If you’re preparing to submit a manuscript, you probably want the guidance, skills, and experience of a professional editor. Today, meet poet and editor, Rachel Huckel. Her poetry collections include Fleeting Things, which receives high praise online. Her Instagram following grows as people respond to her words off healing and of hope. Her newest title is a collaborative collection with Reema Angelique titled, little house on ansley.
As a poetry editor, Rachel receives top ratings on sites connecting creative professionals to artists. She also teaches her own “Purpose-Rooted Poetry Course: The Christian Poet’s Guide to Sharing Your Story.”
Do you think it’s best for emerging poets to aim for publishing individual poems in journals first, or to jump into full-length books?
Nothing wrong with jumping straight in! Getting published in journals is just one way to get your name out there and start getting some feedback. You can also get feedback from professional editors, writers’ groups, or even your poetry-loving friends. I’d recommend sharing some of your writing before you publish a full-length book because then you can get a feel for the kind of poems that resonate with people. As to how you share your words—it’s completely up to you!
Why is manuscript evaluation important for poets?
A manuscript evaluation helps you understand how your poetry collection is working as a whole. You’ll receive feedback on the order of your poems and suggestions for how you can structure your work to best tell your story. It’s also a great way to get feedback on your overall writing style. Once you know what your strengths are as a writer, you’ll be able to lean into them!
How do you give constructive feedback to a writer?
Constructive feedback isn’t just about what’s not working. It can actually be about what’s working well. I like to encourage poets to do more of the things they’re naturally great at. Perhaps it’s their creative and super-relatable metaphors. I’ll also make suggestions for things they may consider reworking. For example, perhaps varying their sentence lengths will help their poems flow better. At the end of the day, I know receiving any constructive feedback can be tough because poetry is so personal. But I try to be as kind and specific as possible in showing how small changes can make a huge impact in your writing.
Learn more about Rachel’s work and her editorial services at www.rachelhuckel.com.
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