Anthologies, Anyone? The Ultimate Guide to Breaking in and Getting Your Story Told

 

“Everybody’s got a story in them.”---

 

Would you like to have your personal essays, short stories and poems picked up by a traditional publisher without the hassle of having an agent? Fly to distant cities to participate in fun book signings at minimal cost? Expand your fan base and your bottom line? Enjoy perks and privileges often reserved for celebrity authors?

If so, you should target publication in one of the many popular anthology series offered by publishers, universities, and special interest projects.

 

For the uninitiated, anthologies are simply a collection of various writers’ works, typically on a specified theme. For example, the hugely popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” “serves up” dozens of different titles each year, and boasts millions of readers.

My first story on “the virtues of Mr. Wrong” appeared back in the 90’s in an anthology produced by industry giant Simon and Schuster. Since then, I have been successfully published in numerous titles that have provided good pay, prestige, and impressive publishing credits. And you can too!

 

But before we address how, here are a few interesting things you should know about anthologies.

 

WHY ANTHOLOGIES ARE SO POPULAR...

Browse the aisles at your local bookstore or even Amazon.com, and you’ll likely find a vast selection of anthology titles on an array of themes.

Anthologies remain a popular choice for today’s readers for the following reasons:

• They are quick reads that require very little time, and allow readers to start wherever they choose, and read as many or as few pages as they‘d like. It’s a quick fix for those with busy schedules, in need of a short diversion or pick-me-up, or even those with short attention spans.
• They offer a variety of perspectives, writing styles, “voices” and experiences, from authors around the world.
• They’re inexpensive; prices range from $4.95 to $9.95 typically.
• They’re entertaining with an added bonus of having a “take-away” message that helps readers to learn important lessons or deal with common struggles.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A CONTRIBUTOR…   

Though experience varies, depending upon the project and publisher, here are some perks writers of all levels and genres can expect for participation.

• Good pay. The Chicken Soup Series pays authors $200.00 for accepted short stories and even poems.
• Free books of your featured work. Typically anywhere from two books to ten.
• Discounts on future books purchased. Author discounts range from 10% off to as much as 50% off.
• The opportunity to meet celebrities and network with noted authors. For example, a blogging buddy of mine recently met disco singer Gloria Gaynor, when her essay landed in the diva’s anthology, “We Will Survive!” She described it as one of her most cherished projects as a writer.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF ACCEPTANCE (and ultimately your bottom line):

• Follow the submission guidelines to the letter! This may seem like a given, but you'd be surprised how many people overlook this very obvious criteria and
are eliminated early in the game.
• Start with a killer opening. Anthologies are typically very competitive, and you may only have a matter of minutes to draw an editor in and escape the circular file. According to author Linda O’Connell, (who has been published in “Chicken Soup” twenty times) “Anthology competition is tough. Chicken Soup for the Soul receives 1,000 or more submissions for each title call out. Editors whittle selections down to 200 and then select 101 stories for publication.”
• There’s great truth to the expression: “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”
• Strike a chord of emotion. Make the reader laugh, cry, or empathize and you're half way there.
•  Remember to tap into the five senses for optimal results.
• Your story should have an identifiable beginning, middle, and end--with smooth, easy to follow transitions.
• Take an uncommon approach to common issues. Popular themes include marriage, parenting, work woes, overcoming obstacles, dealing with death, being
  overweight and aging.
• Purchase and review a copy of one of the previous volumes of the series in which you are submitting your work. To save money, you can also find quite a few titles at local thrift stores for under a buck. Observe the style, length, titles, and topics of stories included. Does there seem to be a common “ingredient” in writers’ recipes for success?
• Give readers some type of take-away value. What can they learn from what you've shared? How can it improve their lives or enhance their way of thinking? Or maybe your goal is just to provide some “comic relief.” Assess and apply.
• Write tight! Eliminate any unnecessary phrases or long winded explanations. Avoid typos and awkward sentences. Remember the “K.I.S.S.” principle.
  

