The six month anniversary of #fridayflash is fast approaching. I’ve been pondering how to properly celebrate. I have the Reader’s Contest going as a way to show our appreciation to our readers, but want to do something for the writers as well. One thing that comes to mind is producing a #fridayflash six month anthology. So, I’m asking – anyone interested in participating in such a project? Let’s open up a discussion on the possibilities in the comments below. Actual work on getting this done won’t start until December, so if you’re doing NaNoWriMo, don’t panic.
Some things I’d like to hash out:
- Which stories to include
- Editing
- Cover art
- Publication
- Profits
Which stories to include
To make a viable anthology I think we would need 70 to 100 stories in all. I’m shooting for 50,000 words. I’m guessing the average story is significantly shorter than 1,000 words, maybe more on the order of 500 to 750. So we need around seventy to one hundred stories to get a properly sized anthology. We’ve had many more than a hundred wonderful stories, but how to choose which ones to include?
My initial thought is to have each author who would like to participate self nominate what they consider to be their top three entries. The final selection could be made from this list. Another possibility is to have everyone nominate three of their favorites which were written by someone else. Either way we’ll likely end up with a list that will require some whittling down, so I’ll need to come up with a selection process. That’s still to be determined.
Editing
Once the stories are selected I’d love some help with the editing. The stories will already be fairly well polished, but those typos do have a way of sneaking in. Volunteers would be most welcome.
Cover Art
Any graphic artists among us? We all know what a good cover means for a book. If any of you are artists, and could find it in your heart to volunteer a cover, I’d really appreciate it. The cover should look good in four color and black and white to support various publication options – anything from POD to the Kindle.
Publication
So, once we have everything compiled, how to deliver this baby? I’d like to try some form of the free/paid model. Three possibilities come to mind.
- We could offer it for free for an introductory period, then switch to paid.
- The first 20% is made available for free, but you have to pay for the whole thing.
- We offer it as a free ebook, but the physical book is a paid POD.
I think working thorough one of these models will serve as a valuable experiment for all of us. We’ll see first hand how this oft touted business model really works. I’m not adverse to other ideas.
Profits
So, if anyone actually forked over cash money for this thing, what do we do with the profits? I propose we split them up on a “shares” basis. That is, each story, and the cover art, gets a share. If we have 70 stories, and make $100 dollars then each contribution would receive $1.40. Hey, that’s enough for two cokes! Well, I guess it depends on the vending machine.
So, anyone interested?
~jon
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My thoughts:
Subs: Self-nominated, then voting to whittle it down. Some people may not wish to participate, so third party nominations may backfire.
Edits: I’ll help with that.
Publication: I like your second option of offering a free teaser, but charging for the full book (both eformat and print)
It sounds like a wonderful–and creative–way to celebrate the sixth month of #fridayflash. So you have my vote.
You can count on me for any help that you need!
Can’t wait to see what the others think about this. I know you all are in the throes of writing this month, but just wanted to let you know right away.
A great idea, Jon. Happy to help with the editing process as soon as NaNoWriMo is over. I like the idea of writers being able to nominate three of their own stories, then everyone votes on the nominated stories to come up with the final selection. I should be back to contributing regularly on a Friday starting this week, things have been a bit made the last few weeks.
I like the idea of a free ebook. Feedbooks and Smashwords are obvious choices. A paid POD is a good idea too, but I like the idea of giving away the ebook as it fits the whole #fridayflash ethos.
I’ve been with you since pretty much the beginning, so why stop now? Where ever you need help, I’m there. Editing, nomination, pimping the product, etc. Just lemme know
I think it’s a great idea! Count me in for whatever you need.
Jon you can count on me for editing. I’ve been doing that for years, and I will happily do it for you too.
I like the idea of nominating pieces. How about letting folks nominate one of their own and one each of anyone else’s?
[or whatever # of pieces you decide on]
And then publishing a list that can be anonymously voted on?
The anthology sounds like such a great idea.
Can’t wait.
