Anthologies offer a unique opportunity for authors to expand their readership by tapping into the diverse followings of multiple writers. This article explores how you can use anthologies to build your audience, citing real-world examples and providing actionable insights.
Two years ago, my colleague Patricia Phillips, author of "Last Bride Standing," proposed the idea of co-authoring an anthology. Initially, I didn't realize the immense potential of this collaborative effort. When I pitched the idea to our publisher, he was skeptical, stating, "Anthologies don’t do well." However, he eventually agreed to publish our manuscript, and the results were surprising.
Our anthology, "Secret Lovers," co-authored by Patricia Phillips, Maxine Thompson, and Michelle McGriff, was released on June 6, 2006. It quickly became a Black Expressions’ Alternate Choice and made their bestseller list within the first month. Black Expressions’ Book Club is a significant platform, and one author I know has earned more royalties from this club than from her mass-market titles.
An anthology is a collection of works by various authors, often centered around a common theme. For example, "Proverbs for the People" (Kensington Books, 2003) includes my short story "Valley of the Shadow." Another example is "All in the Family," an upcoming release by Janice Sims, Melanie Schuster, and myself, where each author writes from the perspective of a different family member.
Anthologies offer a unique form of leverage. You do the work once and get paid multiple times, often through ongoing advertisement for your other books. Additionally, you gain multiple perspectives on marketing, which can significantly boost your visibility.
By collaborating with other authors, you can tap into their existing fan bases. For instance, Patricia Anne Phillips had previous titles picked up by Black Expressions, making it easier for them to accept our anthology.
Don't underestimate the reach and influence of self-published writers. Michelle McGriff, our third co-author, has a significant MySpace presence and a history with Iuniverse since 1998. Her exciting and fresh storylines have garnered a loyal following.
Consider "Intimacy: Erotic Stories of Love, Lust, and Marriage by Black Men," edited by Robert Fleming, featuring authors like Stephen Barnes and John Edgar Wideman. Another notable example is Terry McMillan’s "Breaking Ice: An Anthology of Contemporary African-American Fiction."
Having a platform like Booking Matters’ Magazine can draw traffic to your websites, translating into book sales. In "Secret Lovers," our different writing styles attracted a diverse audience, all of whom started as self-published authors.
Anthologies can be a powerful tool for expanding your readership. By collaborating with diverse authors, you can leverage their followings, cross-promote your work, and gain valuable marketing insights. Remember, the key to a successful anthology is collaboration and mutual promotion. So, team up with writers who have different followings and watch your readership grow!
Be prepared to contribute equally to the promotion and marketing efforts. Schedule interviews, share promotional materials, and engage in both individual and group marketing activities. Your success in an anthology depends on your willingness to pull your weight.
By leveraging the collective power of multiple authors, anthologies can serve as a robust platform for expanding your readership and increasing your book sales.
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