DON’T BE A "CHICKEN" ABOUT SUBMITTING TO LOW-PAYING OR “CONTRIBUTORS’ COPIES” PROJECTS…

Like many writing projects, some anthologies pay; others do not. Research is essential to finding the ones that align with your creative goals.

For example, this one offered by “Writers Who Rock” pays $30.00 upon acceptance for stories about cherished memories of grandmothers. See it here: http://www.writerswhorock.com/#/submissionsgrandmas/4571570498

Or this one for YA fiction that pays 5 cents per word:
http://kaleidoscope.twelfthplanetpress.com/?page_id=42

Though the ultimate goal of any “professional” writer is to earn a decent living, there is something to be said too about being strategic about writing with future opportunities in mind. You just never know what associations or collaborative projects might produce additional (paid) work.

Here’s what a few established authors have to say about their experiences with anthologies…

“If you are writing for a living, anthologies will not pay the bills. However, if you are writing for publication credits and a modest stipend, this is a good way to place your personal essays. Every writer has to examine his or her motives. As long as you do not sell all rights, you can often use the story elsewhere (and get paid) or publish a collection of your own previously published stories. From my experience, religious anthologies comparatively pay less.”---Linda O’Connell--writer, editor, and contributing author to over 25 anthologies

 

“My first published story appeared in a collection produced by Silver Boomers Books. They paid $10 and contributor's copy. A marvelous perk was when the publishers/ladies were traveling during their work (they're Texas-based), I got to have lunch with them and Chicken Soup Queen, Linda O'Connell. I picked their brains as I licked the last bit of salad dressing off my fork. Getting the chance to delve into why and how they started up their business was invaluable.”---Sioux Roslawski--Elementary school teacher, writer, blogger

 

“I’ve only heard of paying ones, and I’ve participated in several."
---Susan Reinhardt, Novelist
　

WHERE TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES AND VENUES TO PUBLISH YOUR WORK:
 

Craigslist.org

Periodically lists “calls for submissions” in their classified writing ads. Some projects offer compensation; others do not. Be sure to read the fine print.
 NewPages.com has a collection of different projects seeking submissions with ongoing deadlines. See it here: http://www.newpages.com/classifieds/calls/
 Publishing Syndicate has several series in the works: from dieting to pets, to parenting. For more info, check out their F.A.Q. page here: http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/submissions/nymb_submit_guidelines.html
Chicken Soup for the Soul is always looking for writers to cook up unique stories for various titles. All entries must be submitted through their database form. Details provided at www.Chickensoup.com/
AnthologiesOnline.com offers free articles, interviews and tips for writers interested in anthology publication.
Angiebendetti.com does a monthly markets listing with current calls for entries here: http://www.angiebenedetti.com/blog/category/anthology-market-listings/
　
Remember-- some anthologies even accept previously published submissions, as long as you retain the copyrights.

As you can see, there are endless opportunities to share your personal stories with new audiences, get paid for work you enjoy, and usher in an exciting chapter to your writing career.

 

Thoughts? Experiences here?

 

 

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

The Pros and Cons of Critique Groups for Today's Writer

---"He loves me. He loves me not."---

In my efforts to help you know more and grow more, I'm pleased to share today's great post on the advantages and disadvantages of critique groups, presented by award-winning blogger, Sarah Webb.
In all my years of writing, I've never "officially" belonged to one, but have been contemplating starting one to reap some of the benefits mentioned within this guest post.

Please share your questions and comments with Sarah, on this enlightening read.
Personal note: I had great difficulty with formatting this post due to Blogger issues and technical glitches this morning; I extend my apologies. Hopefully the structure won't compromise your reading experience or the value of this piece. 

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS?
Read how Critique Groups Stack up from Sarah's perspective...

Open Critique Groups

I’m currently part of an open critique group in my area that I discovered on Meetup.com, and the name says it all. These groups are literally open to the public and have no restrictions or qualifications for age, genre, experience, participation, attendance, group size, or anything else. They typically have some type of protocol for how to conduct their meetings, but have very few rules in general beyond common courtesy.