Karen :0)
I think that’s a fantastic idea! I can help with graphics, just let me know what you need.
Choosing is going to be difficult, so many great stories! Maybe have authors nominate a few of their stories, then let everyone vote to narrow it down?
Just a thought, you may want to push this off till January. Things get pretty crazy in December with the holidays.
Definately think it’s worth doing though, if you need help with web marketing, promotion, etc. just let me know, I do that for a living
Wow, you are a brave man! lol. I think its a wonderful way to celebrate six months. Whatever you need, count me in.
One suggestion that might be useful. Since there are a variety of genres, including a certain (set?) amount of stories within each for the anthology. I would not be a good judge of horror or fantasy. Slice of life is more my style of writing, reading and critiquing.
I am willing to help by proofreading and anything else. I haven’t participated enough to offer more than one or two stories at the most but appreciate the others. If genres were assigned to each, I would make time to read those in one category (Slice of Life). With our busy schedules it would be hard for anyone to read through all of the stories now that we’re up to about 60 contributors who would each nominate 3 of their own stories. Don’t you think?
I think this is a great idea. After November (Nanowrimo) I’d be happy to help.
Jon,
I will help with whatever you need, just let me know. I love “FridayFlash reading it and writing it, so I am down!
What an exciting project!
~2
one of my peps just did something similar…
http://gretaigl.blogspot.com/
may be it will work for you as well. of course I don’t know any details, but her end product is great.
good luck
I think it’s a wonderful idea. #fridayflash has quickly become my favourite passtime and an anthology would be a great way to celebrate.
I like the idea of nominating pieces and having a vote, but I know I am not always the best judge of my own work.
I’ll be willing to help in any way I can. I have lots of time on my hands.
Yes, fabulous idea! I would be glad to help however I can.
Though I like the idea of nominating each other’s work, I don’t feel we could all do that in a balanced way, considering most of us don’t have the time to read each story, or even one story from each contributor. I think we should each choose our best two and submit them, then have a vote once contributions are made; even though we most likely still won’t have the time to read each story, I’m sure there’s a few that will stand out in memory. I hope that makes sense.
I like Susan’s suggestion of a certain # of stories per genre.
You are The Man Jon! Thanks so much for all you do!
Jon,
GREAT idea! What a way to top off a great six months! And if all goes well, who knows, maybe it can go further and further!
Choosing the stories will obvously be the hardest part. Maybe an idea is to take the names of those who have contributed the most? I hate to use the word, but a seniority type thing? Then have those writers give their three best stories based on comments and go from there. That part I’m still fuzzy on because of how many good stories there are.
For the cover art – my good friend (who has done all my logos and even a Friday Flash picture – see THE STAIRWELL) is an amazing graphic designer and I could talk to her about making something for this.
I’m really excited for this projet now – can’t wait to hear everyone else’s thoughts and ideas.
Jim
I agree with Jim about the seniority type thing. I’ve just recently joined #fridayflash and have only published three stories thus far. Therefore, I would feel a bit guilty, if you will, having a story in an anthology that is supposed to represent six months of work. In fact, I was unsure as to whether I should weigh in at all.
Plus, the fact that some newer contributors may “drop out” should be considered. I don’t plan on doing that myself, but I still feel the anthology should represent those who have spent the most time pouring themselves into #fridayflash. I would even go so far as to say a writer must have published at least [however many is decided] stories overall (with #fridayflash, not in general) to be included.
It’s only fair, I believe to those who have built a name with #fridayflash. Those newer contributors who stick with it can be considered for the next anthology, of which I’m sure there will be great demand.
I like the anthology idea. The idea of selecting 3 of an author’s own works works best for me. I regret I haven’t been able to get to all of all writers’ stories each week – so I would be bound to miss some really wonderful stories simply because I haven’t read them.
Once the selections have been made, secret ballot for the selected set makes sense. As have been mentioned, after the craziness that is November, I could lend what I have of an editing eye.
Good idea Jon.
