It’s time for the A to Z Challenge created by the fabulous Arlee Bird in 2010. I look forward to it every year, but this year it will be a real challenge. I watched the days slipping away—the big theme reveal came and went. My mind was elsewhere. So, bear with me as I write and post off the top of my head about subjects dear to my heart: writing, coaching, and inspiring others.
Let’s talk about anthologies, a published collection of writings by different authors.
Today I was sitting with another writer in a restaurant when she told me she couldn’t figure out anthologies. She doesn’t like them because they’re like a desperate act to get published. Well, she didn’t exactly call them a desperate act but that’s what she meant. I didn’t take offense because my novella anthology won’t be out for several more months, and that’s what she was talking about–novellas–not poetry anthologies or short stories, or Chicken Soup for the Soul. She wonders why an author wouldn’t publish her novella herself instead of grouping it with others. Good question.
I’ve never thought about it, but my friend is the second person to “dis” anthologies to me during the past month, and though I disagree with her, I didn’t change her mind—which makes me wonder how others feel.
Do you buy or read novella anthologies?
Do you read all the stories included?
Do you submit to anthologies?
Years ago a well-known publishing company published novella anthologies with three experienced authors and a newbie. It was a good opportunity for the new writer. Today, many authors pull together a team of friends to publish together using a specific theme or idea. I’m not sure their reason–it’s just fun.
I always encourage new writers—those who are unpublished or with few credits–to submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul, or other anthologies I learn about. To me, a byline (any publishing credit) is a precious thing.
Tell me how you feel about anthologies.
I don’t read anthologies personally but more because I don’t really know where to get them or how to find ones I’d be interested in. Generally I like to buy novel sized stories, but I know there’s a market for shorter fiction and a lot of indie writers use anthologies. I think they’re a great idea and I’d like to understand them better. 🙂
I’m currently writing a short story serial, it’s possible an anthology might be the way to publish this what do you think?
Hi Jessica, thanks for your comment. I just went to Amazon and searched “anthologies.” A lot popped up and a few FREE ones. You might check them out, read a few to see what you think. I’m not sure what you mean by short story serial. Do you mean a short story that ends with a cliff hanger and then the next “book” is part two of the short story and will end with another cliffhanger? In the end, you have 4 or 6 chapters of a … novella? I’ve read that’s tricky because sometimes readers get angry that they have to purchase several installments to learn what happens. Of course, some readers can appreciate it. In the “old days” newspapers serialized fiction that way. I also searched “serialized stories” on Amazon and found some here: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=%22serialized%22+stories&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A%22serialized%22+stories But, my thought is: you have a vision of what you want to do and what you want to accomplish. Just go for it and follow your plan. 🙂 Do your research on Amazon then forge ahead. No second guessing!
I started out with publishing short stories in a literary magazine. I also applied to anthologies, but journals and magazines just worked out better. They look good on the CV anyway 🙂 I don’t read many of them, and when I do, I usually prefer short story collections by one author.
Happy A to Z! 🙂
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
Thanks, Tarkabarka! Come back to see me. 🙂
I love short stories/anthologies.
Actually, I was invited to submit a story which will be part of an anthology set to be released on 31 May.
It’s a themed collection: The Thing That Turned Me. There are approximately 30 contributors.
Recently, I read a collection of stories written by Joyce Carol Oates. It was my first time reading the work of this amazing author!
Michelle, that’s wonderful! Congratulations! I know you’re excited.
Believe it or not, I’ve never read JCO and I should because everything I hear about her fascinates me. I’ve read she writes in long-hand. 🙂
Long hand? A woman after my own heart.
Her writing is deep…gritty…disturbing…heavy. It will move you. One way or the other.
Actually, reading small doses at a time is recommended because it can be quite ‘suffocating’… and I felt the need to ‘come up for air’ between stories.
I wish I could write in long hand. I have a friend who does. You’ve made me definitely want to try JCO again.
I read anthologies frequently – short stories and novellas. Sometimes I buy them because I like the theme, and sometimes it’s because an author I know is included. I usually read the whole anthology, but I occasionally come across one that I just can’t get through. I’ve been included in several anthologies, and I think they are a great way to reach new readers that might not try you if you only published stand alone works. Best of luck on A to Z!
Sylvia
http://www.sylviacney.com
Anthologies are fun. Especially when a few writers get together, plot their stories and bring it out themselves. ?
Hi, Jess. Nice post. Good questions. Maybe sometime we can go to a restaurant and I will tell you my thoughts on anthologies. ; )
I’m looking forward to reading your posts. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Thanks for stopping by, Heather. Would love to visit, and I think you should submit to some anthologies!
I have a series of novellas set in the same universe planned for the future, and I have to say that except perhaps at the lower end of the word counts I don’t see the point of an anthology vs self publishing them for a lower price than a regular novel since it takes so few to equal the average novel. Maybe if you don’t want to do the marketing though… I do have a couple of anthologies I have my eye on entering short stories to, and I’ve read short story anthologies in the past. They aren’t really that different from a magazine or journal or what have you. How or where you publish is such an individual thing. In the end, I support any author trying to put themselves out there and get published, whatever way they choose. (Although I’d warn them to be wary of scams.)
You’re absolutely right about Scams! A lot of them out there. I’m beginning to wonder if the anthology thing is passé in that older writers or those who have been writing novels for years take part in them. When I think of anthologies I think of 4+ authors coming together and plotting a theme-style book, and their individual stories having some kind of connection. If they indie pub then they share expenses for cover, promotion, etc. Thanks for popping in, Alex. And good luck with your series!
Hi Jessica! Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday. I appreciate the comment and the visit!
I’ve never thought anthologies were a bad thing. I read a lot of them in college and I think they would be a good start to a publishing career. I’ve considered submitting to literary journals and I feel they’re, in a way, the same thing: a collection of works my multiple authors. Like you, I’d consider any publishing by-line a good start! That’s my goal for this year: to complete a couple of short works to polish up and submit next year.
Thanks for the post! I’ll definitely check out anthology submissions in the future!
Cheers,
Jen
Interesting, Jen. I’ve never considered lit journals akin to anthologies, but you’re absolutely right. 🙂 Good luck with your submissions and your goal. Hope I get to “celebrate success” with you!