Billy's Weblog

The Tween Anthology February 16, 2011

Tween Anthology Open to All Michigan Writers

 So, what is all this about?

 I’m putting together an anthology of speculative fiction for ages 8-12.  Stories can be Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, or any combination of the three, but all submissions must be from a Michigan writer (ie. anyone who lives or has lived in Michigan).  Whichever genre you decide on, the stories have to be FUN!   

I’m looking for well-told, original stories that appeal to tweens.  The writing should not be dumbed-down at all for this age group, but please be sure the content is appropriate (think PG rating).   

To get a better idea of what I’m looking for, you can check out my short story, “The Kid From The Other Side.”

 Are you an editor? 

 No, I’m an unpublished writer interested in getting the word out about my own work. 

 OK, you’re not an editor, so who are you? 

 I’m a writer who started writing stories for my own kids a few years back, and through a partnership with a local teacher, my work has been used in the classroom for the past few years, where I’ve found other kids really like my work too. 

 I’ve written several short stories for the tween age group which have been very well received, and I’m planning on releasing my own short story collection soon after this anthology. 

 Why make your first publication an anthology?

 Marketing is the toughest part of the writing/publishing process, and this anthology is my idea to create a marketing partnership with other Michigan writers, so we can all reach a broader audience.  The idea is to assemble stories from multiple writers, self-publish the book and turn everyone loose to sell it, using their own personal platform and connections.

 And why do you think you can edit an anthology?

 As the guy who dreamed up this little project, I will review works and determine suitability, but don’t worry, this isn’t a setup where I get your story and tell you how awful it is and offer to help you fix it for a fee.   

I am a good copy editor, but please be diligent about your own copy editing.  I don’t want to see any first drafts.  I’ve read some authors whose grammar and/or punctuation was so bad I couldn’t even finish their story.  I’m looking for a finished product here. 

I’ll give feedback on all submissions within two weeks, and maybe make suggestions or tell you why it fits (or doesn’t fit) this project.  Stories should be between 2,500 and 7,500 words; a little longer or shorter might be okay if the story is a good fit.  My goal is to get at least 10 stories and I’m looking to add several more writers (the bigger the marketing team, the better). 

 Reprints are ok for this project as long as no one else holds the rights to the story.  There will be no payment for your story, but any author published in the book will be able purchase as many copies as they want at cost.  We won’t know the exact cost (or determine a list price) until we get a little closer to publication.

 Right now my goal is to go to print by Summer 2011.  Do you have a story to submit?  If so, email it to william12evans@aol.com with the title, “State of Strange.”