I’m thrilled to announce that I’m now offering personalized poetry feedback! Do you have some poems that could use a fresh, experienced pair of eyes to read them? Would you like to hear what techniques, images, and craft elements are particularly strong in your poems, as well as what questions your poems raise? I’d be honored to accompany you on your journey of poetic growth!
As a poet myself, I not only understand that our poems deserve care and attention, but also that there is a distinct knowledge discovered only through the process of reading and writing poetry. I‘ve dedicated ample space on this website to exploring why poetry matters; indeed, finding God through poetry has been my pearl of great price this season. I therefore consider the opportunity to offer poetry feedback to be a sacred one.
I’m a published poet, Poetry Editor for Geez Magazine, MFA student at Spalding University, and Student Editor for the Good River Review. I’ve written, and read, copious poetry on both sides of publication. I know some poems are meant for a wider audience, while others are just for a close inner circle. Either way, our poems deserve love and attention.
Here’s what others say about my poetry feedback:
Melanie has an ear for poetry and a heart for people. Her feedback is curious, probing, and creativity-provoking. Her critique is guided by compassion and the conviction that poetry – all poetry, everyone’s poetry – has something profound to convey to the world; that word is spirit. She will inspire you.
—Rosalind Hughes, Episcopal priest and author, A Family Like Mine: Biblical Stories of Love, Loss, and Longing, and Whom Shall I Fear? Urgent Questions for Christians in an Age of Violence, Euclid, Ohio
Melanie’s notes are so encouraging and offer gentle wisdom for how to draft, so it makes me excited to dig in and see what might come up in another iteration of the poem itself!
—Katie Rouse, Writer & Marketing Manager, Raleigh, North Carolina
I also offer gift certificates! This holiday season, consider giving the gift of attention, care, and artistic support to a beloved poet in your life.
To learn more, including rates, please click here.
Photo credit: Steve Snodgrass on Visualhunt
Melanie Weldon-Soiset 