It’s looking like the preferred selection method so far is self nomination and then some kind of voting. I also want to give fair consideration to people who have come and gone, for one reason or another, but who offered up quality pieces. So beyond the self nomination process (which is what I think I’m leaning towards) I’d like anyone to DM or email me to nominate older stories that were stand outs. Then I can contact the author and ask them if they would like their work to be put in for consideration.
Thanks for the offers of help. I’ll be in touch with everyone willing to help when we get past NaNo. I’m right at about 1000 words for my first day, so far. Almost like doing a #fridayflash, only doubled. Every day. For a month. I must be nuts. But then it is MAD Utopia. :p
~jon
I think every story ever posted as #fridayflash deserves fair consideration. They all helped build it to what it is today. As to newer contributors, you are all just as important as anyone else. Without new blood #fridayflash will wither and die. I say let the stories speak for themselves. I firmly believe the end product will be best if we include the best stories on merit, as to opposed to who wrote them, or when.
~jon
I think it’s a great idea Jon. Let me know if I can help (post November, please). I like the idea of authors nominating their favorites then having the community vote. Perhaps if the word count is still under 50k after voting, the top five authors could have a feature story or something similar. Best of luck with your NaNo project too.
~chris
Jon,
I agree with your post #19. Every story should be considered. They are all a part of #fridayflash.
I like the idea of nominating a top three, but I’m uncomfortable with the community vote concept. This is for several reasons: we tend to favour our buddies; some genres are more popular than others and we tend to read what we like, so voting could be skewed to the more popular genres; we probably won’t get to read all the shortlisted stories before casting a vote and therefore our voting won’t be ‘even’.
I think somebody, perhaps Jon, should make the final selection once the nomination/shortlist process is complete. I do like the idea of separating genres internally within the anthology, but, again, have my reservations there. This is because I tend to genre-hop within my stories – I see that as part of the fun of flash fiction. Therefore, I don’t think my stories can be so easily labelled.
It will be difficult to come up with a mutually acceptable order for the stories! Again, the ‘editor’ (aka Jon!) might have to make an executive decision there.
One thing that certainly needs to be included is a short bio on each author, including their Twitter handle (if they have one) and a link to the blog they post their flash to (if they have one).
Also, count me in for any assistance, particulaly editing, if you need it. I think this is a great idea. My vote would be Smashwords. Free PDF and a small fee for POD – just to cover printing costs. I think this should be a no-profit venture in the first instance. If it’s a wild smash then maybe volume two (hehehehe) could take a look at profit/profit-sharing.
Wow, that was a long post – sorry!
No sorry needed. That was a very thoughtful and well reason post. Many ideas worth consideration.
For the record, I have never been a big fan of community voting either. They tend to turn into popularity contests. The only real advantage is it cuts down the work load for the editor. I’m still open to all options, with the exception of hiring an outside editor. I can’t afford to hire anyone.
I have some ideas on how to structure the anthology, but those will have to wait until I see what type of mix we get in the way of stories.
I think the submission process will be handled via email. I’ll announce the opening date soon after NaNo ends. I believe email will generate the least amount of angst for everyone concerned, including me.
~jon
Just wanted to say that I totally agree with Jon’s post (Number 19). Every story deserves consideration.
Just my two pence,
I Agree with post 19 and also the comments about community posting not being a good idea.
Whilst its a good idea, i think the question of Why? needs to be looked at more objectively
Is this just because its six months and sounds a good idea ?
Is this to try and push for more readership for everyone ?
Is this to try and raise the awareness for #fridayflash ?
etc etc
Just also like to say, Kudos for condsidering the kindle as well, I think flashficiton is ideal for ereader machines
Dope!
It was the way i wrote it,
that should read
“community posting not being a good idea. ”
and
Whilst its a good idea to prouduce and anthology
I’ve been thinking about this between my #NaNoWriMo moments, and here are my rambling thoughts.
