The revision process is where a good draft can become a truly memorable poem. But how do you move from first notes or a promising first draft to something that feels complete? How can you judge which changes will strengthen a poem, and when it's time to stop editing?
In this 90-minute Zoom workshop we'll explore how accomplished poets have revised their own work, looking at early drafts by Elizabeth Bishop, Sylvia Plath and Emily Dickinson. Through close reading, discussion and practical exercises, you'll discover techniques for revising your own poems while preserving the original impetus and energy that inspired them.
You'll leave with practical strategies for:
identifying what your poem is really trying to do
making revisions that deepen rather than dilute the work
avoiding over-editing
recognising when a poem is ready to share or submit.
£25 to attend — and if you decide to join Poetical Workshop or Poetry Studio afterwards, I'll deduct the full £25 from your membership or workshop fee.
Places are limited to 10.
A 90-minute Zoom workshop exploring editing techniques and guiding you through practical strategies for successful revision.
About the tutor
Kate Potts is the author of three poetry collections. Her latest, Pretenders (Bloodaxe, 2025), is a hybrid, multi‑voice exploration of imposter feelings and identity. Feral (Bloodaxe, 2018) was a Poetry Book Society recommendation and a Telegraph poetry book of the month.
She has a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing and a PGCE in post‑16 education, and has taught at City, Royal Holloway, Oxford, and Middlesex Universities, as well as for The Poetry School, Arvon, and other creative‑writing and community organisations. Her work has been supported by Arts Council England and shortlisted for the Michael Marks Award and The Moth International Poetry Prize.
Alongside her teaching, she runs Poetical Workshop, an online poetry community, and writes Speak Up! — a Substack newsletter about creative practice, failing better, and taking up space.