Poetry Collections

Poetry collections are available in paper format at poetry readings, literary festivals, brick-and-mortar bookstores and online (by ordering directly from publishers or through internet booksellers). Bookstores promote contemporary poets and host poetry readings. Find out when the next reading will be held at your local bookstore.

Chapbooks

Chapbooks are paper-bound books of poetry that usually number 20-30 pages. They are sold at readings or independent bookstores, often by beginning poets, but more experienced poets publish them as well.

Poetry and Art

Some poetry publishers offer books of poems that are literally works of art. Special attention is made to craftsmanship. These books are printed on special paper using small press runs. Poems can be combined with drawings, paintings, photography or digital art.

E-books

More and more collections of poetry are now available in electronic format. E-books offer the convenience of being available for download 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And you can stock an almost unlimited number of books inside an e-reader that is small enough to fit in your pocket. However, many readers still prefer to read poetry in physical books and that’s okay too.

Poetry Anthologies

Whether in paper or electronic format, contemporary poetry anthologies are a kind of all-you-can-eat buffet where you can read a selection of poets on a specific subject, from a particular country or who share a common characteristic (gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, etc.). It’s a great way to discover an entire range of poets in one book.

Poetry Resources

There are many useful poetry ressources online. This list is by no means exhaustive.

French websites: 

English websites: