Best Anthologies of new SF&F?

[Fried Egg]

Here's one due in September which I think everyone should definitely buy...

Ah, I see one of your own stories in that collection Ian!

 

[Ian Whates]

You havent seen a 2010 anthology that has stories by less known names ? I want to see what is hidden in contemporary SF.

The NewCon Press anthologies always contain a strong list of authors whose work I admire and would want to read myself, seasoned with a liberal helping of new, undiscovered or lesser known writers of real talent -- part of my whole intent for NewCon Press is to promote new voices who I think are good enough to deserve a platform.

For example, Conflicts, the anthology I pointed out to FE earlier in the thread, has stories from the likes of Neal Asher, Eric Brown, Andy Remic, Keith Brooke, Michael Cobley, Martin Sketchley, and Edge Hill Prize winner Chris Beckett, as well as newcomers such as:

David L Clements: a London based astrophysicist for whom this was his first professional sale. Between my buying the story and the book appearing, he sold to and was published in Analog.

Martin McGrath: another really talented writer with a couple of webzine sales to his name but, again, this was his first professional sale

Plus less well known writers (though not entirely new) such as Rosanne Rabinowitz, Gareth L Powell, Una McCormack and Jim Mortimore...

I agree entirely that bringing out hidden talent is a worthy goal, but to do that, you also have to provide stories by authors that buyers know they can rely on. It's all a question of balance.

 

[Ian Whates]

And, purely coincidentally, no sooner did I mention it, then PS added it to their forthcoming books here.

Congratulations, Ian!

 

[Devil's Advocate]

I haven't read it, nor have I even seen it in my local bookshops, but one Fantasy anthology that seems like it should be good is Swords & Dark Magic (subtitled: The New Sword and Sorcery), edited by Jonathan Strahan and Lou Anders. Here a link to Anders' site:

Swords & Dark Magic

Now that's one heck of a strong lineup.

 

[Connavar]

The NewCon Press anthologies always contain a strong list of authors whose work I admire and would want to read myself, seasoned with a liberal helping of new, undiscovered or lesser known writers of real talent -- part of my whole intent for NewCon Press is to promote new voices who I think are good enough to deserve a platform.

For example, Conflicts, the anthology I pointed out to FE earlier in the thread, has stories from the likes of Neal Asher, Eric Brown, Andy Remic, Keith Brooke, Michael Cobley, Martin Sketchley, and Edge Hill Prize winner Chris Beckett, as well as newcomers such as:

David L Clements: a London based astrophysicist for whom this was his first professional sale. Between my buying the story and the book appearing, he sold to and was published in Analog.

Martin McGrath: another really talented writer with a couple of webzine sales to his name but, again, this was his first professional sale

Plus less well known writers (though not entirely new) such as Rosanne Rabinowitz, Gareth L Powell, Una McCormack and Jim Mortimore...

I agree entirely that bringing out hidden talent is a worthy goal, but to do that, you also have to provide stories by authors that buyers know they can rely on. It's all a question of balance.

Conflict looks good first you can trust the editor since i have read Alternate Histories and second the list of authors isnt the same old names. I understand the balance is need to sell the books but as a reader i want mostly authors new to me.

I have only read Neal Asher and i only know Eric Brown of the other names in that antho.

 

[Fried Egg]

Any more suggestions for good anthologies for this year? Is "Conflicts" still available? I saw it was out of stock on Amazon. I looked at Mammoth and Year's Best but they both had stories I have already read elsewhere...

 

[Ian Whates]

Any more suggestions for good anthologies for this year? Is "Conflicts" still available? I saw it was out of stock on Amazon. I looked at Mammoth and Year's Best but they both had stories I have already read elsewhere...

Yes, FE, Conflicts is very much still available (not the hardback edition, which is sold out) and I'm selling it steadily through both the Amazon site (despite it showing as 'out of stock' - this simply means they order from me as individual orders are placed rather than holding copies) and via Amazon marketplace.

However, you'd be better off contacting me directly for a copy, since I'll give you a discount as a regular member of the Chrons.