How to write a poetry book | Poetry tips, theme, structure

[@AnaJuma]

Subscribe so we can stay in touch. ♥

[@Loud_Thinker]

I subscribed now! Looking forward to reading your poems.

[@drazzfrancois8129]

Hi! What's the minimum number of poems that could be there in a poetry book?

[@Loud_Thinker]

@AnaJuma My book is almost ready. Poems are picked, re-read a bunch of times for typos etc. Now to formatting :) You have been encouraging and inspirational. Thank you Ana.

[@AnaJuma]

​@@Loud_Thinker Incredible! You should be proud for going through the process. 🙌 Best of luck to you!

[@apoorvaachalkar175]

​@@Loud_Thinker hi I'm about to begin my poetry writing book... Any specific tips would you like to share from your journey?

[@AvisPope]

Completing your poetry book is a wonderful feeling 📚❤ Congrats! I'm happy that I self published my books.

[@walkabout16]

In the realm of verses, let's take a stroll, To craft a poetry book, a tapestry of soul, With themes and structure, let's pave the way, For your poetic journey to see the light of day. Themes that Resonate: Choose a theme that sparks your heart's fire, A concept that ignites, that you deeply admire, Love, nature, longing, life's intricate dance, A theme that compels you to seize the chance. Unearth Your Voice: Let your unique voice unfurl and bloom, In the garden of words, where emotions loom, Speak from the heart, let authenticity thrive, For your words, like honey, in readers' minds will dive. Structural Framework: Select a structure, be it free or bound, A journey for readers, with beauty profound, Chapters or sections, like rivers that wind, Guiding your readers, where verses align. Embrace Variety: In your poetry book, let diversity shine, Short and long verses, a rhythm divine, Haikus to sonnets, let forms interplay, A rich mosaic of verses, like a starry array. Thematic Arcs: Craft an arc, a journey's embrace, A narrative thread, each poem to trace, With ups and downs, emotions entwine, A coherent tapestry, where themes intertwine. Emotion's Palette: Paint with emotions, vivid and true, Joy and sorrow, like morning's dew, Invite readers to feel, to be immersed, In the colors of feelings, emotions unrehearsed. Order with Intention: Arrange your poems with thought and care, A flow that's seamless, like the open air, Lead readers gently, from verse to verse, In a symphony of emotions, let them immerse. Title's Resonance: Let titles be windows, through which readers peek, Into your poetic world, where emotions speak, A hint of what's to come, a promise revealed, In a few chosen words, let sentiments yield. Edit and Refine: Like a sculptor, refine each line's shape, Trim the excess, let clarity drape, Edit with a discerning, compassionate eye, For a polished book, where words amplify. Publish with Pride: As the last stanza falls into place, As you stand at the threshold of this poetic space, Publish with pride, your heart's work, complete, A poetry book born, a journey so sweet. So, let your poetry book emerge like the dawn, With themes and structure, like a path to be drawn, May your words resonate, touch hearts near and far, In the pages of your book, like a shimmering star.

[@AnaJuma]

Wow. You made my day!

[@anastephens7320]

So amazingly beautiful! My heart like a cup of tea, savors the words gliding with the richness of a salty tear. Never spoken, ever present somehow heard, always felt. Teapot ready to overflow Words of wisdom on the go……

[@brennankennethbrown]

ChatGPT wrote this.

[@jasoncolap]

Chatgpt😂

[@avantikaramesh7001]

bro chatgpt writes us all the same shit kay

[@Tam-Solo70]

Im on a journey of writing my own poetry book and also have been working on another book along the way. I enjoyed this post and have decided to subscribe. You’re easy to listen to and seem passionate and genuine! Thank you for putting this info on KZbin and encouraging others like myself.

[@AnaJuma]

Thank you for taking the time to write these kind words. Appreciate you 🙏🏽

[@Myelbaby]

Without watching your video, I already had all these four stages planned out. Happy I came across your video. Thank you. 🥰

[@ToddAndelin]

You have a calming and soothing way about you, which is extraordinary! Thank you for sharing yourself and your art!

[@titilopetaiwo9719]

I am thinking of creating a book out of a couple of my poems those that revolve around love, the excitement of the search, the thrill of possession and the pain of lose but i did not know how or where to start from. Thanks for this video.