I don’t think six months of #FridayFlash warrants an anthology. But I do think “The Best of 2009″ does. That’s just a few more months. We could do this in first quarter 2010, and do it every year until Jon gets too old to type his twisting stories.
Selection is certainly a stickler, but the real issue is marketing — attracting readers, which is the only reason I’m interested in an anthology. What if we could somehow make the two work for each other? Example: What if we ask some of the top book review bloggers to read, say, ten pieces of flash and pick their top three favorites and those are the ones we include? We could put their names on the cover. Imagine what that would do. Expose us to people who influence readers. They’d have a vested interest in mentioning the anthology on their blog, and we’d therefore get help with both selection and marketing. Maybe each of us could find a blogger to choose the best of three self-selected nominations. I don’t know. Lots of details to work out (not the least of which is what do we do if one of us doesn’t have work selected and it doesn’t feel fair?).
As far as price and profits, I dislike the idea of giving away too much for free. The marketer in me rebels from that, because it equates our product with having no value. I think samples for free is good, but we must charge a price. For profits, I have no interest in that coming to me at all, even though I’m unemployed right now. I’d rather all profits go into a pool for buying #FridayFlash promotional items, such as a Nook or Kindle or $100 Barnes & Noble gift certificate that we somehow give away to a reader (not one of us authors). What if we could finance such a giveaway through the anthology several times per year?
Even though I hate attorneys with as much passion as I hate politicians (which is to say I mostly ignore them), we probably need some kind of legal document that assigns rights and money and all that stuff.
Surely we’ll need some start-up capital. Are we willing to pitch in some cash for such things as review copies to send to the review bloggers and newspaper reviewers? I am, even though I’m technically broke. I’m committed to my writing career until the last dime, which is nuts, I guess, but I don’t care.
I, too, am willing to help edit. And I, too, think anyone who contributed even one #FridayFlash during the year should be eligible. We old-timers could perhaps be designated with a badge or icon of some kind, or the stories are placed in order of seniority, meaning Jon is first (hey, I just made that up as I wrote this, but I kind of like the idea).
Finally, thank you, Jon, for continuing to push us to reach ever higher. By 2012 I expect a blockbuster movie deal: FridayFlash, starring … oh, hell, I’m so ignorant of pop culture I can’t even think of a new rising star. (I just don’t want Ricardo Montalban playing Tuwa, thank you.)
Jeff
Jon, it looks like you’ll have plenty of good help in editing, but I throw my name in that hat too. Also I’d be happy to make an original illustration for the cover, although I’d want to work with a graphic artist to bring image and text together.
I like Karen’s idea (#6), that we each nominate (say two or three) of our own and two or three others. Perhaps you should make the final choices. If you feel you need assistance in that capacity perhaps Laura Eno would be willing to fill that role. I, for one, think of her, along with you, as a guiding spirit in fridayflash. I don’t think I’ve ever read a flash that she hasn’t been to and commented on.
I’m for giving the book away on our websites as an ebook. It could only benefit everyone involved.
Wow – I’ve missed a lot of conversation in the last couple of days. Everyone has such great ideas. I don’t envy you this job Jon, but if there’s some way I can help just holler.
I think Jeff’s comments, #27 sums it up well, (Jeff, you have now been nominated as our marketer).
Jon – i don’t have a lot of insight to offer on either the selection process or publishing. i am unpublished (apart from my blog!) and having a story in an anthology – whether free or sold – would be a tremendous thing. so i am totally all for this idea and i’m happy with whatever the group decides. after nano (and the holidays) are over i am happy to pitch in however i can.
Brilliant idea, Jon – just give me a shout-out if u need anything
(and happy nano-ing!)
You have really thought this through, Jon. With this much forethought, I bet the anthology will be a success.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Thanks, Helen. Still mulling on the details, but I think it will fall into place pretty well. I’ll be posting more thoughts on it come Sunday.
~jon
Public voting has problems that have already been voiced: popularity of your buddies, people e-campaigning for votes, bias for genres or styles, etc.
