The Poetry Publishing Class is a transformative 10-month program divided into two semesters: Fall and Spring. Poets have the flexibility to join the program at either the beginning of the Fall or Spring semester, but they must complete both semesters to be considered successful graduates. Each semester offers a carefully structured curriculum designed to guide poets through the intricacies of manuscript preparation, publication, and beyond. By participating in both semesters, poets benefit from a comprehensive learning experience that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their publishing goals effectively.
What We Offer:
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Regional Chapters: We have regional chapters to provide poets with the invaluable opportunity to plug into their local poetry community and forge meaningful connections with fellow poets. By offering chapters divided by regions, we aim to create a supportive network where students can not only learn and grow together but also collaborate, share resources, and attend local poetry events.
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Structured Curriculum: Our structured curriculum is carefully designed to provide poets with a comprehensive learning experience, focusing on introducing new literary devices and techniques to help them expand and refine their poetic repertoire.
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Comprehensive Sessions: Classes are 3 hours in length and packed with valuable content. Each session includes a lesson on literary devices, free writing exercises to stimulate creativity, and interactive workshops where you receive constructive feedback on your work.
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Insightful Guest Lectures: Special guests, including published poets and industry experts, share their experiences and provide practical advice on navigating the world of publishing. Learn from their successes, challenges, and invaluable insights.
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Dedicated Instructors: Our teachers and TA's are esteemed published poets and CLI alumni who are actively involved in the poetry community. They have 1-2 books of their own and are passionate about guiding aspiring poets towards publication.
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Special Sessions: Outside of class time, students have access to additional workshops, presentations, and educational sessions to enhance their learning experience. These sessions are recorded and shared with all students for future reference.
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Open Mic Opportunities: Students have the chance to participate in both in-person and virtual open mic events, honing their performance skills and gaining insight into the world of poetry readings and events.
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Alumni Class: This is a unique opportunity for graduates of the Poetry Publishing Class to continue honing their craft while exploring the rich tapestry of poetic history. Through in-depth discussions on the biographies and works of renowned poets, alumni delve into the nuances of poetic expression and draw inspiration from the masters of the craft.​
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Our Goal:
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While we do not guarantee publication, our goal is to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to pursue publication opportunities. Throughout the 10-month program, you will work on refining your manuscript and expanding your poetic skills. By the end of the course, you will have a book proof—a tangible representation of your dedication and hard work.
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What is a Book Proof?
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A book proof is a preliminary version of your manuscript, formatted and designed to resemble a published book. It serves as a prototype for potential publishers, showcasing your writing style, content, and vision for the final product.
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Author Draft Event:
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As the culmination of the program, we host an annual Author Draft event where students have the opportunity to pitch their books to attending presses. While acceptance is not guaranteed, this event provides a platform for students to showcase their work and make valuable connections within the publishing industry.