Anthologies Can Help—and Also Hurt

Anthologies can be a great way for new writers to get their names out there, or for more established writers to jumpstart a flagging career. If you’re in a book of short stories with other writers who might be more well-known than you are, you’ll likely come to the attention of readers who otherwise might not get to know you.

They can also help you build community. And the ability to build community in one of the most solitary professions out there can’t be underestimated.

So how do you get in one, you might ask? Here are a couple of ideas:

1)    Indie anthology: Gather up the members of your critique group—or your writers group or any similar group—and ask each of them to each write a short story. You’ll likely want to agree on a theme that appeals to all, so all are comfortable writing to it. Some themes that are perennial favorites include summer romance, holiday happily-ever-afters, and wine.  

Indie authors—and I include myself in that bunch—are indie for a reason. So, everyone needs to be willing to invest the time and the energy to do everything—from writing to editing to marketing—to get that anthology out the door.

But done well, these anthologies likely will appeal to readers, for short fiction works well on phones and tablets. And it can provide some income, but much depends on how upfront costs were covered and royalties are distributed. Writers sometimes agree to donate all proceeds to charity, which can be another way to generate interest.

2)    Answer calls for submissions. Editors or publishing houses will sometimes ask writers to submit a work for an anthology based on a certain topic—such as memoir or poetry or a personal essay. (Think the Chicken Soup series.) If your work is chosen, you might receive payment in a flat fee or through royalties. Whatever the method of payment, ensure you only hand over first rights.

You’ll find calls for anthologies in magazines such as Poets & Writers, blogs such Submittable from the submission management system, and on social media, such as Twitter.

Depending on where you are in your career, such an anthology might provide a boost in readership and status and income.

But be aware that you won’t have as much control over what happens to your words after they leave your computer as you would if you were in an indie anthology.

But choose your publishing partners carefully. There are plenty of scammers ready to take your money to publish your work in a select “anthology” where everyone who submits and hands over cash is accepted. That’s not going to do your career or your pocketbook any good.

And, in addition to making sure you have the time and the energy to take on such a project, ensure it meets your publishing goals. If you’re trying to build a following in, say, romance, a science fiction anthology won’t be of any use.

But with care, an anthology—or a series of them—can give your career, your network, and your pocketbook a boost.