I’d recommend having a small panel judge what goes into the anthology. Anyone can nominate up to three pieces of his or her own work. The panel would then judge what gets in, with only one story allowed per writer. Mr. Strother would be an obvious panelist. He can pick whoever else he likes, but recommendation would be to fill out the panel with zine editors, ala what Editors Unleashed did for the Flash 40. Get editors from places like Smoke Long, 10Flash, Flash Me, Alienskin or wherever to pick their favorites. Not only would this allow for less partial and more professional judgment, but would foster the possibility of promotion for the anthology at their sites. Just a link off to the side of a site like 10Flash, which got 4,000 hits for its recent issue, could be serious help as those sites peddle the same Flash wares as the Friday Anthology.
I also agree with making it a Best of 2009, but that can be done soon anyway. It’s November, and you’d want your Best of 2009 to come out in December or shortly thereafter.
Although I haven’t participated in #fridayflash (due to new baby), I’d be willing to help with whatever.
Here’s a question regarding profits: wouldn’t it be difficult to divy it up so that each person gets a buck and change? Since I’m not a published author I do not know how payment goes for multiple authors on the same project. Maybe this would be easier if people donated their flash and any profits would go to the makings of a future anthology?
I dunno. Just floating around ideas.
Sure, I’m in. I’d prefer to self-nominate pieces, and then have an editorial board select through and pick the best ones. Though I’d like to see EVERYONE have at least one piece, even if it means giving them a chance to edit before final submission.
I’m into pdfs and kindlesized versions; not sure the print copies are worth the money. IF profits were made, why not donate the proceeds to a worthy cause?
Okay, reading through the comments, I think Sir Wiswell says my thoughts well. I bet Maria, Jordan, Mr. Smashwords, and others with editorial bents would be happy to serve as an editorial board.
How about a forward – know anyone famous?
Of course, I’m happy to help in any capacity you deem fit. Sorry so late to the party – this week’s proved… intersting. In a time and emotionally consuming way.
Peace, Linda
I think an anthology is a great idea. I’d like to see it available as an e.book primarily, with POD for hardcopy. I get the sense that flash is something that would be very well served by formatting for an iPhone/Kindle/Blackberry type audience. A collection of five-minute reads, available for those odd moments, like while waiting for the drinks before dinner.
As noted above, public voting tends to get a bit skewed toward friends and seniority. Self-nomination and submission of up to three stories, assuming a writer base of 50, gives you 150. Narrowing down to the target of 75 stories will allow the cream to rise to the top. I know that I would edit and revise some of my stories based on feedback and discussion on my blog, such as “A Level Headed Man”.
I don’t think it would be necessary to ensure that every author has one story in the book; let each story stand or fall on its merits. Once perhaps 75 stories are selected, you can see how it shakes out in representing various genres. Additional stories could then be takne on to fill out certain types.
Who will do the winnowing? I’d agree with a panel of editors, as described by John at #33, or some similar mechanism. Also, the tie in with an established publisher is a good idea. Mechanisms for pricing and sharing of proceeds should be a topic for further consideration.
One thing: it would be good if some space in the book were devoted to giving a brief history of how #FridayFlash came about, to give Jon some recognition for the idea and effort in getting (and keeping) the ball rolling. I’d also like to see a list of the authors who have participated, along with links to their writing blogs where more #FridayFlash and other writings can be found. Maybe that’s me being a promotion whore, but I’d like to see a rising tide lift all boats.
I’d certainly be willing to contribute some stories for consideration, as well as assist with editing (AFTER NaNoWriMo!).
Is this to increase readership or just for run?
I agree with Jeff Posey: an annual anthology sounds better, which turns out close to first 6 months celebration.
I’ve enjoyed reading stories for the past few months. An anthology sounds like a nice idea.
A couple of people have asked why? Let me explain my reasoning.
