The unit and the whole: how to construct your poetry pamphlet

This is a paid event and sign-up via the website is obligatory.

After running this very successful workshop in autumn 2025 we are running it again for those who might have missed out the first time.

In this workshop we will explore how to bring together a group of poems to produce a pamphlet or book. We will explore the notion of the poetry pamphlet versus full collection in terms of the function and purpose of each and how they operate. We will think about structuring a body of work, how to sequence poems and what the organising principles might be. How does the placing of poems together change or enhance the poem? How do we build on and around key themes? We will look at examples of published pamphlets and books to consider how and why authors have brought poems together in the way they have, identifying the choices and opportunities available to poets. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own poems or projects in progress to discuss with others in the group.

This workshop is run by poet Paul Stephenson, who has published three poetry pamphlets and one collection.