This is a positive, practical handbook packed with advice, exercises and information. Beginning with a definition of what makes poetry, the author goes on to describe the different forms, how and what to start writing, finding an audience, and getting published. John Whitworth encourages the poet to write from experience and by showing poet's drafts demonstrates how the process from tentative start to finished poem is achieved.

This new edition has been revised throughout and includes new chapters on poetry on the Internet, performance poetry and poetry festivals.