How to Write a Poetry Book? (Even If You’re A Beginner)

"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words." – Robert Frost

If you’ve ever felt something so deeply that you had to write it down, you’re already on your way to being a poet. And maybe now, you’re thinking about taking the next step, starting your own poetry collection.

It might feel like a big task, but it’s a meaningful one. Whether you’re collecting old poems or writing new ones, creating a poetry book helps you grow and connect with readers.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need your words, your feelings, and the courage to begin. So, are you ready to start your poetry collection? Let’s take it one step at a time.

So, How To Actually Start Writing a Poetry Book?

Starting isn’t as hard as it seems. Begin with a regular writing habit, write new poems or revisit old ones. The more you write, the more your collection will grow.

For example, poet Rupi Kaur began by sharing poems on Instagram. Her first self-published book Milk and Honey sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide and spent more than a year on The New York Times bestseller list.

Reading other poets also helps. It sparks ideas, sharpens your style, and shows you new ways to express yourself. Now, let’s walk through the next steps to build your poetry book.

Step 1: Figure Out What Your Book Is About

The heart of any poetry collection lies in its theme. So before you dive in, take a moment to think: what do you want your book to say?

Is it about love? Strength? Nature? Or maybe your own personal journey? Picking a subject gives your collection a clear direction. It ties your poems together and helps your book feel like one complete piece rather than just a bunch of random poems.

Example: If you're writing about nature, your poems might explore the changing seasons, the cycle of life, or how people are connected to the world around them similar to Mary Oliver’s A Thousand Mornings, which meditates on simple outdoor moments.

Of course, you don’t have to stick to a strict theme. But having something like a story, a mood, or even a certain style that links your poems together can give your collection more shape and make it more memorable for readers.

Step 2: Pick Your Best Poems

Choosing the right poems for your collection is a big step and an important one. Go with the pieces that really stick with you, the ones that show your voice and style the best.

As you put your poems together, think about what each one is saying and how much emotion it carries. This helps your collection feel more connected and meaningful.

You might have to leave out some poems you like, and that’s totally okay. It’s all part of the process. Take this time to shape and strengthen your work. The more focused and powerful your collection is, the more it will speak to your readers.

Step 3: Write to Fill the Gaps

Even the best poetry collection might need a few more poems to fill in the gaps or strengthen the theme. Take a good look at your manuscript are there parts that feel a bit thin or disconnected? Maybe a certain emotion, viewpoint, or style is missing.

Try writing new pieces to fill those spaces. Play with different forms like sonnets, free verse, or even a new tone to add depth and variety.

Just remember to stay true to your main theme. Each new poem should add something meaningful and help tie the whole collection together. Once you’ve got everything, you can start thinking about the best order for your poems.

Step 4: Decide How to Organise Everything

Arranging your collection of poems takes a bit of thought. Start by looking at how your poems connect- do they share a theme or tell a story as they go along? Think of your collection like a book, where each poem flows into the next, almost like chapters.

Poet Ocean Vuong’s debut, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, is known for its intentional flow. Each poem builds emotional tension and leads into the next like a quiet story.

Choose a strong opening poem, something that grabs the reader’s attention right away. And don’t forget the ending! Your last poem should leave a lasting impression, something that sticks with the reader after they’ve finished.

And, if you ever need a little extra clarity on design, publishing, or promotion, Ex Why Zed’s resources are a good place to revisit.

Step 5: Edit, Rethink, and Polish

Editing is a key step in turning your poetry manuscript into a polished book. Start by going through each poem carefully. Check your grammar, line breaks, and imagery. Cut out anything that feels unclear or unnecessary.

Then, look at the collection as a whole. Does the order make sense? Do the poems support your theme? You might find some poems need more work or even need to be removed.

Before publishing, create a proof copy. This helps you catch layout issues, formatting errors, or any lines that went missing. Take your time with this step. It’s all about making your collection the best it can be.

And once everything feels right, you’ll be ready for one final task: choosing a title that truly reflects your poetry collection.

Want to learn more about printing options? Here's a useful guide on the book printing process, from file prep to choosing paper and finishes.

Step 6: Give It a Title That Feels Right

The title of your poetry collection really matters. It’s the first thing people see, and it should spark interest. You want something that feels true to your work and makes people curious to read more.

You could name your book after your favorite poem, or pick a line or image that captures the heart of your collection. Just try to avoid overly common titles like "Selected Poems" or "Anthology of Verse". They don’t say much and won’t help your book stand out.