PROS:

·
Flexibility- You can attend whenever it’s convenient, and you’re free to experiment with the kind of writing you share. There’s no pressure, which many new writers seem to appreciate. 
·
Diversity- You’ll get a large variety of writing and perspectives.
·
Networking- You’re guaranteed to meet the most people in this type of group, so if your goal is to expand your network, this is a major perk.

CONS:

• Questionable Feedback- Because there’s no guarantee of who’s going to attend each session, there’s no guarantee about the quality of the critiques you’ll receive.

• Fluctuating Numbers- Sometimes there will be too many people to allow everyone to participate or give their comments. Other times there won’t be enough people.
• Lack of Trust- I’ve heard people complain about having to share their work at meetings where there are a lot of new people they don’t know. Since the work presented to a critique group is still developing, you may feel more secure sharing it with people you trust.

Closed Critique Groups

I’m sure you’re not surprised to learn that closed groups are the opposite of open groups. They usually have a cap on the number of members and maintain other entrance requirements such as fees, writing samples, “by invitation only” admittance, genre restrictions, etc.

PROS:

• Consistency and Control- You can maintain certain standards, which might guarantee good feedback. You can also handpick the members so that group dynamics work well.

· Accountability- There’s also more accountability to ensure that you’re continually growing in your craft. Unlike open groups, where you may end up lost in the crowd, closed groups can become pretty close knit.

 

· Specialization- Closed groups may allow you to really focus on the type of writing you’re most interested in.

 

CONS:  

• Getting In- You may not be able to get into the group you want to join. This can be rectified, however, by starting your own group. 

· Limited View Point- There’s always the possibility that closed groups are missing out on an interesting perspective. There may be a great potential member who can’t afford the monthly fees. There’s also the fact that sometimes the best feedback comes from people who don’t write in your genre, or who may be new to writing but happen to be great readers. 

 

Virtual Critique Groups

 

In addition to being in an open group that meets in person, I’m currently combining the virtual element with the critique partner. The thing about virtual groups is that you can use email, a webcam, or a combination of the two. The pros and cons depend on which you choose.

PROS:
· Save Time- Simply not having to commute to a physical location at a specified time can make life more efficient.  

· Not Limited to Local Members- A huge plus is being able to work with writers from anywhere in the world.

 

CONS:
· Lacks Personal Interaction- Email critiques lack real-time conversation and face to face interaction. The feedback is often delayed and you won’t be able to benefit from the back and forth that happens in a live group.

· Size Limitations- Even though Google+ allows multiple people to have a virtual meeting, it becomes cumbersome after a certain number of people. Skype is even more limited.

· Technical Glitches- Even if everyone in the group has premium internet service, you will still run into tech problems at some point.

Critique Partner

 

A critique partner consists of only two people who share their writing and offer feedback.

 

PROS:

• Simplicity- Here you have the greatest flexibility because only two people have to find consensus on meeting times, review methods, etc. 
· Comfort- Partners easily develop trust and get to know each other pretty well as writers and as people.
 
CONS: 
• Limited View Point- The perspective you get on your writing is the most limited here. Because of this, I suggest that you partner with someone who tends to have very different ideas than you. There ideas don’t have to be contrary, but different enough, so that they can see things in your manuscript that you might not.

 

One final point about critique groups is that they should not get in the way of actually writing. Writing is such a solitary endeavor, so I highly recommend that you at least try a critique group, but I also warn against spending more time talking about writing than you actually spend writing.

What have your experiences been with critique groups? If you haven’t joined one, are you considering it?

BIO:

Sarah L. Webb is the Internet Content Coordinator for a local TV station. She writes in many genres and is the creator of

ColorismHealing.org.

 

Thoughts on Giving Thanks...

 

With the upcoming holiday approaching, there's no better time to reflect upon the many blessings that we have been privileged to embrace throughout the year. From good friends to good health, to good food and good times, to the joy of having work that "feeds" our imagination and our souls.

