it depends on where it is published - how much is the poet asking for his/her work, etc. ....there are full time poets.....most aren't.....some can sell - or attempt to sell, phrases, etc for other artists, marketing companies and such.....some enter contests for cash prizes when they are offered......alas, many poets are just typical "starving artists" - ha ha.....i have mad some $ - but i would do it for free, and have , for over a decade....!!??!!