Getting the Story Straight

The Whys and Hows of Submitting Stories to Anthologies

De: Weldon Burge

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

WRITING AND MARKETING SHORT STORIES

How do you find markets for your short fiction? Consider submitting to anthologies. This book will help you tailor your short stories for the best chances for acceptance and publication. Many editors and writers (many of them contributors to Smart Rhino anthologies) have shared their observations, suggestions, and advice. They are quoted throughout the book, and we hope you'll find their opinions and recommendations helpful.

Many of us cut our teeth writing short stories. Why submit to anthologies? Many writers find them to be easier markets than magazines. Anthologies typically have narrower themes—and the narrower the theme, the better your odds of acceptance. Assuming, of course, that your story meets that theme. Stories that squarely hit an anthology’s target will likely go to the top of an editor’s pile of submissions. Another thing to consider is that an anthology can provide a market for your previously published work. Although many anthologies accept only unpublished work, many are also open to reprints. In fact, some anthologies accept only previously published work. If one of your previously published stories meets an anthology theme and the anthology welcomes reprints, polish it a bit and send it along.

WRITING ADVICE FROM AN EXPERIENCED PUBLISHER, EDITOR, AND AUTHOR

Weldon Burge is the founder and executive editor of Smart Rhino Publications, a small independent publisher that focuses on horror and suspense anthologies. Like many other anthologists, he has worked on both sides of the desk—editing and writing for anthologies. The focus of this book comes from both perspectives. As Weldon wrote this book, he also asked other editors and writers (many of them contributors to Smart Rhino anthologies) for their observations, suggestions, and advice. He has quoted them throughout the book.

One last note about this book. This is not a how-to on writing techniques. You won’t learn how to write your short stories—there are plenty of other books and magazines to help you with that. The focus here is on how to submit short fiction to anthologies. If that’s your goal, read on!

REVIEWS

"There is a wealth of information I wish I'd had when I'd started out submitting to anthologies." -- Armand Rosamilia, author of Seal the Deal, High on Bigfoot, and Chelsea Avenue

"This most excellent book by the inimitable Weldon Burge should be required reading for anyone who wants to submit to an anthology. Want to be an editor's friend (which I highly recommend), then read this book." -- Carson Buckingham, author of Too Late for Prayin' and Gothic Revival

"Weldon Burge, an editor and publisher, as well as author, offers his advice simply and cordially. In addition, he enlists the suggestions of other writers and editors who draw on their own experiences of working with anthologies." -- Martin Zeigler, contributor to Insidious Assassins, Something Wicked This Way Rides, Zippered Flesh 3, and other anthologies