For poets striving to break through and get their work published, understanding the editor’s perspective is invaluable. At platforms like Dancing Bear Com, we aim to provide emerging writers with the practical knowledge they need to succeed. In this spirit, we delve into the mind of a seasoned editor, J.P. Dancing Bear of Verse Daily, to uncover what catches his eye in the slush pile and what advice he has for poets seeking publication.
J.P. Dancing Bear, editor at Verse Daily, discusses poetry acceptance criteria and submission advice for poets on dancing bear com
The Craft of Acceptance: What Makes a Poem Stand Out?
When asked about the key elements that lead to poem acceptance, J.P. Dancing Bear emphasizes that there isn’t a single formula. “Our tastes range the entire spectrum,” he notes, highlighting the subjective nature of poetry selection. However, he points to “an economy of words” as a recurring positive trait. He elaborates on this, explaining, “There’s a happy zone where a poem isn’t oppressed with words and also isn’t starving for words.” This suggests that successful poems strike a delicate balance, using language purposefully and avoiding both verbosity and sparseness. For poets aiming for platforms like Verse Daily and potentially dancing bear com, focusing on concise and impactful language is crucial.
Navigating Rejection: A Poet’s Learning Curve
Rejection is an inevitable part of the poetry submission process. Dancing Bear’s advice for emerging poets is to “Embrace rejection, don’t bury them or burn them or blame the editor… learn from them.” He sees rejection not as a setback, but as a valuable learning tool. He encourages poets to analyze rejections constructively: “Go back and read more than one issue. You’ve misunderstood something about what delights the editor.” This implies that understanding the publication’s aesthetic and preferences is key. Furthermore, he suggests a practical approach to repeated rejections: “If a poem is rejected by more than one editor, you can start to triangulate what is wrong with the poem if you’ve done your homework on the editor.” This methodical approach to rejection is vital for growth and improvement in a poet’s journey, especially when aiming for selective platforms found through resources like dancing bear com.
Honing Your Technique: The Power of Economy
If J.P. Dancing Bear could recommend one craft technique for poets to focus on, it would again be “the economy of words.” This consistent emphasis underscores the importance of precision and conciseness in poetry. In a world saturated with information, poems that are lean and impactful are more likely to resonate with editors and readers alike. Developing this skill can significantly increase a poet’s chances of acceptance across various publications, including those highlighted on platforms like dancing bear com.
Dealing with Rejection: An Editor’s Perspective
As an editor, Dancing Bear is no stranger to rejection himself. “I’m sure it’s thousands by now,” he admits, normalizing the experience for submitting poets. His approach to handling rejection offers valuable insights. He values personalized feedback, noting, “If they don’t send back a personalized note, I might not submit to them for a while, because I have to read more issues, I have to get a better feeling for the editor.” This highlights the reciprocal relationship between poet and editor and the importance of understanding a publication’s specific tastes. When facing rejection, Dancing Bear’s process is introspective and analytical: “I will always go back through the submission and read it again, usually out loud. I’m looking for things I missed or things that do not sound right.” This self-assessment is a crucial step for any poet seeking to refine their work and improve their submission success rate, skills that are valuable for navigating the poetry world and resources like dancing bear com.
The Selection Process at Verse Daily: Reading Aloud
J.P. Dancing Bear offers a glimpse into his poem selection process for Verse Daily, revealing, “I do tend to read poems aloud. For me, it’s the easiest way to narrow the selection.” This practice underscores the aural quality of poetry and the importance of how a poem sounds when spoken. He believes, “Just as with my own work, I believe most poems want to be performed.” This perspective encourages poets to consider the rhythm, flow, and sonic elements of their poems, ensuring they are not only visually appealing on the page but also engaging when read aloud. This auditory dimension is often a critical factor in a poem’s success in publications like Verse Daily and for captivating audiences reached through platforms such as dancing bear com.
Recommended Reading: Books for Aspiring Poets
When asked about essential poetry books for new poets, Dancing Bear acknowledges the vast landscape of poetic literature. “That’s really tough, because I have a small “c” catholic taste in poetry so there are so many books that I love and have read repeatedly.” He offers a few recommendations, including This Branch Will Not Break by James Wright, CD Wright’s Tremble, and Anne Carson’s Float. These diverse selections reflect his wide-ranging taste and provide starting points for poets seeking inspiration and craft guidance. Exploring these and other recommended works can broaden a poet’s understanding of the art form and enhance their own writing, ultimately aiding their journey toward publication and engagement with poetry communities found through resources like dancing bear com.
J.P. Dancing Bear’s insights offer a valuable roadmap for poets navigating the submission process. By focusing on concise language, learning from rejection, and understanding the editor’s perspective, poets can increase their chances of acceptance and find their voice in the literary world, potentially connecting with platforms and communities like dancing bear com.