[@Love-Runs-Blind]

I came to know you yesterday. Went through some of your videos and honestly I felt so connected. I want to have this book and feel it as I know it’s not just any ordinary book but a collection of emotions of one of the purest souls❤

[@AnaJuma]

You’re the kindest. Thank you for being here and welcome to my world ❤️

[@Miikellee]

Currently at the very beginning of writing my poetry book. This video has helped me understand the process a lot better.

[@elizabethnjeri2054]

Hey, thank you for this. I am starting off my poetry book at a moment when I lost everything and I am feeling lost. I have nothing but my poems and content. This is inspiring because all the doubts you described, I have felt them. Now I know to move forward.

[@Loud_Thinker]

Wonderful video. Your voice is calming. I am sure your poetry is soothing. I will look for it.

[@kingcason2001]

This actually helped me with my book, great advice. Thank you

[@beatrizqueirozdecarvalho4086]

Amazing tips! I've been meaning to write a poetry anthology about my mental health experiences, as well as identity and womanhood related to such experiences, and this is making me want to try again with working on it. Thank you! ❤

[@AnaJuma]

Such important topics to write about and share. Wishing the best to you and your book! Keep going ❤️

[@renewilmoth]

Great video. I love the cover design. It is beautiful. Simple and intriguing.

[@IntrotuitiveMrs]

This has helped me to create an outline for writing. I’m a indie poet and having an organized guide has been complex. This however was insightful. Thank you! 💜✨

[@joshjacob1530]

Currently writing own poetry book known as judgment. Its gonna be awesome and terrifying,

[@alexandraharper4800]

Thank you so much for sharing this and explaining how long it took you to write it! I am in the process of putting my poems together/ in the order I want and it is definitely taking longer than I anticipated- also the courage to continue and complete it before you know if anyone will enjoy it is a big part of the “process” of writing. Your video was very encouraging though!!

[@AnaJuma]

Hi Alexandra, thank you for your lovely comment. How exciting that you're writing your own poetry book and are now in the process of putting your poems together! Wishing you the best for the journey -- it isn't easy, but it's so worthwhile. ♥

[@katm8128]

This is something I’ve wondered about for ages. Thank you so much for this wonderful video, and for your poetry

[@itzymidzy7]

Your video has genuinely inspired me a lot and I've made my notes ;) Thank you for posting.

[@johnorr8094]

Jim Morrison's poetry book: Wilderness, is a great poetry book.

[@mareewhite624]

Interesting video. I am in the process of putting together poems and artworks from my journal practice. I am new to this so your video has given me some things to think about. I can relate to many things you said, so thanks for sharing.

[@Clypsen]

I am planning to make a book for this guy I like. So far I already made a 17 poems andatleast 6 letters

[@topenoel1931]

I m good at love poems,let's collaborate...tell me how you feel about him and I will write some poems to add to the ones you have penned

[@amandaluker9268]

Very inspirational I’ll keep now and not give up

[@ijshanitadunigan7825]

So beautiful on the inside and out, thank you for your shares and your work! I'm feeling inspired and motivated to start organizing- thank you for the tips (: Universe and I sending you; Blessings, peace, and love✨🌊💓🙏🏾

[@AnaJuma]

Thank you for your kind words. Many blessings, peace, and love back at you! 🙏🏽🤍✨

[@johnorr8094]

I'm considering compiling a chapbook of about 20 or 30 poems. I'm always inspired but not always motivated to put pen to paper.

[@746nishant]

Thankyou for this . Very helpful 🤗♥️

[@swatinaskar6005]

I run a publication house of my own, based in India... If anyone wants any help relating to this... I'd love to help you out

[@Loud_Thinker]

I would like to know more.

[@swatinaskar6005]

@@Loud_Thinker tell me how can I help you

[@Sahilwanders]

​@@swatinaskar6005 might as well share your email or smthn , so we can contact in the future

[@ilhembenaissa7242]

I want help

[@veekush4258]

I want help i been writing for a few years just need help putting it all together

[@UmairMystiqX]

I saw the same in Rupi kaur's petry books

[@AnaJuma]

It’s about writing for your own healing process - the outcome is subjective.

