This review is for the 2003 edition. Newer editions are available.
The Poet's Market is not only a handy reference for poets seeking markets for their writings for some, it's their Bible. The 2003 edition is just as valuable as its predecessors, with more than 1800 markets and 68 conferences and workshops listed.
Market listings include information such as editor name, website address, submission guidelines, press run (how many copies of each issue are published) and whether or not the publication is open to new or less experienced poets. A good percentage of the market listings also feature sample lines of poetry that they've published, which is very useful in deciding whether your poems might suit the publication.
Every edition of Poet's Market features "Insider Reports," interviews with poets and publishers about the writing life and writing business. "Insiders" in the 2003 Poet's Market are poets Mark Doty and Wanda Coleman, among others, and publishers Larry Smith (Bottom Dog Press) and C.J. Houghtaling (miller's pond, H&H Press).
There is also a good list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions, a "Submission Tracker" chart and an example of a cover letter for poetry submissions. But I think my favorite feature of the 2003 edition is the "Editors' Roundtable," which brings together four literary magazine editors to talk about what they look for in submissions, what qualities, as well as advice for poets hoping to publish work in their magazines.
If you want to make sure you're not sending your rhyming poetry to a magazine that specializes in abstract language poetry, or sending your prose poems to a haiku journal, be sure to pick up the 2003 Poet's Market. It will become a well-worn companion.
