How to write and publish an anthology?

An anthology is a collection of selected writings by various authors, and usually, the several stories or writings are in the same literary form, of the same period, or on the same theme. Alternatively, it can also be a collection of selected writings by one author.

If you are interested in publishing a collaborative anthology, here is a guide to writing and publishing an anthology.

Steps to create a collaborative anthology

Find an interesting theme

Once you have decided that you want to create an anthology, the first step is to find an interesting topic. The theme can be as generic or as specific as you want it to be.The stories can be of any genre like philosophy, inspirational, non-fiction, romance, thriller, mystery, fantasy, horror, history, mythology, etc.

Set goals

Once you have decided the theme, go ahead and create a few goals. Your goals must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Once the goals are set, you need to start working towards them. Also, at this point, you must decide if you are going to go with traditional publishing or self-publish the book.

Frame guidelines for contributing writers

This step is not only important, but it is also time-consuming.The first rule should be a regulation on the word count. Other guidelines can be about the tone, language, narration style, theme, formatting, etc.Finally, the most important guideline should be about the legal details. You need to write clear rules and regulations when it comes to copyright, royalty, and payment. If the amount earned via the book goes to charity, you need to specify that as well.

Find a publisher

Once you have decided what kind of publishing you want to do, approach the various publishing houses that will be assisting you on the same.

Collect necessary documents and the manuscript

Apart from the manuscript, contributors participating in the anthology must provide you a copyright transfer form, a consent letter, etc. Also, if your anthology is based on real-life events, you might also need to get consent letters from the people involved.

Edit the manuscripts

Depending on the quality of entries, decide if you are going to publish them all or select the best ones. Once selected, edit the stories that will go on the anthology. Like in any book, even in anthologies, editing plays a significant role.

Cover design

The cover, if not already designed, needs to be created, keeping in mind the genre, theme, and winning stories.

Book finalized

A month before release, the finished book is created and sent to distributors and the printer. Copies are ordered for the author and the organization/publisher.

Assembling an anthology is hard work, but it can also be very rewarding work. We had the good fortune to receive stories from all over the world from people in various walks of life, as they talked about their personal brushes with fate. And, we were fortunate to have become Internet friends with many of the contributors to our book.

I hope this article will be helpful to you. Follow Lone Thread Books to learn more about reading, writing, and publishing.

| By, Aswy Hanna Paul, Lone Thread Books. |