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  • So you want to be a poet?
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So you want to be a poet?

Some advice and resources that poets might find useful. Some of these links are subject to the-sometimes unexpected-rise and fall of poetry groups. We do our best to keep up. Please get in touch if you have information to share.

In the meantime, have a look if there’s anything suitable at Open Book, The Scottish Book Trust or check if there’s a literary Meetup group in your part of the world… if not it’s a good place to start one.

Groups that meet in person

There are several regular groups that meet at the Scottish Poetry Library as well as further afield.
Find out more

Meetup Groups

A social media site that encourages you to join up to various actual, real-world regular events or even start your own.
Find out more
Woman in red shawl reading aloud to audience in front of red wall

Tips on performing poetry

Some SPL words of wisdom on reading out loud
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people at table in library

Reading and Discussing Poems

Notes on how to approach, gain confidence, understanding and encouragement from apprehending and interrogating a poem in the company of others
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Submitting Poetry to Publications

A list of many periodicals and magazines that you may wish to try and have some of your poetry published in...
Find out more

Publishers

... and if you think you've got a whole collection together, you may wish to have a look at our list of Poetry Publishers
Find out more
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Scottish Poetry Library
5 Crichton's Close, Canongate
Edinburgh EH8 8DT
Tel: +44 (0)131 557 2876
© Scottish Poetry Library 2023.
The Scottish Poetry Library is a registered charity (No. SCO23311).
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Scottish Poetry Library