Managing rights in poetry anthologies requires precision, especially when working with multiple contributors. Poetry publishers must secure written agreements from each author, clearly outlining what rights are being granted—whether it's first publication rights, non-exclusive reprint rights, or full copyright transfers.

For anthologies, it’s common to retain non-exclusive rights, allowing poets to publish their work elsewhere after a certain period. Transparency is key: contracts should specify the duration, territories, formats (print, eBook, audiobook), and whether future royalties are shared.

Reputable poetry publishers also ensure proper credit, ISBN assignment, and clarity on who holds digital distribution rights for platforms like Kindle or Apple Books. Without these safeguards, legal disputes or copyright conflicts can arise, especially if the anthology gains commercial traction.

Efficient rights management not only protects the publisher but also respects the creative ownership of each poet, building trust and long-term collaboration.