Where Pen Meets Paper…

If you’ve been writing poetry in notebooks, your iPhone notes, and on Instagram you probably have enough material for a chapbook. Ideally your chapbook should be a self contained collection that tells something of a story. You can achieve this through adherence to a theme, style, or story arch.

What can i include?

You can include anything that you have publishing rights to. If you want to include a piece you wrote that has already been published, you’ll need to ensure you have permission to publish it from the original publisher and you should indicate the original date and form of publication on the copyright page.

You can also include any works that are in the Public Domain. Be sure to check for the laws in your particular country to determine what works are considered public domain in your country.

If you decide to team up with an artist and would like to include their pictures or illustrations, be sure to be clear with the artist about what you intend to do with their work. You must ensure you are purchasing not only the artwork, but also the publishing or reproduction rights.

Note: We are not lawyers. And copyright law varies by country. This is just our best advice given in good faith. If you believe you require a copyright lawyer or need legal advice, consult a lawyer.

How long should it be?

Chapbooks are typically 24-34 pages. You can fill these pages with one poem, multiple poems, photos, illustrations, or short stories. It is usually a good idea to start each piece on the top of a new page. If you’re planning to submit to a contest or publisher be sure to review their submission requirements to find out how many pages and what kind of content they allow.

Editing and Proofreading

Local poetry groups, writing groups, and open mics can be great resources for meeting peers who can help you workshop your poetry. You might also be able to build friendships with other writers who would be interested in helping you proofread your chapbook. Family and friends can also assist as proofreaders and editors.

If you have the means, editing services are able to provide professional constructive feedback or line editing. You can find editing and bookmaking services on both Fiverr and Reedsy.

Chapbook Course Links