Should I Participate In An Anthology?

A few weeks ago, I was asked this question by a potential client "I've been invited to be a participating author of a chapter in a book. I've seen this author do this with other entrepreneurs and I wondered whether it was a good idea?"

I've seen enough of these anthologies to know that most people use them as a stepping stone to go on to write their own book and in that regard it can be a great thing, but I can’t make the decision for you and I want you to be well informed.

While anthologies or collaborations are powerful and exciting opportunities it’s always good to make an informed decision.

Why am I paying for this ?

There are very real costs involved for the editing, proof-reading, formatting, design, printing, etc, etc.

I don't think it's unreasonable that the contributors should share that cost, just as you'd expect to pay those costs for your own self-published book. But what are you getting for this? Are you being promised to be promoted to a large group? Are you being promised to just be an author ? Are they working towards making you a best selling author?

Will I get a return ?

Every anthology is different. Some will make you pay an upfront cost and get part of the royalties. Some will keep all of the royalties and you just get to be known as an author in the book. This is something to consider as you’re making your decision. Also this could be impacted by other people in the project and their marketing efforts so get an idea if everyone is held to the same level or expectation when it comes to marketing

What experience does this person have with writing a book?

When you were a new author the entire process of writing a book is overwhelming. Let alone writing an anthology can make it even more exhausting. So consider what experience this person has with writing and publishing. This could determine the entire experience.

What is the plan for marketing?

This is huge because a lot of my clients will get to the end and when it comes time to market feel nervous about sharing a book that only has 3 pages out of 150 contributed for them. So you need to see if the marketing plan is something you’re willing to commit to. Sometimes you will hear the publisher say we all have 10,000 followers on our list and there will be 20 authors not we are reaching 200,000 people but if everyone is lukewarm about marketing is it really going to reach that many people. Or if it’s not aligned with your brand or your audience you may be less likely to promote it as well as the other authors on the project may be less likely to promote it.

What’s in it for you?

Consider what it is that you’re currently committed to. Remember for every yes you say to someone else you’re saying no to some extent to yourself. It’s important that you also look at the benefits that this book could have for you.

If you're being promised positioning and reach and all those things that come when you're a published author naturally. You will also get a better position and reach and be seen as an expert more so when you have your own book.

Is it aligned with the message you want to share? Are the people those you want to be connected with? Sometimes the other authors in the book aren’t people you want to be associated with or maybe they don’t have a large following and so they have more of a benefit than you do. Are you doing this just to say you’re a published author? Some people would do this because it seems like the easier route. You can submit something you already have a ride just one chapter super quick. But the easiest route doesn’t necessarily mean the best route. Now it’s self publishing you could take that one chapter that seems easy to you and publish a 10,000 word e-book and still be considered an author.

These are all important things to consider. Before making a decision it’s important you weigh in all of this. Remember your published work is a reflection of you for years to come.

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