Authors: 5 Tips for Participating in Anthologies

Welcome, Author Bokerah Brumley!
Bokerah has some tips for us on participating in anthologies--awesome! And no wonder, with this fab anthology about to debut. She's also giving away a $10 GC, so stay tuned to the end of the post ...

Bokerah says: Yes, it’s safe to say that I love anthologies. I enjoy the teamwork a multi-author project generally creates. The cross-promotion is invaluable in growing my own platform, and I always glean a lot from the other authors.

Here are five tips I’ve learned from participating in successful anthologies.

1)      Elect a leader. The best anthologies usually have one or two people with “the master plan.” It helps to have one person that can answer all the questions or keep authors focused. It also works better if all of the details are voted on before a decision is needed. Don’t set the release date unless all the detail decisions (title, final release date, submission date, etc) have been made. It’s hard to be on different sides of any issues and still be excited about writing the necessary words.

2)      Be flexible. Invariably, the anthology lead will make a decision that, in your opinion, is

     less than ideal. But think of an anthology as a commercial for your work. It matters MORE that the anthology gets into the hands of as many people as possible, into as wide a market as possible. Be willing to allow advertising venues or cover art that isn’t quite your cup of tea. Most anthologies are about reaching new customers. Discuss any differences in private messages. If there is a proven method that works and has been proven to work for you, let the lead know. Otherwise, go with the flow.

3)      If you type the words, “I don’t care,” MEAN THEM. I’ve watched whole threads

dissolve in indecision because an author’s first comment was “I don’t care” when they DID care. If you care about the outcome of a decision, by all means, voice your opinion, but don’t expect the anthology lead to pick your preference. It’s okay if they don’t. An anthology is a collective and if you aren’t the boss, you can care, but keep it drama-free. All the other authors will love you for it. If you can’t pull that off without nursing hurt feelings, maybe an anthology isn’t for you. And that is OKAY. This industry takes all kinds.

4)      Contracts help. I know, it sounds a little harsh. After all, these other anthology authors have been your online friends a long time, right? I get that. But a contract that delineates release date, exclusivity (or non-exclusivity), length of anthology publication, price point or other important details can be helpful to long-term satisfaction of all involved. It can keep friendships together. The contract puts expectations in black and white. And it might be the first time that the participants really think hard about what’s required when they sign on.

5)      Have fun. Be cheerful. Use a gah-million smiley faces. Happy, happy, happy. Yes, most of the authors already know that best seller status probably isn’t going to happen, but it’s nice to dream a minute before reality checks in with a bad review or lagging sales. You don’t have to be the voice of reality all the time. Enjoy the process.

On April 13, 2016, the third indie anthology project I’ve participated in will be released (Enchanted: The Fairy Revels Collection).  And here’s a giveaway in honor of the upcoming release of Woe for a Faerie!

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/309ef1aa116/

On April 30, 2016, the fourth will release, Where the Light May Lead.  The fifth, Cursed: The Beasts of Summer, will be out in July.

About the author:

Bokerah Brumley is a speculative fiction writer making stuff up on a trampoline in West Texas. When she’s not playing with the quirky characters in her head, she’s addicted to Twitter pitch events, writing contests, and social media, in general. With three urban fantasy novella releases scheduled for 2016, Bokerah has too much planned for this year, but is happily doing it anyway. She lives on ten acres with five home-educated children, four peacocks, three dogs, two cats, and one husband. In her imaginary spare time, she also serves as the blue-haired Publicity Officer for the Cisco Writers Club.

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