Patience is Essential in Poetry by Maeve Mckenna

In an increasingly fast-paced world, writers—particularly poets—can feel propelled toward publication as the ultimate goal. Yet it is the act of creating that allows time for genuine artistic development. In my experience, there is no greater satisfaction than crafting a poem that feels authentically my own; that is the true reward.

Although many of us aspire to have our work published and hope our words will reach readers, poems themselves require time to evolve, deepen, and settle. My second pamphlet, Body as a Home for This Darkness, unfolded over a ten-year period. The final draft differed significantly from its early versions, as did many of the individual poems.

With two pamphlets now in print, I would like to offer a few personal insights that may be helpful as you consider preparing a pamphlet and seeking publication.

Assess whether your poems are ready for publication. This may seem an unusual suggestion if you have a large body of work, but in my experience, poems given time to develop are often more refined.

Avoid rushing the process. The journey to publication can be challenging and is often marked by setbacks. Make sure you feel confident in your craft before stepping into the publishing world.

When you are ready, research publishers thoroughly. Consider what they can offer you, and what you can offer them. Are you and the publisher a good fit. Look for reviews and seek out the experiences of fellow writers. An informed approach makes the submission process more strategic and effective.

Know your poems. Spend time with them. Identify which pieces belong together and curate a selection that offers a coherent and meaningful experience for the reader.

Choose your pamphlet title carefully. It should provide insight into the collection’s themes. Equally important are the opening and closing poems, which serve to frame and anchor the work.

Consider the order of the poems. Balance variation and flow—alternate shorter and longer poems to create rhythm and space throughout the collection.

Proofread meticulously. This is your work; present it in a form that reflects your pride in your work.

Maeve McKenna lives in Sligo, Ireland. Her poems are published widely, including Poetry Ireland Review, Southword, Mslexia, Rattle and Magma. Her work has been placed in The Gregory O'Donoghue International Poetry Prize, Canterbury International Poetry Competition and others. Maeve's debut pamphlet, A Dedication to Drowning, was published in February 2022. Body as a Home for this Darkness, her second pamphlet, was published in September 2023. She completed an MA in Poetry at Queen's University, Belfast, in 2025. She is currently working on her first full collection.