Best Craft Books for Poets
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Poetry is one of the most complex forms of writing and many writers look to poetry for writing inspiration. However, poetry is a writing medium that can be, at times, difficult to grasp and practice without guidance. Listed below are five of the best craft books for poets to help guide you in the process of writing poetry.
The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry
By Kim Addonizio & Dorianne Laux
First published in 1997, the first book on this list was penned by two award-winning authors who use their talents to give writers guidance in the form of short essays followed by writing exercises. Addonizio and Laux answer your questions and quell your fears about publishing, crafting a stellar poem, and finding inspiration. This book is great for beginners and novices alike who want to improve their poetry skills.
The Rag-Picker’s Guide to Poetry: Poems, Poets, Process
Edited by Eleanor Wilner and Maurice Manning
The best way to learn about poetry is to listen to the ones who write it. This next book is an anthology of 35 poets who each write essays on how they write. While each essay is different, each one takes the reader on a journey of writing a poem. This book is a great resource for learning tips directly from the greats or discovering a new favorite poet or inspiration. Featured poets include Daniel Tobin, Elizabeth Arnold, and Dana Levin.
The Practicing Poet: Writing Beyond the Basics
Edited by Diane Lockward
Many writers learn by doing, and Lockward pushes you to do your most (and best) in her book dedicated to the craft of poetry. The book is broken into ten sections, each one focusing on a different element of writing poetry. Included in the book are thirty essays and accompanying prompts, with an additional ten prompts in the book. You can read about poetry all day long, but you won’t become good at it until you start writing it. Lockward’s collection challenges the writer in all of us to come out and improve.
A Poet’s Glossary
by Edward Hirsch
On the first day of my first workshop in undergrad, my professor handed out a sheet of paper with a list of literary terms. I used it throughout the semester to help me with my writing and used it the semester afterward in my next workshop. It’s important, as writers, to have the vocabulary to know what we write about. Hirsch’s glossary is, in my opinion, essential for any poet who wants to improve their craft. Beyond the common terms such as “symbolism” and “metaphor,” Hirsch gives us terms for poetry concepts that we did not even know had names. I would recommend keeping this craft book, or something like it, by your side during the revision process to turn back to for assistance.
In the Palm of Your Hand: The Poet's Portable Workshop (Second Edition)
by Steve Kowit
Some of the best craft books for poets are the ones used by professors at the college level in workshops and other writing classes. This book by Kowit has sold thousands of copies and is used by poets and writers of all levels who want to improve their writing. Kowit includes essays on craft and poems by some of the most celebrated poets to illustrate how poetry works and how writers can use their skills to craft lyrical poetry. He also goes over the revision process and how to get published.
About Sydney Logan
Sydney is a student, writer, and poet who calls Maryland and Boston home. When she isn’t tweeting or writing, you can find her snuggling her cat and figuring out how to make the world a more peaceful and equitable place. You can find her on Instagram at @syd.kristen