My First Publication...but I'm unsure...

[Rathe StoneHart]

Hey, I submitted one of my poems to be entered into a contest through The International Library of Poetry. But since then I've heard some bad stuff about them.

Well, they sent me a letter in the mail just today informing me they wanted to publish my poem 'Broken Heart.' I'm really excited about a chance to get some of my work published...but, I've not heard a ton of good about the library and I want some info on it.

Could anyone fill me in? What should I do?

[Logos]

Hello :)

well you can peruse these topics:

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833

and this article:
http://pulsetc.com/article.php?sid=111

the consensus seems to be that ILP etc are merely scams to unburden you of your money ;) and that is putting it nicely

[cranberry]

good luck sweety!!!!

[jon1jt]

if they want you to pay for the publication in which your poem will be featured, it's garbage.

[B-Mental]

I think several places do this and then put your poem on page 1 and then you get the only copy of the book with your poem in it.

[Rathe StoneHart]

if they want you to pay for the publication in which your poem will be featured, it's garbage.
By that you mean what?

All I have to do to get them to publish the poem in the book is send in my permission.

I DO have to pay if I want the book it's self.

So, if you mean that it's garbage if I have to pay to get the poem in the book then okay. But I don't have to.

If you mean it's garbage if I have to pay to get the book, then it's garbage.

[Asa Adams]

By that you mean what?

All I have to do to get them to publish the poem in the book is send in my permission.

I DO have to pay if I want the book it's self.

So, if you mean that it's garbage if I have to pay to get the poem in the book then okay. But I don't have to.

If you mean it's garbage if I have to pay to get the book, then it's garbage.

Its a money Grab, Rathe. It isn't a legitimate Publishing house but yes, they will publish you; And to that you will be offered the book with your publication for a price. In some cases, Ive heard, the book never arrives.
They offer you a chance to win a said amount of money, right? Well, you could have the best poem the likes this world has never seen since Wordsworth, or Emerson. But that "Prize" also will never arrive.

There are legitimate web publishers that give young or aspiring writers a chanec to get their pieces out there. Find them! It is a great start to a difficult, yet promising field.

Forget this "Poetry" Library. Move on, for they just want the money. Find a place that will truly honor your "Artistry", as they so lightly put it.

Good luck,

and do not let this hinder your Passion.

Asa Adams

[Rathe StoneHart]

Thank you very much for you input. I've heard too much bad about that company to let them publish my work. I'll look for better people.

[Niamh]

Thank you very much for you input. I've heard too much bad about that company to let them publish my work. I'll look for better people.

you are better off. I did it when i was sixteen but never bought the book. but in saying that i recently discovered this 'book' my poem was being published in was now on line an low and behold my poem wasnt there. But i knew it wouldnt be as by the time i searched it i knew full well it was a scam.

I recently put my poem on this site to get feed back as i'm seriously thinking it really isnt as good as i was made to believe it was. no feed back-not good poem.:lol: but i can live with that.:)

If you hang on until you have written more send an anthology of your own poems to an actual publisher.;)

[stephofthenight]

they have published 2 of my poems and i didnt by the book but i looked in the library and it was in there i paid nothing. just go thru with it sweetie. congrats

[kiz_paws]

I also toyed with the notion of having this company publish one of my poems, and in vanity, I almost did it. My best friend said that before you commit with cash (to order the book that would supposedly contain my poem), call the Better Business Bureau, to see if there was anything unsavory about this outfit.

Sure enough, there were several law issues pending (I don't know all the legalities, jargon, etc., and I certainly don't want to smear this company, it is all up to you) here in Canada. So that made me cool off and not persue this whole thing.

It is exciting to think that our work is going to be in print -- but I'd listen to Asa Adams' advice. I agree with him there.

And continue your passion for poetry -- someday your ship will come in! Happy writing! :)

[Bakiryu]

It's a scam.

Every poem I've sent, they sent me a letter saying is gonna be published blah, blah, blah...

Lies.

Did they also sent you a phamplet inviting you to the Poetry Meeting in Las Vegas, but you had to pay 500$?

My parents almost believed it.