[@UmairMystiqX]

@@AnaJuma ok, can we make ebook on Android tablet _ recommend any software please 💬

[@ryantorrico7807]

Thank you! This is incredible! ❤

[@TalRick8]

Beautiful

[@isabellamoreno6087]

you´re a genius! thanks for sharing

[@DaintyMercury]

beautiful video thank you so much ❤

[@saumya2665]

hi can u tell me how you add pictures to ur book n which all apps u used in writing/formating the book

[@AnaJuma]

The illustrations were made by a friend and the final version of the book (printing) was formatted on Adobe Illustrator.

[@SeulPoetryBook]

@AnaJuma Thank You so much for sharing this! Inspiring! :)

[@billymead2011]

I thought I was watching this at 0.5 speed at first! haha. thanks for the video

[@AnaJuma]

😂 It can be taken as an invitation to slow down.

[@SpiderPoet]

Hi. Very interesting insight about the creative process. I’m wondering: do you have a video that elaborates more on the publishing/distribution process? I know I want most poetry books I write to be read and translated in various languages.

[@AnaJuma]

Hi @Spider.Poet, it depends if you self-publish your book or have a publisher to support the process. Both options have pros and cons 🙏🏽

[@Mishellad]

Thank you! How did you add the Gold colour on the cover, was it via Amazon?

[@AnaJuma]

I have two different printed versions of the book: one on Amazon (KDP) and the other made in Portugal. The one shown in the video with the golden roots is the special edition printed in Portugal.

[@thoughtbackup]

Super happy to see you creating the things you love and growing as a person in the process. Rooting for you big time because you make me root for myself and for life every morning 😉 #6phase

[@AnaJuma]

How kind of you Dan, appreciate your support and encouraging words. And thank you for meditating with me every morning. ♥

[@johnorr8094]

@AnaJuma: In your opinion, is a preface necessary for a poetry book?

[@Diabolicalbeard]

Congratulations 📖 🖊️

[@kingcason2001]

My book name is called I Live Poetry

[@rrockoutq]

Hi i have just finished my book but im not sure where to sell it and how to create traffic

[@AnaJuma]

Congrats! I’ll cover those topics in an upcoming video 🙏🏽

[@InspirationalWriter]

Thanks a lot for your video. It's very useful. Can you please tell me some promotion tips?

[@jahforasahi3213]

I actually love writing poems and short stories (but those are just prompts since I don't know where to start). After I graduated college last June and gone through job rejections, I am so lost and living in an empty shell. Every day I write poems to express my unsaid words; feel somehow relieved. But, how can I write such same thoughts, feelings, words every day lol Most common words and synonyms of : lost, empty, numb. There's no new. I want to write something good but writing good with an empty feeling is hard. I'm doomed. I'm 22 and lost in life.

[@k_____007]

Find a new hobby ( sport, driving car , embroidery, cooking new things, etc ) to refresh mind. Pet a dog or cat, talk to it to relieve stress. Connect to ur closest friend or family you can understand you and try to stay positive and funny

[@jahforasahi3213]

@@k_____007 yes! now, I am having writing new contents. I am now helping with my mom monitoring her students (I go to her school and I was like an assistant teacher too). I realized that teaching is really what my heart wants. I hope after I passed my board exam next year, I will be hired as a teacher too. 😔 I'm an infj and I feel like it's always awkward to show my best during demo teaching and interview. huhuhu

[@k_____007]

@@jahforasahi3213 even I like teaching but I don't think it will be my future profession. I am an introvert most of the times , confidence fluctuates sometimes in public speaking. I think the more I put urself on stage and speak , the more confident u will get gradually..

