Steps to get essay anthology published?

[CatMuse33]

I haven't been around a lot, but I hope everyone will forgive me for that and maybe offer some feedback on this situation.

I just got what I think is a good idea for a personal essay anthology--same market as Cup of Comfort, Chicken Soup, but some essays inspirational and some... not so much. (But all heartfelt and hopefully entertaining and educational).

I want to solicit essays from other writers, but don't have money to pay upfront. How would I go about trying to shop this anthology idea around to publishers and how many sample essays would I need to shop it around?

I imagine I can get about 10 essays from friends who would accept an "IOU" for payment if the anthology is published, plus 2 or 3 written by me.

Where should I begin though?
Dawn

[ravenlea]

Hi Dawn, I'm not sure how much this will help as they both kind of pormote self publishing.

this one talks to anthology editors: http://www.anthologiesonline.com/simple%20touch%20of%20fate.htm ( don't think it will by much help, but I'll post it anyway)

this one seems a bit better: http://www.anthologiesonline.com/Articles/publish_an_anthology.htm

[AmyDoodle]

Dawn, I don't know either, but I remember Mysti was working on some before she got pregnant with Simon. I'm pretty sure she could offer some insight.

[CatMuse33]

Ooh, Amy, thank you for reminding me about Mysti.

Raven, I'm actually not averse to self-publishing with this project... or even just doing a digital version. I definitely have a ton of avenues for promotion, as it's involving pregnancy/parenting.

Dawn

[Gillhoughly]

Write to the people involved with those other projects and find out who sold it for them.

Those are the agents who can help you. Chances are good they will have established writers in their stable who may want to contribute. A good proposal is your best friend.

Some anthologies are put together by packagers and/or publishers. In those cases, participation is by invitation only, the work going to established writers.

I think you have a good idea for a book with the pregnancy and parenting angle, so you have a shot at taking it into the pro leagues were it can reach more people.

Good luck!

[CatMuse33]

Gillhoughly,
How many sample essays should I have ready to go for my proposal, do you think? I know in a regular non-fiction book, they would want the opening chapter and 3 - 5 sample chapters. Can I get away with such a small number of essays?

I've been published in CoC so I actually feel comfortable enough to email the editor of that anthology and ask for some advice... Adams Media would actually be one of my first shots.
Dawn

[Anastacia]

That's a really good question.

I have several essay anthologies at home that I've greatly enjoyed reading. I've sometimes wondered what goes into getting them put together and published.

[Gillhoughly]

Sorry, but I can't answer that one as my experience is with fiction anthologies.

The last essay collection I edited was a handshake deal done with the publisher in a bar (we were stone cold sober, I swear!) and was about a TV show, not chicken soup topics.

Time to sharpen your Google-fu and see if you can find out how those other books were sold. Author interviews can be full of information.