According to Wikipedia, an anthology is a collection of literary works chosen by the compiler. Diciionary.com defines anthology as “a book or other collection of selected writings by various authors, usually in the same literary form, of the same period, or on the same topic.”
Why would a writer want to contribute to an anthology?
ANTHOLOGIES CAN BE POWERFUL MARKETING TOOLS
The contributors can write a press release announcing your participation in a new book.
Contributors can get free publicity every time the other contributors promote the book. They become a part of your marketing team and you, theirs.
The anthology promotes you to both readers and potential publishers.
Other ways to market an anthology:
Share links (you create on your own website) to the anthology on all social media channels, in blog posts you write, in your signature file and anywhere you have the opportunity to do so.
Submit the anthology to places where you can get a “review.” Clearly state your info in the signature file so you receive proper attribution for submitting the works.
Promote the anthology by participating in radio and livestream talk shows.
SIX MORE REASONS TO CONTRIBUTE TO AN ANTHOLOGY:
- ANTHOLOGIES CAN ADD TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
You can add “published author” to your bio. Anthologies are a great way to become a published author and add to your writing credentials, credibility and expertise
- ANTHOLOGIES CAN INCREASE YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
You can meet and network with the other contributors. In addition, being associated with other published authors can increase your standing in your industry. And their audience will learn about you.
- ANTHOLOGIES CAN GIVE YOU A SENSE OF SATISFACTION AND CONTRIBUTION TO A WORTHY PROJECT
If you have something to say on a particular subject but are not yet ready to write your own book, contributing to an anthology can give you the sense of satisfaction for the opportunity to share your expertise.
- ANTHOLOGIES CAN JUMP-START WRITING YOUR OWN (Or NEXT) BOOK
By learning from the experience to write a chapter in an anthology, you can gain the confidence and discipline to begin writing your own book.
- ANTHOLOGIES CAN HELP YOU BUILD YOUR FOLLOWING
You can use the finished project to build a database by offering your chapter for free in exchange for a lead. If the book being written is going to be given away for free you can offer the entire book.
- ANTHOLOGIES GENERALLY REQUIRE ONLY A SMALL INVESTMENT OF TIME AND MONEY
The barrier to entry when contributing to an anthology is often much less than that of writing your own book. You may be able to repurpose previously written works with just a few minor tweaks. Most anthological works are a lot less expensive to participate in, than that of writing and publishing your own book. In the case of ebooks, there is typically no cost for your copies of the ebook. Fees to contribute can range from FREE to up to $1000.00 or more depending on the reputation of the other authors and the publisher.
Looking for an anthology to participate in? Are you an expert in Social Media Marketing? Women in Ecommerce has recently launched the Women of Wisdom “GET” Series on Social Marketing. For more information on the project, visit: “GET SOCIAL~ Using the Power of Social Networks to Expand Your Reach and Reach Your Goals.” The Ultimate Social Media Digest .”
