Poetry is viable.

Making a living purely from writing poetry is tough, but it’s not impossible—it just takes some confidence and a willingness to diversify. The days of poets living off fat advances or aristocratic patrons are mostly gone, so today’s poets have to get creative. Here’s how some pull it off:
First, publishing books is still a path, though it’s rarely a jackpot. Submit your poems to literary magazines, journals, and anthologies. Many of them pay for accepted work. Additionally, consider self-publishing or working with small presses to create poetry collections. Poets like Rupi Kaur or Ocean Vuong sell enough copies to make real money—Kaur’s self-published start turned into a multi-million-copy empire. But they’re outliers. Most poets won’t live off book sales alone; royalties are slim, and print runs for poetry are tiny compared to novels. You’d need a breakout hit, smart marketing (think social media buzz), and maybe a viral moment to crack that.

Readings and performances are where a lot of poets cash in. Participate in poetry slams and spoken word events. Some venues offer cash prizes or payment for featured poets. Spoken word artists, especially, can charge for gigs—open mics, festivals, college circuits. Fees range from a couple hundred bucks to thousands if you’ve got a name. Building a following helps; pack a room, sell some books on the spot, and it adds up. Some poets tour like musicians, hitting venues or even teaching workshops at each stop. Workshops and teaching are big. Poets with credentials (or just a knack for it) lead classes—community centers, universities, online platforms like Skillshare. Pay varies—adjunct gigs might net a few grand per semester, while private workshops can charge $50-$500 a head. It’s steady if you’re good at it and can stomach the hustle.

Apply for grants and fellowships specifically for poets. Organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, and various literary foundations offer financial support for poets.
Grants and residencies offer breathing room. Organizations like the NEA or local arts councils give poets thousands to focus on their work. Residencies—think retreats in scenic spots—often come with stipends, free housing, and time to write. Competitive as hell, though; you need a solid portfolio and some luck. Apply for poet-in-residence positions at institutions like schools, museums, or libraries. These programs provide a stipend and the opportunity to engage with the community.

Contests can pad the wallet. Poetry prizes range from $100 to $10,000+, and winning one (or even placing) boosts your cred for future gigs. Entry fees add up, so it’s a gamble—focus on legit ones with real payouts.

Freelancing’s another angle. Poets write copy, lyrics, even greeting cards—anywhere words need a spark. It’s not “pure” poetry, but it pays bills. Some pitch essays or reviews to lit mags or sites like The Rumpus, blending their voice with journalism. Use your poetic skills to write for various mediums, such as greeting cards, advertising, copywriting, or even lyrics for musicians. Offer to do readings, lectures, or workshops at schools, conferences, and literary events. These engagements often come with honorariums. Create and sell poetry-related merchandise, such as printed books, e-books, posters, and apparel featuring your poems or quotes.

Crowdfunding’s newer but real. Patreon lets poets build a fanbase that pays monthly—$1 to $10 a pop—for exclusive work. Amanda Gorman’s post-inauguration fame shows how a big moment can turn into sustained support. Create a Patreon account or launch a crowdfunding campaign to gain financial support from fans and patrons who appreciate your work.

The trick? Most poets mix these. Write, perform, teach, pitch, apply—rinse and repeat. It’s rarely glamorous, and you might still need a side gig (barista, tutor, whatever). But a living’s possible if you’re relentless and don’t mind wearing multiple hats. Pure poetry rarely pays the rent alone—it’s the ecosystem around it that keeps poets afloat.