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?

 

 

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