Since its inception in 1992, the annual Poets House Showcase has blossomed both in terms of the sheer numbers of texts it showcases and the rich diversity of publishers it represents.

• 1993: 823 books were showcased
• 1994: 1,204 books showcased, representing 382 publishers
• 1995: 1,300 books showcased, representing 404 publishers
• 1996: 1,127 books showcased, representing 463 publishers
• 1998: 1,250 books showcased, representing 518 publishers
• 1999: 1,209 books showcased, representing 466 publishers
• 2000: 1,320 books showcased, representing 488 publishers
• 2001: 1,329 books showcased, representing 493 publishers
• 2002: 1,294 books showcased, representing 386 publishers
• 2003: 1,750 books showcased, representing 536 publishers
• 2004: 2,105 books showcased, representing 572 publishers
• 2005: 2,135 books showcased, representing 613 publishers
• 2006: 2,060 books showcased, representing 639 publishers

• Only 8% of the books collected for the 2006 Showcase were published by commercial presses. 92% were published by university and independent presses.

• Since 1999, there has been a 200% increase in poetry published in non-book form. Poetry CDs, DVDs, e-Books and other multimedia are frequently published alongside books or, increasingly, on their own.

• Many presses polled in our 2005 survey stated that they were publishing less poetry books per year. In addition, there is an observable "revolving door" publishing trend; many publishers establish themselves, publish for a few years and then fold.

• Many independent presses are too small to be carried by commercial distributors. Though presses polled in our 2005 survey indicated that National Poetry Month helped promote poetry sales for larger presses, it has had a modest effect on smaller houses, which lack marketing resources to implement their own National Poetry Month campaigns. The returns policies of the large chains continue to be a problem for independent presses.

Please note: All figures are based on Showcase exhibit year rather than book copyright dates.