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8 Poetry Publishers Offering $5000+ Advances: Where Poetry Meets Prosperity

The myth that poetry doesn't pay is slowly crumbling. While many still view poetry publishing as a labor of love, several established publishers are proving that verse can indeed be financially viable. Here's an insider's look at eight publishers who are putting their money where their metaphors are.

John Edwin
4 min readOct 28, 2024

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1. Graywolf Press Advance Range: $5,000-$10,000

Graywolf isn't just a publisher; they're kingmakers in the poetry world. They've launched careers of Pulitzer Prize winners and their poets regularly grace the pages of The New Yorker. Their commitment goes beyond mere advances – they're known for their thorough editorial process and marketing muscle.

Success Story: When Tracy K. Smith signed with Graywolf, she was talented but relatively unknown. After their partnership, she became U.S. Poet Laureate and won the Pulitzer Prize.

2. Copper Canyon Press Advance Range: $5,000-$8,000

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Copper Canyon has been poetry's best-kept secret…

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John Edwin
John Edwin

Written by John Edwin

Prolific writer, public health specialist, and tech enthusiast with 12 books on Amazon. I craft stories and insights that inspire action and spark conversations

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