This book helps readers, writers and teachers to hack their way into the jungle of contemporary poetry. It informs, demystifies, illuminates and excites. It gives a realistic account of the poetry scene in Britain and Ireland, corrects common misconceptions and allows young or new writers to see themselves in context. Paul Hyland has written the book he wanted to read when he started getting into poetry. * Modernists to Martians: Groups, movements, fashions and influences. Jargon and hype: What it all means in plain English, from the ludic to the ludicrous. * Key books: Which are the most important collections and the most influential anthologies? Which are the poems of our time? * Poetry readings: The circuit and the circus. The importance of the ear, the power of the spoken word versus the ego-trip turn-off. * Getting into print: The editor's eye view. Submitting work to magazines and publishers. How to target editors and save time, paper and money. * Competitions and prizes: Winning words. Competition poems. Do prizes lead to publication? Awards and bursaries. * Organisations: Poetry societies, Arts Councils, regional arts boards etc. Who your allies are. How they help and how you should approach them. * Critical help: Where you can get feedback and advice. Postal services, pundits and gurus. Courses, workshops and writers-in-residence. * Nice Little Earners: Jobs poets can do. Readings, writers-in-schools, residencies. * Resources: A wealth of information and listings, together with provocative chapters on both Riches and Paranoia.