Do they do this for everyone?

Question

I entered a poetry contest for the America Library of Poetry. They have not picked the winners yet, but they sent me a letter saying they wanted to publish my poem in a book called Brilliance. Do they do that for everyone who enters, or is it some kind of honor?

Answer 1

When I was a kid I submitted 5 poems, I was published 5 times.

I think it's a scam to buy the book. They do publish it, the book has 50 zillion poems in it, and cost a fortune to buy.

Everyone I know that has ever sent a poem, was going to be published.

Answer 2

I once entered such a contest and deliberately wrote a convoluted piece of perfectly metered tripe that made no sense whatsoever for the sole purpose of testing the very hypothesis you raise.  My poem was published and I was asked to buy the book.  That is no honor.  However, I did read two of my poems at the annual New York State poetry convention some years ago and was complimented not only by the event organizers (and no one else was so approached) but by the poet laureate of the state, the event's featured poet.  No, it's not my staircase to immortality, but it was real and heartfelt and perhaps, just perhaps, deserved.

Answer 3

It's a scam, it's a scam, it's a scam. They will only publish your poem if you agree to pay for Brilliance. It will be a huge book with no editorial standards whatsoever, and it will cost you way too much. No one but the poets (some of whom are just "poets") will never see their work appear anywhere else and will not be able to put such a publication on their CVs without being pitied or laughed at.

Try this info instead for how to become published by legitimate organizations and publishers:

http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/56#1...

Answer 4

they definetly don't do it for everyone. they might not be as selective as you might think, but not every single person gets published. consider it a....semi-honor. :)

Answer 5

They create a book of what they consider to be the best poems written by amateurs and demi-professionals. They make lots of money, even form the authors they put in the book, though at a reduced price. It is an opportunity for all aspiring poets to be published.

Answer 6

I wouldn't quite know.... on one hand it sounds like it would be an honer just to be published... on the other, nothing against you, it may be their way of offering charity to all contestants... I really wouldn't know because I refuse to submit my work to any contest!

Blessed Be, Siren

Answer 7

Yes they do..and I fell for it.

Answer 8

It is in honor in a way. Most likely it isn't for all the poems. The name of the book tells that, it doens't have a number/sequence in it and doesn't seem to be linked to the contest. The only downside is that it isn't an indicator of whether or not you've won. However it is a mark of quality so rejoice.

Answer 9

for everyone so you all can buy the book