Revising poetry is a challenge. It’s easy to turn a poem full of fire and energy into something flat. But that energetic first draft isn’t always quite right or complete either. Like all writing, poetry benefits from reading, critiquing, and editing.

My Approach is to read a poem closely for what is written on the page. Allusions, references, and metaphors come later. I review the poet’s word choice and the sound of the words. I look at their shape on the page. My intention is to give feedback on the experience the poem gave me. But poems elicit more than a single response. I will highlight and ask questions about experiences other readers might have.

If the poetry is speculative, I interrogate those speculative elements. Are they present in a unique way and presented freshly? The best poetry communicates on many levels, and I will review the levels on which I see your poems functioning.

Pricing: Poetry editing starts at $40 for 5 poems, each no longer than 15 lines. For chapbooks and longer collections, I will provide a custom quote after seeing the manuscript. As with all my services, I will work with you to find a price and timeline that works for both of us.

Contact me to start your poetry editing project.