Tips for Applying for Poetry Fellowships

Poetry is considered a specialty industry within the world of writing. Poetry enthusiasts are known to be some of the most rabid devotees to art in the world. When poetry really speaks to them, it is often widely circulated and recognized. This devotion to poetry is often why you see many wealthy backers helping out poetry fellowships the world over. If you are interested in applying for poetry fellowships, then there are a few things that you should keep in mind during the process. These tips can help you stand out against the backdrop of your contemporaries and get accepted for a fellowship.

Distinguish Yourself

When applying, you need to stress what it is about you that makes your poetry so different from everyone else’s. This means that you should carefully select any poems that you include with your submission. Don't include poems about things that everyone could write about – such as poems about nature or religion. Find the one poem in your collection that is the most uniquely "you" and use that one. Also, you can distinguish yourself through studying writing at a college like one of the many colleges listed here.

Be Tenacious

You need to recognize that there are many people applying for these fellowships. To remain memorable, you need to be able to keep your name in the mind of the selection committee. This doesn't mean that you should be annoying or overly persistent. However, you should make sure your voice is heard and that the selection committee recognizes your diligence.

Putting It Together

In the end, the selection committees for poetry fellowships are very used to seeing writers that are in love with their own work. Show the committee of the fellowship you're submitting to that you are in love with the medium. Your lack of hubris will speak volumes about your work.