A while ago, I entered a poem at poetry.com. They had a number of lines limit, so I entered a poem that matched the lines. Surprise, surprise...it was selected to appear in their newest volume of works. All I had to do to see it was to purchase the book.($49.95 US plus $8 shipping) Oh, I was assured that the poem would be there, regardless if I bought or not. As a bonus, I could pay to have a mini autobiography added on the facing page. I opted against sending any money.....
....but wait, there's more!
Today, in the mail, I received another letter from poetry.com. It had my poem on it(still not with the corrections I had made in the previous letter). This letter stated that: "I am delighted to inform you that your poem "Summer Memories" has been awarded our prestigious Editor's Choice Award because it displays a unique perspective and original creativity -- judged to be the qualities most found in exceptional poetry." With a cute little certificate on the bottom part of the page.
Apparently the book it was featured in is now sold out(whew...good thing I didn't order one then). But, they reserve some for the poets whose works appear, so I can still order. I can also get my poem put onto a commemorative plaque.($38.00 US)Four distinctive borders, mounted under Lucite on a walnut-finish plaque.
....But wait, there's more!!!
"Every so often, as our Editors review the poems that have been presented our Editor's Choice Award, they personally select a few poems that they believe would have a wonderfully expressive quality if read by a professional reader. Your Editor has suggested that you become one of the 33 poets..."
If I agree, and send in my copy stating so, I can order a copy of the 3CD set for only $49.00 US plus $8.00 shipping.
Now, what I can't figure is....do they think I am gullible, or just stupid? I mean, it would be nice to see one's work in print, and maybe buying the book would be nice...IF it is of good quality (hard cover books are expensive) And since I always wanted to have a poetry book. I have a friend who was in the last book. She bought the book, and is quite happy with it.
But, as for the rest of it? Yeesh!!!!!
And yes, I know that most everyone that enters a poem to poetry.com gets selected as "Winners".....but some other's may not know that.
A few other sites that deal in 'vanity publishing'(you pay them money, they will print any poem you send them) are: poets.com, National/International Library of Poetry, Noble House, Watermark Press.
Update, January 08, 2004
Just received this in my e-mail.....sorry it's so long, but....
Ladies and gentlemen, and fellow poets . . . It's now time to declare the winner of the largest cash prize ever awarded to an amateur poet . . . Our Poet of the Year for 2004 . . . and Grand Prize winner of $20,000 is . . .
Barbara Sutherland!
We're familiar with your work, Barbara, and you know . . .
it could happen just that way!
Dear Barbara,
I would like to inform you of your nomination as Poet of the Year for 2004, and to personally invite you to read your poetry at the single largest gathering of poets in history, where you will be formally inducted as an International Poet of Merit and Honored Member of our Society for 2004.
Your induction will take place Friday evening, March 5th, at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, during the International Society of Poets Spring 2004 Convention and Symposium.
You will also be honored with two separate and very special awards for your poetic achievement at special ceremonies throughout the weekend.
First, to honor and commemorate your poetic accomplishments, after you present your poetry in front of fellow poets from around the world, amidst the applause from the audience, you will be presented with your Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Silver Award Cup. The Award is a magnificent work of art in itself ($200.00 value), uniquely engraved and mounted on a cherry-wood base (see it here). This incomparable award is so large and heavy, you may need an extra suitcase just to carry it home!
And Barbara . . . there's much more . . .
In recognition of your poetry presentation at this prestigious International Symposium, we will also create and present to you a beautiful and colorful Commemorative Award Medallion to honor your poetic dedication and achievements.
36 POETS WILL SHARE $74,000.00 TOTAL IN PRIZES--INCLUDING
THE SINGLE LARGEST POETRY CASH PRIZE EVER AWARDED--$20,000.00!
And don't forget the most lucrative amateur poetry contest ever! Your contest entry poem can be written in any style, on any subject . . . and can be up to 40 lines long.
Just think . . . for this poem alone, you will have the opportunity to win one of 36 cash and gift prizes to be awarded at the Symposium . . including a Grand Prize of $20,000.00--the largest cash prize ever awarded in an amateur poetry competition. There's also a Second Prize of $5,000.00, two Third Prizes of all-expenses paid vacations for two, including a Caribbean cruise and a trip to Cancun, Mexico, a Fourth Prize of $1,000.00, and six other cash prizes of $500.00 each. World-renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, W.D.Snodgrass, and Academy of American Poets Chancellor, David Wagoner, will be with us to congratulate poets and present the Grand Prize.
Your society is also encouraging today's youth to develop and utilize their poetic talents in a positive manner. This year we will award five $1,000.00 cash scholarships to talented young poets attending the Symposium.
Our editors and professors will also be searching for new poetic talent. Twenty poets will be "discovered" in the contest reading sessions. These winners will be awarded publishing or recording contracts that will generate international exposure for their poetic artistry.
In all, $74,000.00 in cash and prizes will be awarded at this single event!
LIGHTS . . . CAMERA . . . ACTION!
And that's still just the beginning . . . we've got three very special days planned for you . . . ones you'll never forget!
*You will be officially inducted as an honorary "International Poet of Merit" for 2004.
*You and your poetic achievements will be honored at two Gala Banquets and Award Ceremonies.
*You will enjoy dazzling entertainment shows created especially for you featuring famous doo-wop girl band, The Shangri-Las, legendary Motown singing group, the Marvelettes, plus other special surprise entertainers. These special command performances will thrill and delight you. There will also be lots of other entertainment, including Midnight Dance Parties on both Friday and Saturday nights!
*Our own "Poetry for Prizes" show will be hosted by Bob Eubanks. For four decades, Bob Eubanks wrote television history as host of the incredibly successful The Newlywed Game. Along with The Newlywed Game, Bob has served as the genial host for game shows on all three networks. Currently Bob can be seen four times a day on Sony's Game Show Network.
*You will learn more about your craft in seminars, reading rooms, rap sessions, and workshops, where you can read and discuss your poetry in informal settings with other poets from all over the world. Back by popular demand are the ISP rap rooms, our famous sunrise poetry readings, the ISP Coffee House, the ISP Open Microphone Rooms, and workshops on how to fine-tune your poetic talents.
*You will have the rare opportunity to get up-close and personal with the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet W.D. Snodgrass, Dr. Herbert Woodward Martin, and Dr. Len Roberts, who will also be reading their own work.
*You will participate in a fantastic international poetry competition featuring 36 prizes totaling $74,000.00. A Grand Prize of $20,000.00, two all-expenses paid vacations for two, including a Caribbean cruise and a trip to Cancun, Mexico, 8 other cash prizes totaling $9,000.00, 10 poetry recording contracts, 10 book publishing contracts, and 5 $1,000.00 Young Poets Scholarship prizes will be awarded at this single event.
*You and your guests will also be eligible to win one of many door prizes, valued at over $6,000.00.
*You will make friendships that will last a lifetime and will return home with wonderful memories, your Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Silver Award Cup, your Commemorative Award Medallion, and lots of other special gifts.
DON'T BE LEFT OUT
Don't miss this opportunity. Space is limited, and our Conventions routinely sell out. Plan to join your fellow poets at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, March 5-7, 2004, for the poetic event of the year! I am also looking forward to meeting you and celebrating the power and beauty of poets and poetry!
Sincerely,
Steve Michaels
International Society of Poets
Convention Chairperson
UPDATE - June 6, 2006
List of 'Vanity' Poetry Sites
(So far)
|
Cader Publishing |
The Nashville International Song |
Adding your comment:
Makes me seriously reconsider being a member there. 
Do they EVER give up trying?? 
been there, read that
and finances my "publishing circuit and advertisement tour", I am afraid I will have to remain a "starving artist" and continue writing just for the sheer pleasure of it
