Authors for anthology related to climate/environment/eco-fiction

[Tanja Bisgaard]

I am looking for authors to join me in making an anthology to be published this year (2017).

It is 30 years since the Brundtland report (Our Common Future, UN WCED) was published, and I would like to commemorate that by compiling a series of short stories.

My thought is – how far have we gotten since the first global work on climate change and environmental degradation made it to the global agenda? And what will the world will look like in another 30 years?

So my idea is to present a collection of stories from 2047, where the theme is around what you as an author think the planet will look like - knowing what we know about climate change and environmental degradation today.

I do not want to set any “direction” for the work – but I believe stories that can make people think about their choices today are powerful. And I don’t believe in “apocalyptic” type stories about the future; there should be room for hope – for all generations.

Depending on how many authors are interested, we can contribute with 1-3 stories each.

If you are interested, send me a message. Hope to hear from many of you!

 

[Jo Zebedee]

So, shall I be the awkward one...

any payment? What distribution will there be? Who selects the stories and on what basis? What rights are you seeking?

 

[Cathbad]

I might be interested; but like Jo says, need details...

 

[Tanja Bisgaard]

I know - I had thought about the need to clarify all those things - but thought I would keep it simple first time round.

I do not have any experience in this - so any advice and help is welcomed!

I don't have any money to pay anyone. But I can try to get a sponsor to help pay with the cost of setting up the book etc.

And of couse - we need to think about whether we want to make only an ebook, or do we also want to print it? But then I don't really know how to get it out in the world - but maybe we can find a partner for that?

About selection - I don't expect there to be hundreds of stories to choose from - so I had thought anyone who wanted to write a story could be part of the anthology - is that too naive? But within the frame of the world in 2047 where climate change and environmental degradation are key to the story.

Regarding rights I need advice - what are the possible models?

I know I'm green to all of this - but I really think its important. I am passionate about getting an anthology like this out in the world - so I'm sure I can make it happen!

But please do point out any potential pitfalls etc.

 

[Cathbad]

And of couse - we need to think about whether we want to make only an ebook, or do we also want to print it?

I think the best way -and cheapest - is Createspace and Kindle.

About selection - I don't expect there to be hundreds of stories to choose from - so I had thought anyone who wanted to write a story could be part of the anthology - is that too naive?

Well, if I get on board, I'll intend to promote it on social media. I have over 4k followers, many of which are very good about retweeting/reposting. And some of them have tens of thousands of followers. Could be you get far more responses than you might be expecting.

 

[Abernovo]

You might have more submissions than you realise. Even if the number is low, you want to keep the standard high - otherwise, you'll have have any potential publication associated with poor quality.

If you have no experience, perhaps try talking to a more experienced publisher of anthologies, or those who've been involved in them. There are a few authors and publishers here, but I don't wish to put them forwards without permission. If you want a bit of inspiration/insight, Newcon Press put out an anthology of agricultural futurism a couple of years ago.

With all the work involved, you might also want to look at the date. It takes a while to organise, receive submissions and edit them, arrange distribution, then publicise and publish a book. Not saying it can't be done (have at it! ), but be aware of the amount of work.

Like others, I work for money. I'm not mercenary about it, and most of my stuff is not in the public sphere, but I do value my time. As editor/publisher/co-author, you should equally value yours. Look to making any project as professional as possible, and you'll reassure everybody who might be involved, from writers, through editors, to (perhaps most importantly) readers.

 

[Ihe]

How about the editing? Will there be any or is it up to the author?

 

[Tanja Bisgaard]

Well, if I get on board, I'll intend to promote it on social media. I have over 4k followers, many of which are very good about retweeting/reposting. And some of them have tens of thousands of followers. Could be you get far more responses than you might be expecting.

OK - feeling quite overwhelmed now! How would you (and anyone else following this) suggest doing regarding selection of stories? Create some sort of a "jury"?

 

[Tanja Bisgaard]

How about the editing? Will there be any or is it up to the author?

another good question - are you thinking about more than proofreading? Is it possible to hire an editor if I can find some funding?

 

[Tanja Bisgaard]

You might have more submissions than you realise. Even if the number is low, you want to keep the standard high - otherwise, you'll have have any potential publication associated with poor quality.

If you have no experience, perhaps try talking to a more experienced publisher of anthologies, or those who've been involved in them. There are a few authors and publishers here, but I don't wish to put them forwards without permission. If you want a bit of inspiration/insight, Newcon Press put out an anthology of agricultural futurism a couple of years ago.

With all the work involved, you might also want to look at the date. It takes a while to organise, receive submissions and edit them, arrange distribution, then publicise and publish a book. Not saying it can't be done (have at it! ), but be aware of the amount of work.

Like others, I work for money. I'm not mercenary about it, and most of my stuff is not in the public sphere, but I do value my time. As editor/publisher/co-author, you should equally value yours. Look to making any project as professional as possible, and you'll reassure everybody who might be involved, from writers, through editors, to (perhaps most importantly) readers.

Can only agree with everything you say.

I would be interested in knowing the business models for other anthologies. Would it be enough to say payment is based on the amount of sales?

 

[Tanja Bisgaard]

Well, if I get on board, I'll intend to promote it on social media. I have over 4k followers, many of which are very good about retweeting/reposting. And some of them have tens of thousands of followers. Could be you get far more responses than you might be expecting.

Just to clarify - you expect your followers will also submit stories?

 

[Cathbad]

How about the editing? Will there be any or is it up to the author?

I like Inklings Press idea - letting the authors read/check each other's work. Worked out great!

 

[Cathbad]

OK - feeling quite overwhelmed now! How would you (and anyone else following this) suggest doing regarding selection of stories? Create some sort of a "jury"?

I'd say you should decide, since you'll be the anthology editor.

 

[Cathbad]

Just to clarify - you expect your followers will also submit stories?

Over half my followers are authors.

 

[Serendipity]

I like Inklings Press idea - letting the authors read/check each other's work. Worked out great!

Whilst it cuts down the work for the 'Edit Central', there is still the need to push the stories into the same style for which a style sheet may help. 'Edit Central' will still have to do the final check-through.

If (and it is a great big IF) I decide to join in, I pity anyone whose story I'm given to edit. I seem to grow fangs and claws for ripping the writing apart - it's a kind of Jekyll and Hyde syndrome. On the plus side, other authors have (after very heavy doses of chocolate) been appreciative of my input.

So what I'm saying is 'Edit Central' would also have to act as arbiter in difficult situations.

 

[Cathbad]

'Edit Central' will still have to do the final check-through.

True. The early edits done by the authors are an assist that worked well at Inklings. That, of course, doesn't guarantee success elsewhere.

 

[Cathbad]

I pity anyone whose story I'm given to edit.

~Shivers... knees knocking~

 

[Tanja Bisgaard]

Thanks everyone so far. I will have a think about all this, and get back to you in a day or two with a more concrete suggestion for how to do it

 

[Ihe]

How many stories will be in the final version? How is it decided which ones make it?

 

[Tanja Bisgaard]

How many stories will be in the final version? How is it decided which ones make it?

I am thinking anything between 8-15 stories. And as I said earlier - I did not expect to have "too many" stories to chose from! So let me have a think about all the great feedback/input/questions/comments from you all, and I will get back with something in a day or two.