Poetry Skills that get you published
It's time to break through.
You've written poems for years, but rejection letters keep piling up. You know your work has potential, but something's missing—and it's not inspiration.
Learn the real craft, business, and mindsets that transform hobbyists into published poets. Watch the fun videos at your pace. Do the exercises in the PDF. Email Derrick with any questions. Join the community blog. Too easy.
Taught by Texas Book of the Year winner and Write Bloody Publishing President Derrick Brown—someone who's been on both sides of the publishing desk and knows exactly what works.
This is your year to push yourself further down the river.
1-Minute Sample: See What You're Getting Into
This isn't your high school English teacher droning about metaphors. This is the real deal—the kind of poetry instruction that actually moves the needle.
Hit play and see how we roll in Your River is Waiting. Click to peep the sample.
Watch → Go at your own pace. Pause, rewind, whatever. This isn't a race. Buy a bundle of classes or one at a time!
Take Notes → Do it!
Read the PDF → Each lesson comes with a booklet. It's got extra stuff.
Try the Tips → On your own poems. The magic happens when you actually DO the work.
Email Questions → Stuck? Confused? Having a breakthrough? Hit reply. I read everything.
Join the River Rats → Our community of poets who are done waiting for permission to get better.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about?
The river's right here when you are.
Scroll down, pal.
ABOUT DERRICK
Here's my weird story: I went from jumping out of planes in the Army to running one of America's biggest indie poetry presses.
Plot twist nobody saw coming, right?
I'm Derrick Brown – Texas Book of the Year Award winner, President of Write Bloody Publishing, and the guy who's helped thousands of poets go from "stuck and frustrated" to "published and performing." I've launched the award winning poetry books of Andrea Gibson, Megan Falley, Sarah Kay, Franny Choi, Clint Smith, Anis Mojgani and more.
My mission is simple: to teach you what actually works in poetry. I've made mistakes, and you can make less mistakes. No heady BS, no waiting for inspiration, no pretentious advice that sounds good but doesn't help.
Just the real skills, insider knowledge, some woo-woo and no-nonsense guidance that turns poetry from a hobby into something that matters.
Ready to stop being a dabbler and start being an unforgettable artist?
For seasoned poets: plenty of goodies in here for you too.
Each 15-30-minute video workshop includes the video class, a pdf of practical tools, lifetime access, and the insider knowledge from 20+ years in the poetry world. It's pretty damn fun too.
Break writer's block, make some magic $29 $39
Stop staring at blank pages like they owe you money. Learn why writer's block is just your brain being dramatic and how to outsmart it forever.
What you'll master:
The 4 types of blocked writers (which are you?)
Why "I'm not afraid to suck" changes everything
The detective mindset that finds poetry everywhere
Includes: 30-min video + PDF toolkit + lifetime access
Craft is a Blast $29 $39
Transform raw emotions into intentional art that makes readers actually give a damn. Stop writing diary entries and start writing poetry.
What you'll master:
Artist vs. Craftsperson mindset
Professional revision questions
3 poetry exercises that actually work
Includes: 15-min video + craft toolkit + lifetime access
The Secrets of Getting Published $29 $39 |
The insider truth about poetry publishing from someone who actually signs the checks. Real numbers, real strategies, real results.
What you'll master:
How poetry publishing actually works
Platform building that connects with readers
Submission strategies that get results
Includes: 30-minute video, PDF, submission tracker sheet
The Weird Art of Editing
$29 $39
Your first draft is not your baby. Learn the 20-step professional editing process that transforms "good enough" into "must-read."
What you'll master:
Complete professional editing process
When to seek outside feedback
How to work with editors effectively
Includes: 30-min video + editing checklist + lifetime access
WORKSHOPS 5-8: Advanced River Navigation
Ready to take your poetry beyond the page? These workshops are for poets who've mastered the basics and want to build a real presence in the poetry world.
Workshop 5: Performance Confidence Stop reading like you're apologizing for being there. Learn how to own the stage, connect with your audience, and turn nervous energy into magnetic presence. From mic technique to crowd work, this is everything they don't teach you about reading your poems out loud.
Workshop 6: How to Write a Funny Poem Comedy + poetry = magic (when done right). Discover the techniques that make audiences laugh WITH your work, not AT it. Timing, setup, payoff, and how to be genuinely funny without sacrificing depth.
Workshop 7: How to Tour Smart Turn your poetry into a sustainable touring practice. Book venues that actually pay, build an audience that follows you from city to city, and avoid the rookie mistakes that leave you broke and burned out.
Workshop 8: Launch a Show or Book Club Create the literary community you wish existed. From finding the right venue to building a loyal audience, this is your blueprint for starting something that lasts and actually serves poets.
