choose from. The Jr. Poetry Prize submission gives the writer a chance, if accepted, to win a prize for a poet’s first book. On the other hand, the American Poets Continuum Series is for mid-career poets who have already seen success.

Diode Editions

A small independent press, Diode Editions has published sixty works of poetry since it was founded in 2012. The press puts an emphasis on beauty, which is why many of their books have interesting and thought-provoking covers. For those interested in submitting their work to Diode Editions, the press has an annual Didode Editions contest that anyone can submit to.

Beacon Press

Another independent publisher, Beacon Press publishes non-fiction, fiction, and, of course, poetry. While the submission period for poetry is not always open, it is worth checking back from time to time as there are no set submission periods. A lot of Beacon Press books focus on activism, making a great choice for authors in that space.

University of Pittsburgh Press

As the name suggests, the University of Pittsburgh Press is affiliated with the University of Pittsburg and publishes works for academics and general readers.

There are three poetry prices that can be submitted two:

• The Cave Canem Poetry Prize is awarded to black poets of African descent in recognition of an exceptional and a first-book work.
• The Donald Hall Prize for Poetry is a competition for new book-length works.
• The Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize is awarded to the first full-length poetry book of an author.

Four Way Books

Four Way Books publishes around twenty pieces of poetry and short fiction each year by both emerging and established writers. The press has a number of different prizes that can be competed for but are only open to submissions during certain times each year.

Autumn House Press

Publishing full-length collections of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, Autumn House Press accepts works from established and first-time writers. Submissions are open during limited times each year and often involve the potential of winning a prize.

Tupelo Press

Tupelo Press publishes a wide range of poetry and has a number of awards that can be competed for. The press also holds a challenge called The 30/30 Project where poets are encouraged to write one poem each day for thirty days.

Final Thoughts

The world of poetry is complex, beautiful, and fun with supportive communities that are more than willing to give a new writer a chance. So, if you have a poetry book you’re considering publishing, there are many great poetry book publishers to choose from.

Additionally, you may want to learn more about children’s book publishers, independent comic book publishers, and Christian book publishers to broaden your options.