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Five Signs of Auspicious Anthologies

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled

Earlier this week I saw a post over at the NewPages.com blog on anthology submission calls that reminded me of an article I published in our newsletter about a year ago. What I wrote back then still holds true, so I thought I’d reprint it here. Hope you enjoy it–and find it useful. And please add your take in comments: What makes you choose to submit to an anthology call? What advice would you offer fellow writers?

SIGNS OF AUSPICIOUS ANTHOLOGIES

by Erika Dreifus

Quite recently WritersWeekly.com, a popular writers’ site, published an “Ask the Expert” reader’s question about the wisdom of submitting to anthologies, along with Angela Hoy’s response. That exchange left a decidedly negative impression about anthologies, leveling a specific charge against anthologies that require writers to submit full manuscripts rather than queries. It prompted me to think carefully about the reasons I do publish (selected) anthology calls in my own newsletter for writers, and on my blog, and about the aspects of such calls that can prompt me to submit my own work. I was able to consolidate these thoughts into five Signs of Auspicious Anthologies to share with you.

1) SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS. You can continue to submit your poem, essay, or short story elsewhere (only to other publications that allow simsubs, of course), while you wait for the anthology editor’s response. In this respect, practicing writers recognize that submitting to an anthology resembles closely the similarly competitive process of submitting to a literary journal. Literary journals typically require you to submit the entire story, poem, or essay “on spec.” Usually it’s a creative piece you’ve already written. (Unless you’re a pretty well-known and well-published writer, sending a query before writing a story, poem, or essay for publication simply won’t get you very far.) The exceptions as far as literary journals are concerned tend to be for book reviews and interviews, where queries are often required, in part to reduce the chance of multiple writers working on the same material. Check literary journals, including many profiled within WritersWeekly.com’s own market listings, for examples.

2) REPRINTS WELCOME. You’ve already published the piece and retain rights to it? Look for those anthologies that consider reprints (among them: volumes published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, Cup of Comfort, God Allows U-Turns, and Travelers’ Tales). Linked to “reprints welcome” are policies of purchasing “nonexclusive” or “one-time” rights. An anthology should not be seeking “all rights” to your work.

3) PAYMENT. Some anthologies pay more than token amounts–into triple digits. Especially for a reprint, that’s nice.

4) FREE COPIES–PLUS DISCOUNTS–OFFERED. Avoid any anthology “opportunity” that requires you to purchase a copy of the completed book containing your work (as usual, any mention of an anthology “reading fee” should make you wary, too). You should receive at least one complimentary copy. It’s even better if you’re given a discount (50% is not uncommon) on additional copies, so you can sell the book at your own readings and events.

5) IT’S FOR A GOOD CAUSE. We all know there may be moments when some writers may be willing to “write for free.” Depending on your outlook (or checkbook), an anthology whose profits will go to something like Katrina or tsunami relief rather than to its authors/editors may be worth your effort, too.

Of course, you may not find all these criteria within a given anthology call. It’s possible, for example, that an anthology editor may not welcome reprints, but will be happy for you to continue submitting your work to other editors/publications while you’re waiting for his or her response. Or a publisher may seek first rights only but may also pay more for them.

As with all publishing opportunities, you should proceed with caution as you approach anthologies. But it doesn’t seem right to dismiss them altogether.

Anthology publishers mentioned in this article:

Chicken Soup for the Soul
(Note that you can find more information about selected Chicken Soup for the Soul titles at The Publishing Syndicate, where Ken and Dahlynn McKowen offer details about specific books they’re developing.)

Cup of Comfort

God Allows U-Turns

Travelers’ Tales

(c) Copyright 2006 by Erika Dreifus

Friday Find: Poets & Writers (September-October issue)

by Erika Dreifus on
1

If, like me, you’re waiting for the print issue of the September/October Poets & Writers to arrive (I’m especially eager to read my friend Andrew Furman’s article on “The Creative Nonfiction Crisis”), you can sneak a peek into some of the contents online this weekend. As usual, the “News & Trends” pieces are accessible on the Internet, with this issue including Sarah Weinman (also on creative nonfiction); Joe Woodward on On the Road‘s anniversary; and Kevin Larimer’s columns on small presses and literary journals. Enjoy!

Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled

Attention, New York writers! “Artists’ Fellowships are $7,000 cash awards made to individual originating artists living and working in the state of New York for unrestricted use.” For the current grant cycle, applications are welcome in the fields of fiction, playwriting/screenwriting, and other (visual/performing) art fields. The application deadline is October 3, and there’s no application fee. There are, however, several eligibility criteria (for example, I am not yet eligible to apply because I have not lived in New York long enough). Check the NYFA site for more information and application materials.

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And here’s something for writers in Washington, D.C.: “Poets & Writers, Inc. is pleased to invite you to apply for the 2008 Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award.” This award is open to writers in different states each year. This year Washington D.C. resident poets and fiction writers who have a) never published published a book, or b) have published (self-published books do not count) no more than one full-length book in the genre in which they are applying, and c) have resided in D.C. for at least two years prior to manuscript submission are eligible. Prize in each genre includes $500; a trip to New York City in October 2008 to meet with editors, agents, publishers, and other writers; and an optional one-month residency at the Jentel Artist Residency Program in Wyoming. There’s no application fee. Deadline: December 1, 2007. Details and entry form here.

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Crab Orchard Review is looking for submissions (fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction) for a special issue on “‘The In-Between Age: Writers on Adolescence.'” Pays: $20/published magazine page ($50 minimum for poetry, $100 minimum for prose). Submission deadline: October 31. Guidelines here. (via CRWROPPS)

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If you’re planning to pitch Fit Pregnancy, you may find this profile of new Associate Editor Jennifer Carofano helpful.

