Poet to Poet on Substack

Write & Publish Poetry

Welcome!

The path to getting poetry published is confusing at best. It doesn’t have to be.

I’m Radha Marcum, author of two award-winning poetry collections—Bloodline (New Mexico–Arizona Book Award, 2018) and Pine Soot Tendon Bone (Washington Prize, 2023).

Like you, I started with far more questions than answers about how to build a manuscript and get published, generally. Two decades on, I know it's not about luck. A strategic approach, taking certain steps, does make your work more likely to get a "yes" from a publisher. I launched Poet to Poet in 2021 to help poets take those steps.

Whether you’re building a portfolio of journal publications or are working on a chapbook or full-length collection, you’re in the right place.

I hope you’ll enjoy the practical advice you find here. Rest assured, publishing poetry isn't about pure talent or luck. While focusing on your work's unique qualities and strengths, you can be more strategic about the path to publication. Let’s explore how.

Get Manuscript Support

Receive personalized support in 1:1 coaching with Radha. Complete your work with confidence—then create a strategic plan for getting it published.

Is coaching for me?

Join the Members Community

For a small monthly fee, join The Poets Circle, a private group that discuss the nuts and bolts of developing and publishing poetry—and the big questions that background that process.

Join the Group

Take a Workshop

Do you want to get more poems published in the next 12 months? Build a manuscript that stands out with publishers? Join us for hands-on workshops that help you pursue publishing poetry with confidence.

See Workshops

Pursue publishing with confidence.

Get Updates

Join our mailing list to receive updates on the latest classes, workshops, and publishing opportunities.

What Poets Say

"After studying with you was when I started to get published. Working with you fundamentally changed how I think about my own work."

Stefanie Kirby, author of Fruitful, winner of the Driftwood Prize

"Radha, thank you for sharing your expertise. I especially liked your 'zone of poetic genius' graphic and your 'rule of 3' rationale for submissions."

Andi Penner, author of Rabbit Sun, Lotus Moon

"I took your poetry manuscript course when I was trying so hard to figure out how to order the sequences in my book. I loved your practical advice, and it really made publication possible for me."

Katherine Indermaur, author of I/I, winner of the Colorado Book Award in Poetry

"It's only in working with you to put this manuscript together [in coaching] that I've begun to see what I'm doing as a writer. It has taught me so much more about myself and my poetics than I ever expected. Now I can see where my poetry fits."

Celeste Pfister, published poet and award-winning visual artist