Have you noticed how popular collections of romance novels are? Especially those limited-edition anthologies authors publish around the holidays?
I am doing my second romance anthology this year, a billionaire themed collection available for preorder now, titled Tall Dark and Rich. I felt lucky to get in on this anthology from one of the best people to do these, bestselling author Stephanie Morris. But it did cost a little, and I had to scramble to have new material ready for TD and R, which got me wondering why I do it. Why are anthologies so popular amongst writers., and so desirable for me?
As a reader, believe me I get it. Pricing is usually very favorable. For example, Tall Dark and Rich will offer readers dozens of books for about 3¢ each! Also, readers are easily exposed to new authors, maybe new genres, too. I buy collections myself for exactly these reasons.
Collections are often themed too, around Christmas for example, or all billionaire stories, or beach romances. When I am in the mood for beach reads, one anthology and I have twenty stories to read on vacation.
Then there are the wonderful authors who collaborate to raise money for a charity or a cause that matters to them. I rush to buy these when they align with my values. Not sure what I mean? Check out Australia. The authors quickly responded to raise funds to help the wildlife and firefighters hurt by the Australian wildfires. There was Hell Hath No Fury focused on women’s reproductive rights.
As a reader, I get it. I understand why we love romance anthologies. It’s like opening a treasure chest of new authors, novels and short stories, a chance to explore my first alpha motorcycle man, or dip my toe into a reverse harem novel, or support a worthy cause.
But what’s in it for the authors?
After all, authors purchase their spot in a collection. They are never free. It is often difficult to find an anthology available and appropriate, or to have new material ready when needed. Writing a complete novel on top of working on the All’s Crazy in Love series, was a challenge for me, but I tied my contribution, A Crazy Rich Dilemma, it into my series, to keep that Crazy Eight momentum going.
Whoever coordinates the anthology charges an upfront fee for cover design, maybe marketing costs and advertising, or for managing the collection and contracts. And we authors pay it, knowing that we will make little per sale on such a low-cost deliverable.
So it’s about volume. Participating authors must coordinate their marketing efforts, meet deadlines, agree to cover art and other details they may not have selected, sign up to do our share of social media and newsletter promoting to get the collection released and selling high volumes. Why do we do it? What’s in it for us?
I asked myself that very question. I hate deadlines. It’s why I am my own boss. Oh yeah, I am something of a control freak too, so selecting my own covers, controlling my message, all of that matters to me. Yet I jumped on the opportunity to participate in Tall Dark and Rich.
Why?
It was actually an easy decision, one I would happily make again, one I. have recommended to other authors, especially indie authors looking to find new readers.
I uncovered seven reasons why I love an anthology and why I think any romance author would, too. Seven ways that anthologies are worth the money, the headaches, and all that marketing. Can you guess what they are?
Seven Romance Anthology Benefits for Authors
1/ Honing Your Craft
Sharing your writing with other authors, or at least with the host of your anthology means getting feedback on your work from new, fresh eyes. From eyes that write in the same genre, eyes that can provide helpful and meaningful feedback.
For those of us who struggle to pay a professional editor, feedback from your collaborators or the anthology editor can be well worth the cost of joining an anthology.
Likewise, we all benefit from reading the work of our colleagues and an anthology is a great opportunity to do that.
2/ Networking, Networking, Networking
Collaborations can be complicated sure, but somewhere in all that effort to coordinate promotions and stories, authors get to know each other, like each other, help each other and if they are fortunate, form lasting friendships.
After my first anthology, I often reached out to my fellow collaborators to give me feedback on a cover or a blurb, to walk through a story idea, or to help me with a launch. I have been lucky to meet generous and talented authors while writing for an anthology, and I hope to do it again with Tall Dark and Rich.
3/ Exposure to New Readers
The potential for anthologies to increase an author’s exposure to new readers and audiences – this was my primary motivation both times I joined in on a collaboration like this. If twenty authors share this book, for example, I have a golden opportunity to put my work in front of nineteen new audiences, audiences I already know read the kind of books I write.
Anthologies are the ultimate swap opportunity.
4/ Diversification:
While collaborating puts my work in front of more readers I want to reach, it also offers me the chance to try something new and reach readers who love that new genre. The ability to explore different sub-genres and styles within the romance genre hasn’t tempted me yet, but I did try my hand at a time travel romance, Broken Time, so maybe I will succumb to the itch one day.
Anthologies are a perfect opportunity for an author to experiment with another genre with minimal cost and risk, and an interested audience close at hand
5/ An Anthology Helps You Build Your Fanbase:
Casting a wider new means reaching a new, potentially dedicated audience of readers. Hopefully, usually, that means each author in the anthology increases their following, readers who want to read more that you have written. That is the goal, certainly. Allow new readers to find you and your writing should do the rest.
If the anthology is a huge success, and many are, then authors might also earn bestseller status. Being able to call yourself a bestselling author helps reach new readers too, who might not otherwise learn about you and what you have to offer.
6/ Feedback and Critique
This may look like my first benefit, honing your craft, but it is subtly different. Some authors fear asking for feedback from editors and peers, but an anthology offers shared exposure. Sometimes that makes it easier to receive feedback and critiques from editors and readers. Not all anthologies offer critiques and feedback, but they usually offer more reviews, which is another form of feedback that authors crave.
I am nervous of writing contests, although they are a great place to garner feedback. Anthologies are an easier option for me.
7/ Publication Opportunities
Believe me, a lot of authors do this hoping their anthology will hit the best seller lists., as I mentioned earlier. Not only are they then reaching new readers, they may be reaching other editors, agents, publishers or fellow authors looking to collaborate in new ways. In other words, a successful anthology increases an author’s overall success.
Seven good reasons to seek out an opportunity to place your work in a romance anthology. Understand your motivations and choose your collaboration and host carefully. Pay attention to their track record, understand the costs in both dollars and time. Note deadlines and other requirements as well as promotion commitments. Read the contract.
But if it all looks good, and the host has a reputable history, give romance anthologies a try. You have little to lose, and much to gain.