Other gifts arrive in the form of awareness, or knowledge. Perhaps the best way to describe these gifts is to say they have no timeline for understanding, are intangible, and can’t be labeled. They arrive unexpectedly and can change the way you live your life.
Having two full-length poetry collections released within a year and a half of each other has been a gift of the second kind that I’ve been blessed to receive and contemplate. While I’m always conscious of how lucky I am – I never would have dreamed 10 years ago that I’d now be the author of four poetry books, including two chapbooks – I’m increasingly mindful of how much my writing experiences, particularly over the past couple of years, have taught me. I’ve learned a lot about marketing and promotion, for sure. But I’ve learned more about myself.
Here are a few takeaways:
- “More” does not always mean better.
I’m learning to let go of so-called opportunities that don’t feel uniquely rewarding at a personal level. We all only have so much energy. If I’m trying to prove anything, it’s to myself: that I can still learn, I can still grow. Poetry is that vehicle for me, but I’ve come to see that how I define success is really up to me. Bigger (prizes, acknowledgements, residencies) may sound flashy and impressive, but isn’t always better. Not gonna lie; I love recognition as much as the next person. And I own feeling a sting when I compete for something and don’t win. Not because I begrudge the winner, but because something in me still says, “why wasn’t I good enough?” But over time, I’ve stopped competing for anything offered by a journal, press or program I don’t feel some kind of genuine connection to. As Popeye famously said, “I yam what I yam.” Understanding this is a gift. - Imitation, flattery, and here’s looking at you, poets.
The compressed period I had in which to navigate marketing and promotion of my two most recent books has taught me to more intentionally observe what other writers I admire are doing to spread the word about their publications. While it’s true that some opportunities, such as virtual readings, have come to me unsolicited, most have happened because I actively sought them out. In some cases, I noticed certain poets showing up on various social media sites, then delved into the how-and-why of what was behind them getting this exposure. Sometimes I’d reach out to other poets directly, and just ask. Other times, I’d see the name of a venue I might not have previously explored, so some more research, and potentially add it to my list of who to pitch to. Occasionally, by exploring these opportunities in more depth and pitching my work where appropriate, I was able to generate interest for my books, thereby expanding my readership and visibility. There’s lots to be learned about what others are saying and sharing, so this isn’t just being opportunistic. For one thing, you’ll discover new work, new poems, new ways of appreciation. That’s a gift. - The Early Bird Gets the Opportunity.
It’s never too early to approach potential reading venues or reviewers, as events take time to plan and reviews take time to write. I’ve written reviews and book blurbs on ridiculously tight timelines, but the more lead time any writer has for a project, the better for everyone. It’s not news that planning is important, but understanding this key concept in the context of book promotion, particularly when timelines for promotion are condensed, has reinforced this for me. I’ve always been a planner to some extent, but I’m now thinking about my whole life — and whatever my next poetry project ends up being — in different ways. I know of specific opportunities I missed with these last two books because I didn’t know about them or didn’t get out in front of them in time.
For example, Debutifulis a digital literary media outlet that exclusively covers emerging writers and debut books, requires that pitches be received 3-4 months before publication. Not everyone can manage that, but knowing their deadlines at least allow for the possibility. Similarly, The Poetry Shop, an independent, family-owned bookstore, features books during the week they are released. Email them at least a few weeks prior to your release date to get on their radar. Thinking ahead can really pay off; good planning is almost always a gift. - Go Back to the Well.
I’ve learned that it’s possible to replicate certain successes. Don’t be shy about approaching someone who reviewed your previous book (or any of your previous books) to ask if they’d consider reviewing your current one. Be hugely appreciative of their past efforts on their behalf and be sure to say you completely understand if helping you again at this time is not in their bandwidth. Kindness and empathy go a long way. Revisiting previous relationships itself is a gift. - Sales Aren’t the Be-All, End-All.
Success isn’t something I measure in book sales. I’ll always be grateful when anyone buys my books, but what really matters to this poet is reaching people at some emotional level with the poems themselves, or the stories behind them. Like so many of us, I’m always thrilled when someone buys a book directly from me, or tells me they’ve ordered one, and I’d never undermine that emotion, because it really matters. But sales aren’t everything. When you promote your work and your story, you are always, always, part of a larger story. And sales are but one piece of that story. Remembering this, particularly when you’re feeling down or like you’re “not doing enough,” is important. You are doing enough, if you’re doing all you can, and what you need to. Being gentle with yourself is a gift. - Love the Ones You’re With, Who Love You Back.
Any success I’ve had with my books is the direct result of both my personal community and the poetry community in which I feel a part. My personal community includes readers who have bought my books, read my poems, and shouted them out publicly. These readers are often friends and family members, but also include others who have found my work along the way. I always tell people that if my poetry is not for them, or if they think they don’t like poetry in general, they just haven’t read the right poets!
Within the poetry community at large, I’ve found advocates in other poets whose work I have reviewed myself or shouted out (which is yet another reason why I view reciprocity within our community as so important.) I’ve learned not to be afraid to approach some of these poets strategically to ask if they wouldn’t mind sharing some of my poems or even writing a review. I’ve rarely been disappointed. In addition, I can’t overstate the importance of journals and editors who have published me and view me as “part of the family.” I’ve published in several journals now, and not all of them necessarily emit that vibe. But those who do have always been supportive, in ways like offering book signings at their AWP tables, or otherwise amplifying my successes — be they books, poems they might have published, or other recognition. Recognizing that it’s these journals who are most likely to support my work, as opposed to (insert name of big-name journal, platform or well-known poet who have no connection or vested interest in working with me at all) has been a gift.
- Be Real, Stay Grateful, Be Humble.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t say it’s a gift to be retired and able to spend the time I do to pursue my personal passion. Poetry’s not all I do, or all I think about. But even when I’m not actively working on something poetry-related, it is always in the back of my mind. It’s also a gift to be in the admittedly privileged position of being able to afford to attend the AWP conference and occasional workshops. When I am able to attend conferences or otherwise network with poets I’ve learned from, who have published me or shown support in different ways, I always try to remember to thank them. Any success I’ve had has been part luck, part perseverance, and part other writers believing in me. And I never want to take any of that for granted.
Finally, here’s to the gift of insight, self-acceptance, and the drive to keep going in whatever you’re passionate about. Cheers!
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North Carolina native Sarah Carey grew up in Florida and holds an M.A. in English/Creative Writing from Florida State University. Her career spans journalism and veterinary medical communications at the University of Florida. She is the author of Bloodstream (2026, Mercer University Press) and The Grief Committee Minutes (2024, Saint Julian Press), an Eric Hoffer Award finalist. She also is the author of two chapbooks, including Accommodations, winner of the 2018 Concrete Wolf Chapbook Award. For more about Sarah and her work, visit SarahKCarey.com.
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