A strong title can leave a lasting impression. It should stir a feeling or paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

Take your time with it. Jot down ideas, test out different titles, and don’t be shy about asking other poets for feedback. The right title will reflect your theme and tone, and once you’ve got it, you’ll be ready to think about the cover design and overall look of your book.

Step 7: Think About the Design

Your poems may be powerful but it’s the book cover that gets people to stop and take a look.

Think about the feeling behind your collection. Is it soft and emotional? Bold and loud? Calm and reflective? Your design should match that vibe. Whether you go for a minimal look, vibrant art, or a quiet, moody photo, your cover should reflect the heart of your poems.

Pick an image that stands out but also feels true to your writing. It could be abstract art, a photo that speaks to your theme, or even something inspired by a specific poem. For authors handling the visuals themselves, Ex Why Zed can also help with design decisions.

At the end of the day, a great cover doesn’t just look nice it adds meaning, tells part of your story, and makes readers want to see what’s waiting inside.

Step 8: Choose How You Want to Publish

Choosing how to publish your poetry collection is a big step—it can make a big difference in how people find and read your work.

If you go with traditional publishing, you’ll usually get some support with editing, design, and getting the word out. Your book might even end up in big stores. The downside? It can take time, and you’ll need to submit your work to publishers or enter contests.

Self-publishing is a great option if you want more control. You get to decide how your book looks, from the cover to the layout. Platforms like Amazon KDP or Ex Why Zed make it pretty easy to publish on your own.

To get a full picture of your self-publishing options, revisit this list of self-publishing tools. Also, don’t forget the importance of an ISBN. It helps your book get listed in bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.

Step 9: Start Sharing Your Book With the World

Once your poetry collection is out in the world, this is when the real fun starts. This is your time to connect with people through your writing.

Make the most of social media to talk about your book with fans and other poets. Share posts that grab attention. You can do a virtual reading or hold a simple online event. Try running some easy promotional ideas too.

Work with local bookstores to get your poetry collection out there. See if you can put your book in the store and maybe set up a small event.

• Use Instagram and Twitter to chat with people who like modern poetry.
• Contact libraries to set up poetry readings or talks.
• Team up with writers or book clubs to help each other share new books.

Not sure where to start? This guide on how to launch a book on social media can help you plan your launch strategy and grow your audience.

Final Thoughts: You’re Closer Than You Think

As you work on your poetry collection, remember that your dream of becoming a published author might be closer than it seems. Whether you’re making final edits or exploring platforms like Amazon or IngramSpark, each step brings you closer to sharing your words with the world.

Enjoy the process. Stay active on social media, connect with other poets, and be part of the creative community.

These small actions can open unexpected doors. And one day, you might walk into a bookstore and see your own poetry collection on the shelf.

And when it’s time to bring your words to life in print, Ex Why Zed is a brilliant partner. From design support to professional printing, they make self-publishing feel personal, straightforward, and beautifully done.

So go ahead — take the next step. Your poetry deserves to be read.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many poems should be in a poetry book?

Most full-length poetry books have about 40 to 70 pages with poems. Chapbooks have less, with about 20 to 40 pages. The main thing is to pick strong poems that make the book feel finished. It is not about having a set number of pages. Modern poets say it is better to choose good poems over having many of them.

Do I need a central theme for my poetry collection?

Having a main idea helps make your collection of poetry stronger. It ties the poems together with the same subject matter or tone. You do not have to use a theme, but it helps your first book connect better with readers. When your poems have cohesion, your message can make more impact.

How to write a preface for a poetry book?

A preface for a poetry book is a short introduction where you share why you wrote the collection, what inspired it, and how readers can connect with the poems. Keep it personal, reflective, and brief.

How long does it take to write a poetry book?

It depends on your writing pace and goals. Some poets take a few months, while others may spend years refining their work. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to write and polish a poetry book.

How to self publish a book of poetry?

Start by editing and arranging your poems into a cohesive collection. Format the manuscript and design a cover either yourself or by hiring a professional.

Next, choose a platform then upload your files, set your pricing, and publish your book. After it’s live, promote it through social media, a website, or poetry events.

How much does it cost to self-publish a poetry book?

If you do everything yourself using free tools like Amazon KDP, it can cost £0. But if you hire an editor, designer, or pay for printing, it may cost around £100–£500+, depending on your needs.

You can keep costs low by starting small and investing more as your book gains traction.