BONUS: Your Best Submission Packet The insider secrets to submissions that get noticed. What editors actually want to see, how to research markets like a pro, and the simple system that turns rejections into acceptances.
Get notified when these drop. The river keeps flowing.
First 3 Workshops - $75 (Save $12)
Get the core skills every poet needs: Breaking through blocks + Craft mastery + Professional editing
Everything included:
All 3 workshop videos (90 minutes total)
Complete toolkits and templates
Lifetime access to everything
14-day money-back guarantee
Connect with generous poets who share opportunities, submission deadlines, and support each other
Join the River Rats Community (Free)
This isn't your typical poetry Facebook group where people argue about whether free verse is "real poetry." River Rats is where working poets share the good stuff – upcoming shows worth your time, markets that actually pay, and tips that move the needle. It's also the perfect place to share your work with people who get it and won't just comment "beautiful!" on everything. Plus, I drop in regularly with behind-the-scenes industry intel you won't find anywhere else.
The Your River Is Waiting workshop is delightfully jam-packed with generative prompts, illuminating editing exercises and crucial publishing tips--it was the ideal class to shake up my creative practice and reignite a fearless engagement with writing. Now I’m published with Moontide Press!
– Emily Mundy. Seattle
... should the aliens come down and ask of humanity to present to them our champion, I would always put forth Derrick Brown. Not simply because he writes some of the most beautiful poems, nor that I find him to be perhaps the greatest poetry showman there is, but because Derrick has found some way to be so human... this is what I have most learned from him over our years of friendship—how to lean towards living.
-Anis Mojgani. 2x Poet Laureate of Oregon
This class was immersive, educational, and most importantly, thought provoking in ways you wouldn't get from anyone else. In just a few weeks, Derrick had me rethinking the process in which I write, and I enjoyed unpacking the in's and out's of both penning and editing with him.
-Ali O. New York
Derrick steers you down the river confidently, showing you shortcuts and tips of the trade to hone your poetry. Super supportive community. Overall this series is a wonderful experience where you learn how to be critical of your own craft and create space for yourself to not be afraid to suck.
-Jirah D.
I cannot say enough good things about this workshop. It's by far one of the most inspired writing classes I have ever participated in. . The writing practices Derrick encouraged us to put into action will no doubt help me in many aspects of my work going forward. If even a tiny part of you is intrigued by the workshop, sign up! You will be so glad you did.
-Michelle S. Toronto
Taking this workshop was like finding a chocolate fountain at the county fair. From Derrick's wealth of experience, my understanding of poetry was constantly challenged and I found myself waking up each day more inspired to write. You know it's a good workshop when you exit both full and hungrier.
-Glenn M. Chicago
I found Derrick's workshop incredibly fulfilling! The depth of his knowledge and experience, the caliber of lessons, and the warmth & openness of the river rats kicked me out of a long creative drought. And it was super fun with zero pretension. I couldn't recommend this series more highly.
-Michael G. Denver
This workshop was a fantastic opportunity to explore the experience of writing. It provided an engaging cross between writing as a profession and a passion. The insights Derrick was able and willing to share from his time spent in this community was entertaining, educational, and invaluable for anyone looking tolearn more about the art and practice of poetry.
-Joanna H. PNW
You could keep doing what you're doing, hoping things magically improve.
Or you could learn from someone who went from paratrooper to poetry success and can show you exactly how this works.
Your choice.
ONE ON ONE, BABY!
Get Unstuck. Get Published. Get Real Feedback.
Sometimes you need someone who's been in the trenches to look at YOUR specific work and tell you exactly what's working and what's not.
What You Get:
Deep dive into your poems with honest feedback
Personalized strategy for your writing goals
Q&A about craft, career moves, or submissions
Industry insights from both sides of publishing
How It Works: Send me 2-3 poems two weeks before our session.(3-5 for an hour long session)
I'll be sure to come prepared with specific notes and next steps tailored to your work.
Investment: 30 minutes: $99 | 60 minutes: $150
Limited availability. Ready to push your work to the next level? Let's make it happen.
Each video workshop is about 15-30 minutes – long enough to cover everything properly, short enough that you'll actually watch it. And you can rewatch it if anything was confusing, or reach out with email questions at anytime: writebloody@gmail.com
Yep! Watch at your own pace, come back whenever you need a refresher. Forever.
Perfect! These workshops assume you're starting from scratch. No poetry background required.
14-day money-back guarantee if you do the work and don't see improvement. I stand behind this stuff.
Absolutely. Workshops 4-8 are in production. Get on the mailing list to be first to know!
Email me at writebloody@gmail.com. I read every message personally and help however I can.
You will definitely learn some useful, new insights to push your writing further.