Anthology - Pros & cons

Let us start with a definition...

Anthology - A published collection of poems or other pieces of writing, "An anthology of European poetry."

Lately, I have received a variety of queries about anthologies. Some are curious reader, some newbie authors some are authors that haven't participated and wanted to know what it was all about. "Should we participate in a paid anthology?," "Are anthologies good for our writing career?" And even "What are the benefits?"

For me, It was a way to slowly work my way into the writing community. I started with blogging little shorts and some poems. When I received few followers that like my work they sent me links for anthologies they thought I would do well in.

It launched my career. However, you must be careful. More on why later first, what are the readers' advantages? >>

Advantages to readers;

If they enjoyed the anthology piece, they will seek out other work by that author. Stories that are short and can be read quickly. this makes the book easy to digest. An anthology shows many different interpretations of a theme or genre.

One thing I failed to do was check the background of the Publishing house. Now for me, it turned out okay-ish. I was nieve and a novice. We live and learn.

A Pro would be gaining some of the other authors involved following. They will give you some audience and help build your platform.

A con Would be if the publishing house was a fake, a money-making scheme that offers you nothing but embarrassment. You can stop this from happening by checking their publications online or looking for the publication house on the .gov website. by law, they must register as a business.

Another point raised was the authors involved and/or the publication house being reputable. Are they going to give you a bad name by working with them, research them?

Make sure no one you are about to be contracted to are involved in a thing you wish not to be associated with.

That brings me on to my next point nicely.

Contracts!

Make sure you sign a contract, and read it carefully. This will break you into the world of writing nicely and give you your first taste of contracts.

Con with contracts and anthologies, you will only receive 10% of the royalties, that will be split between the other authors and the publication house will always get more.

But at least your getting paid right?

I loved being involved in some anthologies however, some took a toll. They can be frustrating because you may not have control or the last say in what the cover will be or have control with the price. You have to do your own sales as is the case with all writing work, though some authors don't do anything and drag you down. Others are very good at getting to word out about the anthology.

There is no one answer with anthologies, I suggest trying it. Make up your own mind and just because you have one bad experience doesn't mean next time will be the same.

Though I will not be participating in one for a while. personal preference. really.