Producing an anthology--good/or not so good?

[Angela Zeman]

As a short story writer (primarily) I contribute to anthologies, and grateful for every opportunity, too!

However--recently while imbibing with a group of fellow writers, an agent made the comment (yes, I'm taking this out of context, but hopefully keeping the intent) that putting out an anthology was one way for a declining writer to keep his/her name 'out there' while trying to keep the career going.

What? Is it just me? Or is the subtext here...well, I'm asking for opinions.

Just to be clear--I work like the very devil on my short stories. It's a story form, in my belief. Period.

[I. J. Parker]

I sympathize. I, too, have invested an enormous amount of time in my short stories (not at all commensurate with the payment). My thought, however, was to keep the stories alive by collecting them. The lifesspan of a a short story doesn't usually exceed a couple of months if it appears in a magazine. So far there has been little interest (except from some fans). I'm told that anthologies/collections of stories do not sell well.

[Elizabeth Zelvin]

Angela, it sounds like the subtext of the phrase "declining writer" is the issue here. I'd say the adjective is pejorative and not necessarily accurate. In today's market, plenty of writers lose their publishers or fail to get a book contract for reasons unconnected with their powers as writers. Publishers themselves, and not only the small ones, go under, get absorbed, or stop publishing mystery series for market reasons. Short stories, whether in magazines or anthologies, are a great way for a writer who's in eclipse for whatever reason to keep him- or herself writing and keep his or her name before the genre readership. It's also a great way for an emerging writer to become visible in the mystery community. I'm honored to be one of two new writers in a small press anthology to be nominated for an Agatha for best short story this year. I don't see any down side to any part of that process: writing it, getting it published, and finding myself in the august company of my fellow award nominees--two of whom, far from declining, are also up for Agathas for best novel this year.

[Angela Zeman]

Congratulations, Liz, on your short story Agatha nomination!

[Naomi Hirahara]

Angela--

Don't quite understand your question. Are you talking about attempting to publish a collection of your own short stories? Editing an anthology? Contributing to anthologies?

[JackBludis]

Angela:

I find that crime stories are far more difficult to write than novels, and are far more time consuming per word or page.

In spite of the fact that I can produce other kinds of stories in a day or two, and sometimes in only a hour or so, I think that writing a crime story as akin to the diamond-cutter's craft. Each word must stand on its own, and connect perfectly with the rest of the story. I have also found that I write my best stories when I am specifically requested to write for an anthology, or when I see an open anthology with a topic that I particularly like to read or write.

As to putting out my own anthology -- not a chance.

Jack Bludis

[Barbara Fister]

The other side of this is that I've heard writers say often that readers should buy anthologies to see which authors they might like, so as to then go on and buy their real books. Well, they don't say it quite that way, but it always seems to be a backhanded slap to the stories. Have this nibble, then maybe you'll order a proper meal.

My hat's off to anyone who can write a good short story. It's hard work.

[Trost]

It is a big shame that short stories are undervalued by publishers. When you go into a bookshop you see how few anthologies or single-author collections are on the shelves compared to novels. Personally I prefer the short story and some of my favourite writers (from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Poe to Ruth Rendell, Christopher Fowler and Stephen King) write better shorts (in my opinion) than novels. In an age when people are supposed to have less time to read I would have thought that the short story would flourish. I guess it's our job as readers and writers to support this form of writing as best we can.

[Alison Pearce]

The average pay ratio for short stories is very discouraging for the work an author puts in to them. I personally love the short form genre (look at Agatha Christie's so called full length novels for example!) and relish a great anthology. I disagree that an anthology relegates an author being on the decline, instead it is what I would consider an acheivement of dedication!

[Alison Pearce]

I also agree with Trost's statement 100 percent!

[Angela Zeman]

I second that (Trost's reply), Alison.

[Teel James Glenn]

I have to agree with Trost that in a world of podcasts and 'books' being written for I-pod I think we are on the edgeof a short story resurgance. I have one collectionn out of linked fantasy stories (same character in a series) some of which are crime stories, and it does as well as the novels with the same character. I've been writing another linked collection of criminous stories with the idea that while I work on the 'book' each story is out there earning/circulating to the mags. I know a number of people who like the short story collections for 'train reading'--I live in Ny--. But many publishers look down on collections, I think, cause they don't know how to promote them--hence I 'create' the collections as if designing a 'book' so they have a hook to sell it.
TJ

[Linda Houle]

Short stories in anthologies give authors a great opportunity - to step outside their usual genre, and try something new. A lot of our mystery/crime authors have wanted to try their hand at erotic romance, or a mainstream fiction story. A variety of anthologies give them that opportunity. Of course mystery is still my personal favorite.
We're trying to stay up with the trends, and I do believe anthologies are finding a new audience, expecially in this fast paced world!