Being part of an anthology can advance your writing career in many ways. We spoke to the authors who contributed to The Blogchatter Book of Thrillers, and they spoke about the advantages they experienced by being part of a publishing initiative that brought different interpretations on a common theme. 

Discover how contributing to anthologies can pave the way for aspiring writers on their journey of how to become an author.

A Short Story can be easier to write than a full length book

Writers keep exploring different mediums and formats. While a complete novel length book is in the works, the writer can continue to write and publish short stories. These can be put in front of an audience through literary magazines or as part of an anthology. 

Deepti Menon, who has multiple books to her credit, says, “It was an amazing experience being published in the Blogchatter Book of Thrillers. Being published in an anthology does wonders to one’s writing career because every writer has many friends who add on to one’s readers’ base. Plus, short stories are the ideal read in today’s world where the attention span is shorter than it was in a world without technology.”

Getting your foot in the publishing doorway

Being published in an anthology is a good way to break into publishing and get the spotlight in your existing work, whether it is on your own website or articles in other publications, like an anthology. 

Anuradha Shetty says, “The Blogchatter book of Thrillers would be my first representation in physical form of my work. The feeling of touching my name printed as Author, is giving me hope and enthusiasm to publish more of my content.”

Nirmiti Narain says, “While I have been writing for as long as I remember, I had never really harbored the dream of becoming a published author until very recently. I am amazed at the positive reception to being published in this anthology with such brilliant fellow writers. More importantly, it has given me the warm assurance to share my inner world of stories and thoughts with the rest of the world. “

Boost that writerly confidence

Being published in an anthology is also a great boost to your worth as a writer especially when the writing is going slow. It will provide you the knowledge and confidence to write your own book. 

Tarang Sinha says, “My story is my own translation of one of my own (unpublished) Hindi stories, so it was a good, enjoyable exercise as a writer and translator. Getting published, of course, boosts your writing career.”

Dr Rehana Sultana says, “I was always passionate about writing and publishing my own book someday. But my imposter syndrome wouldn’t let me explore that horizon whenever I tried. Being part of the Blogchatter anthology, has helped me being published and overcome my fears.”

Credibility through a well-known publishing house

Being published by a good publishing house helps when you are pitching to other publications. When an anthology is sold through a retail site, it adds credibility. For The Blogchatter Book of Thrillers, the credentials if Readomania certainly help. 

Captain (Dr) Rahul Vishnoi says, “Getting accepted for the anthology was gratifying. It always feels good when a bookish organisation accepts and encourages one’s penmanship.”

Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu adds, “The experience of sharing the stage with some of the renowned authors was really great. But the most overwhelming factor for me was being able to be published by a renowned publishing house i.e. Readomania!”

Writing practice makes perfect

Additionally, it strengthens your skills as a writer. While most anthologies have a theme that the writer has to adhere to, they have to think beyond the regular tropes and narrative styles so that their story stands out. 

Alpna Das Sharma says, “Thrillers are not the usual genre that I pick to write on, and when Blogchatter announced this prompt, I took it as a challenge to pen down a thriller, enabling me to experiment with something new and expressing in a way I haven’t before.”

Roma Gupta Sinha adds, “Writing for the anthology made me walk out of my comfort zone and explore and attempt the genre of murder mystery thriller which I even dreaded reading earlier. Thanks to it, I feel quite confident in attempting a full fledged novel in this zone in near future.”

Be in hallowed company

It’s also an opportunity to be published alongside other authors, whose works you have admired and taken inspiration from. 

Dr Roshan Radhakrishnan says, “Being published is a great honour, especially alongside such accomplished fellow bloggers. It helps give me a new platform and audience to interact with as well.”

Huma Masood echoed the same sentiments, adding, “Being published in The Blogchatter Book of Thrillers was a valuable opportunity for me to showcase my work and connect with other writers. I hope this will attract more readers to my writings.”

Support from step one to the last

In fact, the entire effort is easier than even being self-published because it is the publisher who takes care of the editing, cover aesthetics, structure of the book, formatting etc. There is significant marketing support with all the distribution handled by the publisher. 

Anushree Saha says, “My experience of being published in the thriller anthology has been nothing less than exciting and smooth. The entire process has been seamless and finally, getting to hold your book in your hands, is the most beautiful feeling ever.”

Book launch and other events

For a writer, getting their book launch through a high visibility event can be very motivating. The Blogchatter Book of Thrillers was released in Varanasi, in the grand cultural ambience of a river-front property, Guleria Kothi. 

Presided by Dr Manoj Kumar Shah, techno-entrepreneur and social worker, the glittering launch saw the presence of Blogchatter community members to cheer on the authors’ efforts.

Says Suchita Agarwal, “It felt like a dream, being at the launch of the anthology, talking to everyone about what inspired my story and even reading the first paragraph of it in front of so many people.” 

More visibility

As a writer, you get cross readership and adequate exposure being part of a pool of authors, all of whom have their own followers and dedicated readers. 

Since marketing is a collaborative effort of all the authors, the returns are multiplied manifold.

About this, Kajal Kapur says, “When my story got selected as one of the inclusions in the book, I was elated. Not only because I wrote a ‘thriller’ that was worthy, but I was glad that the story would reach more readers.”

Harshita Nanda talked about her excitement, saying, “The Blogchatter Book of Thrillers is an amazing anthology with stories from excellent writers. With Blogchatter and Readomania coming together, I am looking forward to my story reaching a large and erudite audience. And hopefully, they will like my writing to keep coming back for more.”

Here’s a glimpse of the launch we had in the breathtaking environs of Guleria Kothi, a heritage property on the banks of Ganga, in Varanasi. Dr. Manoj Kumar Shah, CMD Mastel Imaging Pvt Ltd, Director Gopi Radha Girls Inter College presided over the glittering book release ceremony along with some of our beloved community.

If you’re wondering how to become an author, anthologies provide a fantastic entry point into the world of publishing. If you are intrigued by The Blogchatter Book of Thrillers, you can get your copy here.