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Thinking of pitching ELDR, a new publication whose tagline is “Celebrate Aging”? Read this column about the magazine for more information about its focus and editorial interests.

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Received an announcement last week from A Midsummer Night’s Press about two new annual anthologies: Best Gay Poetry and Best Lesbian Poetry. For the 2008 editions, they’re looking for poetry published during 2007. “Poems can have appeared in print or online magazines, journals, or anthologies; we are also willing to consider poems from books or chapbooks first published in 2007, even if the poem was originally published previously in periodicals, so long as the poet has the right to reprint the poem.” The publisher tells me that compensation will be determined once the final number of contributors is known (dividing up a small budget). Deadline: December 1, 2007. Submission information here.

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The University of the Arts (Philadelphia) is looking for an “established poet/teacher…to teach one or two sections of Poetry Writing Workshop at The University of the Arts.” See the announcement at HigherEdJobs.com.

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The State University of New York at Buffalo is searching for an associate/full professor of English. Specifically, they seek a “Prestigious poet committed to the innovative traditions of modernist and contemporary poetry. Candidates must currently hold the rank of associate professor or professor and/or have an extensive and distinguished record of publication. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to teach solid and inventive undergraduate courses, and bring fresh perspectives to the study of poetry and poetics as demonstrated by a record of writing and teaching interests appropriate to seminars in large M.A./Ph.D program.” Application deadline: October 15, 2007. More information at HigherEdJobs.com.

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The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Boston) is calling for adjunct faculty to teach Expository Writing. See the announcement at HigherEdJobs.com.

Cup of Comfort Anthology Calls

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled

This updated call for anthology submissions arrived via e-mail this weekend. Please be sure to check the Web site indicated for submission instructions.

CALL FOR INSPIRING TRUE STORIES: ALZHEIMER’S, BREAST CANCER, DIVORCE

The bestselling Cup of Comfort book series is seeking submissions for publication consideration in three new books. Stories must be true, uplifting, and 1000 to 2000 words. For writer’s guidelines: www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm.

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR CHILDREN AND SPOUSES OF PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S

What happens when the person who raised you or the person with whom you raised your children slowly becomes a child who doesn’t know you? What if that loved one changes so drastically that he or she is virtually a stranger to you? What if that person is difficult to deal with and requires substantial assistance? How will the reality of having a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s affect you and your family—emotionally, financially, physically, socially, personally, professionally? The inspiring stories in this collection will answer those questions and more—and will show how love prevails and how lives thrive when a spouse or parent has Alzheimer’s.

$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book.

Submission Deadline: October 1, 2007

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR DIVORCED WOMEN

Divorce in the 21st century should come with an instruction manual, a release valve, and a support system. This anthology will serve essentially those three purposes, in the form of comforting, insightful, and inspirational stories about surviving and thriving during and after divorce. We seek uplifting, contemporary stories on a wide range of topics of importance to divorced women—including but not limited to: dating, children, relationship with ex, in-laws, finances, friends, solitude, personal transformation, healing, revenge, mending fences, the ex’s new wife or lover, empowerment, rediscovery of self. The majority of stories will be written by women who are or have been divorced. Stories can be poignant, irreverent, humorous, witty, or wise.

$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book.

Submission Deadline: November 1, 2007

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

It has been said that “stories are medicine” and that “one of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to share our stories.” This collection will include compelling, inspiring, and uplifting personal essays about the experiences and emotions of living with—and living after—breast cancer. Possible story themes include but are not limited to: diagnosis, treatment, emotional impact, support systems, healthy lifestyle practices, emotional healing, coping mechanisms, impact on loved ones, effect on friendships, effect on career/work, effect on romance/intimacy, life lessons learned, personal transformation, silver linings, gratitude, triumph over trials, body image, and more. All themes and writing styles considered, as long as the story is positive.

Exclusively for the Breast Cancer Survivors volume, Adams Media is working in partnership with Redbook Magazine and will award a $5,000 grand prize, a $5,000 donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in the grand prize winner’s name, and bonus prizes to three runner-up stories.

Submission Deadline: December 31, 2007

Monday Morning Market/Job Listings

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled

Hope you all had a great weekend. Below, the latest batch of opportunities.

Casagrande Press is now taking submissions for four new anthologies: Surfing’s Greatest Misadventures 2; Golf’s Greatest Misadventures; Fishing’s Greatest Misadventures; and Wedding’s Greatest Misadventures. Pays: $100 plus four copies. Check the site for specific volume deadlines.

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There’s still time (but not much) to submit an essay for possible inclusion in Chicken Soup for the Wine Lover’s Soul. See the announcement posted at The Renegade Writer blog.

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TheSavvyGal.com, an online magazine for women, is “looking for freelance writers at the beginning of their career who are looking to be published; we pay minimal ($25 per article) but do have national and international readership. We are looking for travel, health, career, automotive and other feature story ideas in particular.” See the announcement here.

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LOTS more submission calls, contests announcements, and other opportunities are coming up in the July issue of our very own Practicing Writer newsletter. If you’re not already a subscriber, please click here (it’s a free e-newsletter, and we keep e-mail addresses confidential). Expect the issue by week’s end in your e-mailbox. (Subscribers can also always check the archives.)

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The Graduate School of Business at Stanford University is looking for part-time writing specialists. See the announcement here.

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PEN America, the literary journal published by PEN American Center, “seeks an experienced and exceptionally well-organized full-time Managing Editor.” Check the announcement at the PEN Web site.

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The University of Southern California is looking for a Director for its Master of Professional Writing program. See the Chronicle announcement.

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Manhattanville College (Purchase, NY) seeks a Director for its Academic Writing and Composition program. See the announcement at HigherEdJobs.com.