The harvest has been bountiful. 

In keeping, I'd like to share a few quotes to help us cultivate an attitude of gratitude to carry us through out the week, and ultimately through out the year.

Quotes to Note...

"I woke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new."---Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy."---J. Maritain

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."---Marcel Proust

"Ignorant men don't know what good they hold in their hands until they've flung it away."---Sophocles

"I would rather be able to appreciate things I can not have than to have things I am not able to appreciate."---Elbert Hubbard

"Every time we remember to say "thank you" we experience nothing less than heaven on earth."
---Sarah Ban Breathnach

"In all things give thanks."---1Thessalonians 5:18

"He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast."---Proverbs 15:15


Sending a heartfelt thanks for your readership and support...

What are you most grateful for this year? Personally? Professionally?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

See "Spot" Run! Nominate Pen & Prosper for 2013 Top Writing Blog...

I'm doing the "Happy Dance" here over my recent nomination at Write to Done's Annual Top 10 Blogs for Writers Contest.

...And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will emerge a winner amid some pretty tough competition, folks.

Here's where you come in, Pen and Prosper "Peeps."

If you have found this to be a useful site that has helped you to grow more and know more, I hope you'll cast your vote accordingly. I would love you to help me spread the word about my spot.

And the process is painless; I promise.

Here are the guidelines.

1. Go today to Writetodone.com
2. In the comments section, nominate Pen and Prosper and give the URL (http://www.penandprosper.blogspot.com)
3. Tell why.

Easy peasy. This annual contest rewards and recognizes all the hard work, ingenuity and effort  invested by today's top bloggers, and I hope you'll consider me deserving. :-)

Tweet it. Share it. Shout it...We can do this!

A special thanks to those of you who have already taken the time to make a difference.

Oh yeah, the deadline is December 12th, but don't wait that late.
You know you'll be way too stuffed from turkey after Thanksgiving to even budge. :-)

Have a great weekend.

Smooches,

Jen 

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

How to Write a Bodacious "About Me" Page for Your Blog or Website!

One of the most important pages to attract and retain future fans and followers at your site, is the "About Me" page. Yet, I'm amazed at how often folks miss the mark.
Unfortunately, not enough attention is devoted to this crucial element of Blog construction.
Contrary to popular opinion, the "About Me" page is really not about you; it's about your readers.

Accordingly, it should be crafted to answer these key questions, if your ultimate goal is to "win friends and influence people."

WHO

• Who are you? Give us a glimpse of the person behind the words. What makes you different or interesting?

WHO

• Who is your target audience? Mine is writers and creative artists. (Although I'm pleased to say that I have folks from all walks of life and various professions here at Pen & Prosper).  

WHAT

• What is your goal and your game plan? Is your Blog's objective to entertain? To inform? To create awareness of an important cause?
• What makes your Blog different? What can readers expect to take away?
• What is your "call to action?" In other words, what would you like for readers to do once they land on your spot? Join your mailing list? Buy your products? Join the conversation? Get the idea here?

WHY

• If your blog is professional, what qualifies you to speak on the topic addressed? Why should we follow your advice, or follow your foot steps? For example, on my page I include my background experience in writing, which includes, (but is not limited to) :
• Being a columnist
• Being an award-winning Blogger
• Having professional experience in various genres
• Over a decade of being published and paid for work in online and print publications

Additionally, here are some other timely tips to make the most of your "About Me" Page.

• Do a little research. Check out the (A.M.P.) of other bloggers you follow. What stood out for you? What motivated you to sign up or return? Assess and apply. Of course, you shouldn't copy their style and techniques exactly, as originality is important to your success.
• Make sure to include an attractive or fun photo of you; which allows readers to connect even more and get a sense of who you are.
• Consider adding your favorite quote, or even a complimentary quote from one of your blog readers.
• Make sure to observe a good "sharing" balance. In other words, don't tell too much. Don't share too little.
• Apply humor, when possible. It helps to stand out and be remembered.
• Have a conversational tone.
• Thank readers for their time and support.

