The majority of first books in the States are published as winners of competitions (Yale Younger Poets, New Issues, Agnes Starrett Lynch, Walt Whitman Award, etc., etc.), and all of them have an entry fee. On top of this, there are many other poetry books published by competition (Cleveland State U. Poetry Center, Switchband, T.S. Eliot Prize, National Poetry Series, etc.). It's not unusual to hear of a well-received, prizewinning book that was only published on its entry to a fortieth or later competition, after the author had spent over a grand on entry fees.

I greatly prefer the system in the UK!

Cheers,

Carrie