1. How can I become a member?
2. What are the benefits of membership?
3. Does it cost money to become a member?
4. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or resident to become a member?
5. How can I tell if my membership has expired?
6. Do I have to be a poet to join the Academy of American Poets?
7. Will being a member help me publish my poetry?

More help pages

1. How can I become a member? To join the Academy of American Poets, go to our Membership Benefits page and use our secure online server, or call the Membership Office at (212) 274-0343 and an application can be mailed or faxed to you. Your membership can also be processed by phone with a valid VISA, American Express, or MasterCard.

2. What are the benefits of membership? Benefits vary by level and may include free or discounted admission to readings, a subscription to our biannual literary journal American Poet, copies of award-winning books, audio recordings, and invitations to special Academy events. For a full list of membership categories and benefits, see our Membership Benefits page.

3. Does it cost money to become a member? Yes. Membership dues are tax-deductible minus the cash value of your material benefits and support of the many quality programs the Academy coordinates, such as National Poetry Month, the Online Poetry Classroom, and Poets.org.

4. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or resident to become a member? No. However, the Academy's programs focus on poets and poetry in the United States and only U.S. citizens are eligible for our awards.

5. How can I tell if my membership has expired? Membership expires on the last day of the month, one year after your last payment. If you are uncertain about your membership status, contact the Membership Office at (212) 274-0343 ext. 11 or  membership@poets.org.

6. Do I have to be a poet to join the Academy of American Poets? No. Anyone is eligible to join. Many of our members are poets, but it is not a requirement. Becoming a member of the Academy is similar to becoming a member of your public radio or public television station. That is, Academy members pay annual dues (which are tax-deductible) and thereby show their support for the work the Academy does to foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry.

7. Will being a member help me publish my poetry? No. There is no relationship between becoming a member of the Academy and being listed on Poets.org, being published in American Poet, or being eligible for the Academy's Book Awards. Please visit our Writing and Publishing FAQ for more information on publishing your work.