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General Discussion / Re: Help a poet out! (How to go about...)
« on: May 13, 2013, 04:28:01 PM »
My advice for poets just starting to reach out or want to travel is to put yourself in front of as many different kinds of audiences as possible; libraries, churches, youth groups,loud bars,parks and mixed open mics. I'm guessing you are already doing this a bit because you've been around since '07 & took the brave step to go to the Mill and compete!
Writing in community also helps. If there is someone near you with some experience who writes or hosts, meet with them, ask for crit, take notes & listen to what they say. Anyone who has been doing it for a minute can tell you what they like to see when they're booking as well as flags that inspire turning away potential features. When you're asking about features, do it well in advance. Lots of venues have booking seasons & 4-6 months out is a good yardstick. Try to check out the websites of venues you want to hit or their Facebook pages.Ask a lot of questions.
Going to Rustbelt is a great idea! There will be workshops, people to network with, poems to listen & learn from & lots of people to talk to!
Before you hit the road for something long, do some weekend shorter trips, so you can note the things you didn't need when you packed & the things you found yourself needing.
Be aware that a lot of places can only give a cut of the door & that a lot of slams and mics have to pay something to their venue first. Talk about this before your book. If you are offering to do a workshop, make sure that gets a separate fee or pass the hat from the venue/feature. Have some emergency funds & food, any meds you have taken care of loaded before you go. Try to book with familiar faces or friends who can support you at different places or times on the map to combat isolation & pick up some TLC.
Most poets are lucky if they break even, especially if they're new.Don't take it personally. The longer you drive at it, the more you learn.Nobody knows you from Adam unless you come through a few times.Figure out what works best for you. The road isn't for everyone, so you can work it to suit you instead of the other way around once you know your own rhythm.
I hope I see you at a big tent event!
Writing in community also helps. If there is someone near you with some experience who writes or hosts, meet with them, ask for crit, take notes & listen to what they say. Anyone who has been doing it for a minute can tell you what they like to see when they're booking as well as flags that inspire turning away potential features. When you're asking about features, do it well in advance. Lots of venues have booking seasons & 4-6 months out is a good yardstick. Try to check out the websites of venues you want to hit or their Facebook pages.Ask a lot of questions.
Going to Rustbelt is a great idea! There will be workshops, people to network with, poems to listen & learn from & lots of people to talk to!
Before you hit the road for something long, do some weekend shorter trips, so you can note the things you didn't need when you packed & the things you found yourself needing.
Be aware that a lot of places can only give a cut of the door & that a lot of slams and mics have to pay something to their venue first. Talk about this before your book. If you are offering to do a workshop, make sure that gets a separate fee or pass the hat from the venue/feature. Have some emergency funds & food, any meds you have taken care of loaded before you go. Try to book with familiar faces or friends who can support you at different places or times on the map to combat isolation & pick up some TLC.
Most poets are lucky if they break even, especially if they're new.Don't take it personally. The longer you drive at it, the more you learn.Nobody knows you from Adam unless you come through a few times.Figure out what works best for you. The road isn't for everyone, so you can work it to suit you instead of the other way around once you know your own rhythm.
I hope I see you at a big tent event!
