Pamphlet (poetry)

A chapbook of Robert Burns's The Whistle: A Poem

A pamphlet or chapbook is a small collection of poetry, usually 15 to 30 poems, centering around one theme. Poets often publish a pamphlet as their first work.[1] Pamphlets are not usually more than 40 pages. They are sometimes handmade or saddle-stitched, a format best suited for small print runs. Compared to a full-length poetry collection, a pamphlet is fairly inexpensive to produce. Some poets design and print their own pamphlets.[2]

The poetry pamphlet has always been a good way for new poets to reach an audience. Many of today's well-known poets were first published in pamphlet form – or have at different times in their career enjoyed the delicacy and artistry of a small pamphlet. They are the connoisseur's version of a very tasty starter. Straight away, they give you a sense of somebody, an idea of their voice, just enough to make you know that you'd like more – or not.

— Jackie Kay, Edinburgh poet laureate[3]

In the United States, a poetry pamphlet is called a chapbook.[1] Since 2003, the Poetry Society of America offers an annual chapbook fellowship.[4] Beginning in 2009 in Britain, the Poetry Book Society partnered with the British Library, to establish the Michael Marks Awards for Poetry Pamphlets.[3]

  1. ^ a b "Poetry Pamphlet DIY: How to Create Your Own Chapbook". Writing.ie. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  2. ^ Klems, Brian A. (3 January 2012). "What is a Poetry Chapbook?". Writer's Digest. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  3. ^ a b Kay, Jackie (7 February 2009). "Return of the Poetry Pamphlet". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  4. ^ "Chapbook Fellowships". Poetry Society of America. Retrieved 24 September 2018.