How Is Poetry Edited?

In a poem, every word is a heartbeat, every space a breath, for they all convey a tale. And because it is as sacred as the poet’s heart, an editor’s touch must be as holy. 

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Poetry is an aesthetic release, an emotive display of a heart’s intent, and a cinematic stage play of voice and reason. A great poet knows how to select the right words, albeit in a limited space and time, much like how theaters cast characters in a defined range of, let’s say, an hour's performance. 

But a poet can’t be a one-person show. And while they may be able to craft soulful words, they’re not fully fortified from mishaps. This is where an editor comes in.

And yet editing a poem takes mastery of words and philosophy of emotions. Unlike any other forms of writing, shepherding a poet’s handiwork requires more capacity to understand a writer’s POV. 

So how should we edit a poem?

But First, a Disclaimer

If you’re self-editing your own poem, it is easier to change a word or move an entire stanza. But when you’re editing someone else’s draft, don’t directly change anything. Poetry is much more personal than any other form of writing, and you want to honor the heart of the writer. Instead, collaborative editing is encouraged in poetry where the writer and editor meet each other halfway. This way, neither sacrifices the quality nor the soul of the poem. As an editor, it is safer to use track changes in the document and provide suggestions as comments. 

Reading Aloud 

Encouraged but not required, some poetry editors ask writers to read their piece out loud. It helps them hear the rhythm and identify the pauses and full stops. It also echoes some pitfalls, like phrasings, that can potentially cause stumbling, clichés that need rewording, and breathing points that feel painful. Sometimes, as the writer recites the poem, they may unintentionally omit or introduce a word that isn’t written in the original draft. As the editor, you must take note of these and discuss them with the writer.  

Hearing the poem line by line helps it give more depth and meaning. Giving it a sound is like breathing life into the piece. In the process, you’ll find the parts where the writer may have overused literary devices, drowning the piece with imagery and overriding its intended message. 

Defining the Breaks

The writer may be aware when to pause and where to break a line. However, in editing, ask: Why break here? Why does this line end with this word? Is it worth the risk? Does it help define the rhythm? Does it facilitate the flow, or does it only force? When you feel like something’s off, clarify with the writer and make suggestions on the document. 

Respecting the Form

There are poems that take on a traditional form, like haikus and English sonnets. It is important to honor these forms of poetry, so be sure to know their structures, such as line and syllable counts, rhythmic beat, and meter. Discuss with the writer any extra characters that may cause the poem to deviate from its intended form.

Some Basics, Though

While poets may deliberately use poetic license and break language rules to achieve an artistic effect, it’s not an excuse to cover up careless and unclear writing. There are poets who are excellent wordsmiths, but some still need to work on their punctuation and grammar. Poor grammar and other technical language errors can confuse the reader, causing them to miss the piece’s message. As editor, it is your job to flag these mishaps, especially when you’ve discerned that it is a clear mistake, not just an artistic move of the writer. 

In the End…

Poetry is a dance. And poetry editing is all about partnering with the poet in that dance. In the sacred spaces of a poet’s heart, an editor is invited to be the priest, offering an atonement for the writer’s offenses, albeit gently, and honoring still, at that. 

Whether you’re a poet ready to release your collection or a creative writer looking for compassionate editors, you can be sure that your piece remains yours at themanuscripteditor.com. Submit your manuscript for a complimentary 800-word sample edit today!