First and foremost it to increase readership for the participants in #fridayflash. Beyond that I’d like to use it as a draw to increase participation in #fridayflash as well as use it as an experiment for all involved to see just how this brave new world of ebook (and perhaps POD) self publishing works. I’m particularly interested in learning how to approach the Kindle and iPhone markets.
I am also interested in experimenting with community based publishing and promotion to see if it can work. I’ve use the term crowd-sourcing your fiction in the past. That is, using social media to get the word out on what you have written. I’d also be interested to see where crowd-sourcing our publicity and promotion efforts could lead. If we have 75 people involved (for example) then we would in effect have a publicity staff of 75. Can this model work? I have no idea, but I’d love to find out.
I always intended to produce a short story collection of my own works after one year. As the six month anniversary neared I thought it would be good to do a six month anniversary anthology. Since then people have pointed out that the six month anniversary is darn close to the end of the year, and perhaps a Best of 2009 anthology would be better. I think I agree.
I’ll post more thoughts on this on Sunday, taking into account everything stated here thus far and any additional comments and suggestions that may come in before Sunday.
~jon
I’d go with a best of 2009. Offer it on Smashwords (or it’s kind) for the first year and see how it fares. Maybe the 2010 issue will see paper. It would certainly be validating if it did well.
Three pieces self nominated or take ‘em all into consideration? I’d go with all of them; every last one.
Winnowing? Use a panel of judges/editors. I can throw my hat into the ring. Each are given a percentage of the stories to read and rank without attribution. The top, say 60%, are then passed to the next judge; again without attribution and without previous scoring (that it made it to round two is enough).
I think I could even help with the editing process using track-changes. But I’d want a second pass after me. I’m no grammatical guru.
After the holidays? I could start reading a pile before hand…
Well, I signed up for FridayFlash a long time ago, but haven’t submitted a thing. Can I be the “Ghost Story”? You know the one with the title but the words disappeared. Seriously, Jon, you’ve done great things on here. Congrats to all who make the cut. The “Best of” title idea is cool. My 2cents worth, divy up the entries and have readers select their top 3 and list why. Then, you and maybe a couple of senior editors pick the ones for the book.
DeborahB
I think this is a great idea and yes I would love to help out as well as contribute. As someone who has edited two anthologies before I’m wondering about things like costs and if contributors will be “paid” with free books or have to pay for each copy.
The second way helps to pay for the printing costs (unless this is going to be an ebook) and since there are so many contributors it wouldn’t cost that much per book. Since this is something with multiple contributors it would seem only fair to help allay the printing costs as a group and not expect any one person or group to do that solely or to expect making lots of money with the finished product.
Just some things to consider. I haven’t read all of the previous comments, so hopefully I’m repeating what others have already said.
As far as cover art goes I’m also a graphic artist and would be happy to contribute my services or samples, etc.
It sounds like you’ve got an overabundance of cover offers, but I’ll toss my hat in the ring as well.
A small selection of covers I’ve done:
http://erif.org/art/covers.php
Thanks, Kaolin. Nice looking covers. You might want to read my follow up post, Best of 2009, where I flesh out some of my thinking. http://jmstrother.com/MadUtopia/?p=135 I’ve moved away from the “shares” notion, to having any earnings go towards #fridayflash promotional items for our readers. If you’re still interested in doing a cover on a volunteer basis shoot me an email and we can talk. jstro AT swbell DOT net. I will completely understand if you want to bow out. Free artwork is a huge favor to ask.
~jon
I like the idea. Remember, it isn’t simply word count that leads to the size of a book; white space takes up paper too. And to look good, each story should start on its own page, and (for an actual printed book) preferably on a left page.
I suspect you’d get more sales if you had two volumes, one speculative fiction and one for slice of life stories, but the group has had both all along, so I’m not sure people would want to do that.
Another possible factor is if people had a photograph or artwork with their original story. The majority of the photos I’ve used are my own, and I’d be happy to have them published with the story, if one of my stories with a photo is chosen.
As to judges/editors, what structure you go with depends in part on how many people you have willing and able to do that.
I am good with spelling and grammar, though.