Read. The most important thing you can do is to read widely and tirelessly. Yes, you should read the great masters of all ages, but don't forget poets of your own era, for they are facing the same challenges and possibilities and frustrations as you. Use your knowledge of past poets and apply those skills, methods, and attitudes to the trials of the present. Make your work of this moment – which is, after all, your moment – but steep it in history.
Also, read things other than poetry. Read history, science, biology, economics,fiction, religion, ethics, philosophy, etc. Read the newspapers, read magazines, read anything you can get your hands on. Remember to challenge yourself and your ideas. Don't read only those who agree with you and your world view.

Advice to Young Poets by Kevin Stein

Publishing a volume of verse is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo.

Don Marquis