Done correctly, your "About Me" Page can help readers get to know you better, and want to get to know you more.

Thoughts?

Image: Nikola Hartmann

  

The Big Reveal...8 Ways to Make Your Blog "Book-Mark" Worthy!

First, I'd like to start off by welcoming my new followers.
What a pleasure to have you join us!
I'm tickled pink that I've gained numerous new "peeps" to Pen and Prosper within the last week. Yay! I hope you'll feel free to jump in any time with questions, comments, or an informal introduction of who you are and what brings you here. No pressure. :-)
You'll find a welcoming community and a broad range of topics covered.

Okay, on to today's topic...
You've started a blog. Broken through your blog "fog" to determine your theme, blogging frequency, and target audience even.

From time to time you've also managed to land a guest post on other sites in your niche.
Now what?
How do you get "repeat business?"  Get folks to not just check you out, but to come back again, settle in, and stay for a while?
To have an audience interact and engage with you...to create a community of support.
Especially given the fact that there are a gazillion other blogs out there vying for their attention.

Well, besides paying them, begging, or offering up your first born, here are a few practices and principles you may want to consider, based upon my many years of experience, (blogging for myself and others).
By the way, these tips work equally well for those of you who are contemplating starting a blog, but need a little guidance on what to do to maximize your efforts.

1. Have a passion for your subject matter.
Passion is an important "intangible" that can be felt and easily detected.
It inspires and engages others. It's contagious. Don't "fake it til you make it." You'll cheat yourself and your potential fans. Choose a subject that keeps you up late at night and gets you excited about waking up in the morning. Writing and helping others does that for me. For you, it may be cooking or crafting, or education even.

2. Stay focused.
Though there are different schools of thought here, I'm a firm believer that blogs that have a consistent, designated "theme" fare better than those where the blogger tries to tackle everything from art to zoology. Of course, this doesn't mean that from time to time you can't deviate just a little--but when possible, still try to tie in your post with the original purpose of your blog. Remember the K.I.S.S. Principle.

3. Provide take away value.
A common mistake that many bloggers make is making their site all about THEM.
Though it should be a genuine reflection of your thoughts, your goals, and your preferences, at the end of the day readers really want to know this... What's in it for them? Deliver. And they'll come back.

4. Be "multi-lingual."
Depending upon the mood and my intended "message" you'll encounter everything from "geek speak" to "street speak!" I may use a little Ebonics, Pig Latin, and I even know a little Espanol. :-)
Most of all, make sure that your tone is categorically conversational.

5. Speaking of language---Invite a few guest posters to add their "voice" and their unique message.
I always love having other writers and poets to share "quality" guest posts and expertise here at Pen & Prosper. Though I have a diverse publishing background, there's always room for growth, achieved by useful tips and info provided by others. And I'm proud to consider myself a life-long learner. How about you?

6. Make sure your site is easy on the eyes and easy to navigate.
A clean, uncluttered design with a font style that's simple and large enough to be read by those who may not have 20/20 vision often works best. And please, don't have loud music that begins when folks click on to your site; if it's not expected it can be scary and compromise their experience.

7. Be consistent.
There's nothing I hate more than to get hooked on a good blog, come back for more, and find that the blogger is M.I.A. Hello? Where are you?
No matter how "interesting" you are, I'm not interested in playing an online game of "hide and seek."
Value your readers' time. :-)

8. Tickle their funny bone.
We live in serious times. True? Unemployment. Inflation. Health care issues. Failures in education.
Discrimination. Natural disasters. The list goes on. Allow readers to escape the gravity of it all, by sometimes infusing a little humor in your posts, when applicable.


And remember, If you labor over your words, readers won't have to.
So, be sure to check for typos and grammatical errors before you hit that "publish" button...

Follow these timely tips and you'll have more readers to follow you.

Your turn?
Agree or disagree? What would you add?


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net