The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Poetry
Nikki Moustaki
This book is filled with advice, writing exercises and examples to remove the mystery of writing poetry and make it fun and rewarding. The author explains the poetic process and tools of the trade for a variety of types of poetry, including love poems, chants, sonnets, epics and more. She also discusses entry into poetry competitions. Learn the poetic process, how to paint with words using imagery, metaphors, repetition, rhyme, tenor, tone, and voice and how to deal with writers block. With this book, aspiring poets will have the world of poetry opened wide for them.
£9.58^* - save 9%

The Haiku Handbook
William J. Higginson
This book gives readers everything necessary to begin writing or teaching the Japanese poetry, haiku, with examples by great Japanese masters.
£8.79^* - save 20%

Getting into Poetry
A Readers' and Writers' Guide to the Poetry Scene
Paul Hyland
This wittily written book contains chapters describing the poetic movements of the twentieth century and the poets connected with them, 'waterholes', reading, riches, poetry competitions, publishing, feeling isolated, sources of criticism on your poems, 'allies', and 'toolkits'. There is a year-by-year suggestion of books of poetry since 1939, and a list of the author's chosen 'poems of our time'.
Only £6.95!^*

Writing Poetry
John Whitworth
A wonderful, positive, practical handbook packed with advice, exercises and information. The author describes the different forms of poetry and gives advice on how and what to start writing, finding an audience and getting published.
£7.99^* - save 20%

The Craft of Writing Poetry
Alison Chisholm
This book provides basic and practical advice for aspiring poets, from the first idea to the final revision, analysing the whole formation of a poem in detail.
£7.19^* - save 20%

The Poet's Craft
Sandy Brownjohn
From the haiku to the sonnet, from the dactyl to the trochee, this handbook provides a guide to the forms and devices used by poets over the centuries. Arranged alphabetically for easy reference, the book explains in clear language with examples, the different forms of rhyme, metre and verse with which poets shape their ideas.
Only £6.99!^*

Creating Poetry
John Drury
This book provides exercises and tips for writing poetry, dealing with such issues as shaping the poem, developing rhythm, using appropriate language, determining what to write about, and finishing the piece.
£11.04^* - save 15%

Rhyme's Reason
A Guide to English Verse
John Hollander
This book explains the history and the rules of pretty much every verse form there is, with examples that will make you want to run for your notebook to start playing with them yourself. If you love formal poetry, you must own this book. (And if you don't, maybe it will change your mind...)
Only £7.99!^*

In the Palm of Your Hand
Steve Kowit
The poet's portable workshop. A lively and illuminating guide for the practicing poet. The author manages to light up the dark and fearful corners of resistance to writing poetry. His thorough treatment of the nuts and bolts of writing traverse the murky realms for the beginner and reinforce the familiar for in-the-trenches poets. Stuck? Discouraged? Buy this book and begin again with confidence!
£7.19^* - save 10%

The Poet's Companion
Kim Addonizio, Dorianne Laux
A guide to the pleasures of writing poetry. Explains the process of writing poetry, what subjects to use, how to overcome writer's block, tips on getting published, and includes writing exercises.
£8.45^* - save 9%

How To Write Poetry
Bogen
Learn what makes a good poem and how to express yourself through poetry. This book provides a complete review of classic and contemporary poetic forms. The author describes and explains meter, rhyme, metaphor, and simile, and introduces classic poetic forms such as the ode, sonnet, and ballad.
£5.62^* - save 9%

The Practice of Poetry
Writing Exercises from Poets Who Teach
Robin Behn, Chase Twichell (Editor)
Combines essays by practicing poets and poetry teachers with exercises covering inspiration, the senses, voice, structure, and revision.
£9.04^* - save 9%

The Art and Craft of Poetry
What Works, What Doesn't and Why
Michael Bugeja
Build your poetry-writing skills with help from past and contemporary masters - everything from generating ideas to examining the finished poem. Learn how to use voice, line, stanza, title, meter and rhyme, acquire fluency in a variety of poetic forms, and fine tune your work. Includes exercises, assignments and sample work from more than 100 standout poets.
£9.03^* - save 10%

You Can Write Poetry
Jeff Mock
Poetry's forms, styles and structures are illustrated through the work of Shakespeare, e.e. cummings, Tim Geiger and others. These poems, and dozens of hands-on practice sessions, will inspire you to experiment with language and write your own poetry.
£7.34^* - save 9%

Writing Personal Poetry
Sheila Bender
Encouraging readers to write everything from dream journals and postcards to lists and clustered phrases, the author gently teaches readers how to create poems from life experiences.
£8.47^* - save 9%

A Poetry Handbook
Mary Oliver
The author offers advice on reading and writing poetry, and discusses imitation, sound, the line, poem forms, free verse, diction, imagery, revision, and workshops. A sensible and sensitive handbook that conveys not only the craft of poetry but its power, its mystery, and its magic. This book will almost certainly will wring some writing out of you. It will also inspire you to examine your work habits and technique.
£7.34^* - save 10%

The Making of a Poem
A Norton Anthology of Poetic Forms
Mark Strand, Eavan Boland
This anthology draws the reader in, by example and explanation, to the excitement and entertainment of the various poetic forms. The authors explain their origins, trace their development, and show examples from the past and present. In a feature called 'the form at a glance' readers can try their hands at writing a particular form. Each of the authors includes essays describing their own personal journeys toward a form for their poetic voice. Above all, this anthology shows that poetic form is a continuing adventure.
£9.01^* - save 9%

The Poetry Dictionary
John Drury
A reference for poets and readers of poetry, providing definitions of poetic terms and traditions, with examples from classic and contemporary poetry. Includes pronunciations. Part anthology, part dictionary, part encyclopedia, this book provides indespensible and clear advice. The book covers forms, poetic movements, the elements of poetry, and rhetorical devices. A continuing source of information and inspiration.
£10.73^* - save 9%

The Sounds of Poetry: a Brief Guide
Robert Pinsky
America's Poet Laureate offers a journey inside the world of poetry to explore the fundamental workings of this literary art, explaining how different sounds can be used to express meaning and images.
£6.21^* - save 10%

How to Publish Your Poetry
A Complete Guide to Finding the Right Publishers for Your Work
Helene Ciaravino
This book offers practical advice on submitting manuscripts; lists journals, magazines, and book publishers that use poetry; and describes contests, awards, grants, and associations.
(Note: this is the American edition and lists US markets)
£9.01^* - save 9%

Poet's Guide
Michael J. Bugeja
How to Publish and Perform Your Work
£7.32^* - save 9%

Writing Poems
Peter Sansom
Only £7.95!^*