I’m a high school student who is pretty good at writing, so I decided to write my own book of poems and officially publish it. Currently, it is about to be published and is still in the works, but I wanted to ask how much would this boost my college application? I know that I should be doing this anyway since it is my passion (I WILL be doing it anyway) but its always good to know if something is good for your resume or not, no? 
Positive.
If you’re passionate about it, I would submit entries to respected literary journals. That would be great for your resume to have selected work published. Having a self published work is also positive.
It is a solid EC. Probably isn’t going to tip the scales where you aren’t academically qualified already, though.
It depends on who’s publishing it. A respected mainstream publisher-definite boost. A vanity publisher? No boost at all.
Thanks for the help guys (or gals). I do have other academic stuff also, but just wanted to ask if this was actually worth my time. Also, I wanted to ask which literary journals are good for me to send my writing to and how do you get them to publish your work? This is the first time that someone has suggested this to me and it sounds promising.
Your own English teacher should be able to help you find some local or regional literary publications. If not, check with the creative writing program at the closest college or university.
So your book is self published? To me that wouldn’t be as much of a boost- it’s not too hard to self pub these days. Check out Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Claremont Review, etc.
With the advent of self publishing, almost anyone can claim to be “published.” So if your works have been published by a reputable publisher, make sure to include their name somewhere.
Likewise, there are a bazillion places that are looking for your work-- google “Teen Poetry submissions”
Agree that a self-published book won’t provide a boost as it simply implies that you could afford to do so rather than that your book is of a high enough quality where it has been accepted and edited by a publishing house. If you choose to self-publish do it for yourself, not for college applications.
Right. Publishing on your own and giving or selling copies to friends and family is not a tip.
Sometines, it’s even foolish to think it equates to high quality or national recognition from professionals.
Do this if you wish. But understand the real pros dedicate thrmselves to this, vet their work with other pros.
Do yall know any places where I can get my poems published? Currently, Ive published some of my poems on Polyphony but I really want to get my poems out to a broader market.
@kendrickisbetterthandrake I would check with your English teacher or local librarian for best publications. I disagree with some of the earlier opinions on your self published book. I think it shows a passion and commitment to your work and it’s nice to have something tangible that your can give a person interested in you.
Having said that, I would redirect your effort into getting published in respected journals. Sorry, as a techy person, I don’t know what those are. However, I find our
local librarians very knowledgeable about all things literary. Also our local library, gives opportunities to local artist to feature their work. Maybe you could work with other similarly focused teens and have a poetry reading night w/ refreshments at your local library. Could be good to get feedback. If you had a theme for your poetry might you might be able to partner with a local charity (food pantry, animal shelter) and collect donations at the event.
Edited to add: You could sell your book at a charity event like the above mentioned if all proceeds went to said charity. Have a meet the author book signing at end possibly. Just an idea.
I’ve had a number of articles published in education magazines. I wasn’t trying to plump up a resume, I simply enjoy writing.
Try google. Find magazines that seem to include the type of writing you most enjoy. Then find their “submissions guidelines.”
@bjkmom From what I understand, OP is trying to become a professional writer. Therefore writing for the sake of building a professional resume seems valid. Artists have to eat too. OP has an expensive calling card in that book. She could certainly use this opportunity to find a win win situation. I think I would use this artistic product to benefit others and gain experience in doing so.
I realize that; I apologize if I seemed to imply otherwise.
I mentioned my own experience to highlight the fact that I write for pleasure and not as a stepping stone to a profession; my suggestions may or may not be what the OP is looking for.
“Pretty good at writing” is different than immersed, networking, *driven. * He or she is a rising soph, says “business or finance or computer science” as the possible major…and asked, “how much would this boost my college application?”
We don’t even know if this is a hobby. Or a one shot fancy that he thinks will be a tip.
Pro writing isn’t this simple. OP has a lot to learn. Two hundred dollars and anyone can “publish.” Really. That says zip about quality. And since he’s also asked about Ivies, he needs to be better informed about what adds up. Or not.