How to Sequence Poems in Your Book

There's no formula, but this approach can help

How to Sequence Poems in a Poetry Book

Last Saturday we met for the second of three free masterclasses on manuscript development. For anyone who couldn’t make the session—or for those of you who did and want to review any of the content—I’m pleased to provide you with this recording.

Synopsis: You’ve probably heard that your poems should “talk to one another” across your collection. But what does that mean? In this second session of the Poetry Manuscript Masterclass Mini Series we will explore eight ways your poems “talk” to each other and (most importantly) how these insights help you sequence poems into a cohesive, compelling book.

Interested in joining us live for Class #3 (common pitfalls and how to avoid them)? Sign up here!

---

3 Month Complete Manuscript Course

Enrollment for the Winter 2023 3 Month Complete Manuscript Course is now open. Registration is capped at 10 participants. Seats are filling.

Whether you’re working on a first book or a subsequent collection, the course guides you through the entire process—from selecting poems to structuring the book to the details that make a memorable first impression with publishers.

• Dates: January 18-April 8, 2023

• There are just 10 spots available in this cohort.

• The early-bird discount is available until November 30th.

• Paid members of the Poet to Poet Community are eligible for an additional 10% off (If you want to join before purchasing, please do. Membership is currently just $15/mo)

What Poets Are Saying

“I took your poetry manuscript course when I was trying so hard to figure out how to order the sequences in my book I|I. I loved your practical advice, and it really made publication possible for me. Thank you!”

–Katherine Indermaur, 2022 Deborah Tall Lyric Essay Book Prize Winner

"Radha’s feedback has been invaluable, allowing me to see new ways of organizing the work, as well as new ways of looking at each individual piece. It’s a much better manuscript—and I’m a much better writer—for the work we’ve done together."

–Janie Braverman, Class Participant and Book Mentee

---

Thanks for reading Poet to Poet! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.