Poetry Manuscript Consultation

Help Is Just a Mouse Click Away

Looking for a better title? Having trouble with the ending of your poem? Would the rhythms in your writing sound better in a revised draft? How could metaphor sharpen up your writing?

At one time or other, most of us have had to ask for a second opinion on writing projects with which we are struggling. The raison d'être behind the Albany Poetry Workshop is to allow you to ask fellow writers and readers to comment on your work.

If you have found that the comments on your poems from APW readers are either incomplete or unsatisfactory, I may be able to help.

Your poetry manuscript consultation includes:


If you would like a manuscript critique, please contact:

apwpoet (at) gmail (dot) com

Select three poems on any topic, form, or style.

I also edit chapbooks, book-length manuscripts, and business proposals. Contact me for a quote.





Here is a sample critique which I recently gave to a friend.


Here are a few poets to whom I have given recent critiques. For a reference, contact me and I will put you in touch.

Paula Grenside

I could but express my uttermost satisfaction. You did it great with my mss. I may not agree on some points, but most of your suggestions and comments are constructive and stimulating. I repeat, were the case my book should reach the public, a great part of the merit will be yours. You worked hard, in depth, and extensively. You gave much more than you asked for. Believe me. Thank you again, Scott.

C. Lawry Brown

Thank you for your honesty and terse criticism. It will take some time for me to ingest all that you have said. I appreciate your candor ... Thank you for your help, it is greatly appreciated. Sincerely,


My thanks to those who have taught me:

Teachers with whom I have worked at writers' conferences:


Some bedside reading:

Criticism and Poetics

Books of Poetry

Poetry Journals


Teaching evaluations from APW students

"Strong organization. Fun. Covered many subjects. Excellent time management. Good exercises. Do an Internet project."

"Teacher continues to inspire us with a love of poetry & writing poetry with a broad knowledge of poetry and contemporary poets."

"Encouraged my writing; helped my writing a lot. Tried to cover too much."

"Nice class interaction and lively interchange with instructor."

"Instructor articulate, passionate, and knowledgeable. How about doing a review of all the types of love poems (Bishop, Van Duyn, Merrill, Basho, Lowell, Shakespeare)?"

"Strong points: Feedback from the instructor. Analysis & discussion."

"Wish instructor would hand back edited poems at end of course."


Hands with Pens

Submit your work to apwpoet (at) gmail (dot) com