Now that I have about 20 poems on a single theme — water — I’m considering self-publishing a chapbook. This is often an early career choice, especially for poets, whether or not they go the traditional route of submitting to a publisher or DIY.
In my case, it’s a late in life choice. My writing career does include a published self-help book, but I have little to show for the submissions of poetry, except that I did, and continue to, enjoy writing poetry whether it ever sees a bigger audience than the occasional open mic or family events. I love to create a personal chapbook/card for a special anniversary or birthdays. In a sense, this bears out the theory that no one reads poetry other than other poets, except when a poem is need for an inauguration, celebration of life, or milestone birthday. Is this true? Popular poets like Mary Oliver and Billy Collins would beg to differ. But even then, they had to teach and give readings to eat.
I discovered Rupi Kaur’s the sun and its flowers inadvertently. Someone had left it open on a bus. What a way to get one’s work around! I’d love to know the story behind this, but …well I have better things to do. I enjoyed the book, her plain-spoken poems got me. Come to learn that Rupi Kaur is the queen of self-published poetry, with millions in sales, book tours, and lately live show produced by Amazon. Beside her a series of self-published books, she has a clothing line, tattoos, music, fashion covers. A one-woman business with world-wide following. She began the way a lot of young people do these days, open mics, poetry festivals, social media, to build a loyal following. Then, and only then, did she decide to publish herself. Hers is a version of the author who sold all his unpublished books to women’s groups and book clubs, from his van. Eventually, he didn’t have to do that.
That self-help book I mentioned? My co-author (and spouse) knew a thing or two about publicity, marketing and sales. We had a website, we created a contest, we worked the press. And eventually, Penguin Plume (now PenguinRandomHouse) picked us up and we negotiated a very respectable contract. Today, a lot of books like ours are print-on-demand, so no, we didn’t have to load up our Honda with unsold books and hit the road. You can still get a copy of Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life. And we are happy that it did help some folks rethink their later years. But for a blockbuster success, here’s Rupi Kaur’s story.
I have some of my poems on this blog, if you’re curious. I am feeling excited and a bit apprehensive about taking on this project. For one thing, at 83, I’m unlikely to get out and do the legwork I once found fun. There is something satisfying about being an author, holding a book with your name on it, maybe even signing it for a fan. When this materializes, you’ll be the first — well, maybe second — to know.
Woman Aloud 