[@jahforasahi3213]

@@k_____007 I think so too... praying and hoping to get a job that will trust in me and help me professionally grow too. 🤩

[@k_____007]

@@jahforasahi3213 if u have board exams next year then u have a lot of time.. no need to worry about professional life ... Enjoy life

[@apoorvaachalkar175]

Hii thank you so much for your tips and advice, its really insightful. I have a question related to formats of poetry book .. you said you chose to write prose before your poems.. are there any mire formats that you reccomend.. Also love from mumbai ❤

[@AnaJuma]

As a first step, my honest recommendation is to focus on allowing the content and stories to come through and be expressed, rather than limiting yourself to a format. For that, cultivating a journaling practice is key. There are many techniques you can explore, I’ll do more videos about that. 🙏🏽 Once the content begins to surface, regardless if it’s in prose or stanzas, you can play with it and switch formats if you like. The creative process isn’t always linear.🙂

[@challengeworld1115]

Hi Where can I get the illustrations made?

[@ilhembenaissa7242]

Hello, im thinking to publish and I have a question, what did you use to format your book on kindle? And how dis you find these illustrations? Thank you

[@AnaJuma]

I used Amazon's Kindle Create app to format my book on Kindle. As for the illustrations, they were tailor-made in collaboration with a friend. Hope it helps!

[@outcast-tk3gv]

Hey Ana, im currently writing my manuscript and one of my styles is everything is lowercase. can I submit it like that to publishers or do I have to change that?

[@AnaJuma]

No need to change if you’re submitting it to a publisher - it’s just a draft. Then, according to the publisher and your agent, edits will likely be made. However, If you’re self-publishing, you define the rules. 🙂

[@outcast-tk3gv]

thanks so much! :)

[@KM3DIA]

New Sub!

[@generated.name.by.human.]

Hey! Are you from Portugal? I'm a portuguese young author (haven't finished highschool yet) and have been writing poems (I write prose as well!) since I was on fifth grade. As of now, I'm writing a collection of poems and short stories but I'm starting to struggle with writing the synopsis... The things is, even thought I specialize in writing horror, not all the poetry on the book is of the horror genre!! Is it that much of a problem? Bc I strongly wish to keep all of them aggrouped in a single collection.. Would it be ok if I mentioned it was a "collection of the best poetry I wrote before turning 18"? Or if I organized the chapters according to theme? One for horror, one for love.. I'm with 6,359 words as of now (40 pages of writing on a A5 format) (I haven't added old poems/short stories to the doc tho, it currently only has my 2022/2023 stuff) but I don't know where I should stop bc I plan to add drawings of mine related to each poem as well So I wanted to ask how many words/pages you have (cuz u have illustrations as well) I'm aware word count depends a lot on the poems and an average poem of mine has abt 250 words but I think it might be useful despite it That's it.. Thanks :)

[@divychoudhary9027]

Hi, Is it ok to write a book, which has different poem about others grief and pain. I write poem on others grief and for the people who want to express their pain and struggles through poetry.

[@AnaJuma]

Yes, you can explore different themes within one book as long as the concept is well defined.

[@xandremusicofficial]

Where did you get your book printed?

[@AnaJuma]

In Portugal, the same manufacturer I produce my journals with.

[@TrishL333]

Is your book on Audible?

[@AnaJuma]

No, not yet 🙏🏽

[@Loud_Thinker]

@anajuma any recommendations for a source for illustrations?

[@AnaJuma]

There are two options: hiring a designer to make tailor-made illustrations or finding pre-made illustrations. Websites to hire freelancers include Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. Pre-made illustrations can be found on websites like Freepik, Shutterstock, and other platforms specializing in book illustrations. For my book, the agreement with the designer is that she receives a percentage of the total sales. Hope it helps!

[@Sahilwanders]

​@@AnaJuma what about using ai generated images ?

[@AnaJuma]

@@Sahilwanders, it's also a possibility.

[@Bongsokha23]

Hello so a book company wanted to make my poetry in to a full book

[@navjha1870]

what fonts did you use?

[@AnaJuma]

Times New Roman

[@navjha1870]

Can you suggest me some fonts for my poetry book@@AnaJuma

[@abhishekkumar1274]

With all due respect, if i watch this video then the book will not be mine unadulterated but a little influenced, so just try to keep it real, it's very difficult maybe I'll be a loser all my life for thinking this. But to protect your opinions from being opinionated you've to do that.😊

[@terrellratliff2229]

I, To , in , This ,

[@tholoanamabotja9763]

How did you create you illustrations on your book?

[@AnaJuma]

I collaborated with a friend who’s a designer. She made them on Illustrator.