TL;DR: An anthology is a curated collection of literary works (poems, short stories, essays, or other written pieces) gathered into a single publication. Unlike a collection (which features one author), anthologies typically bring together multiple authors united by a shared theme, genre, or era. They range from a few dozen pages to nearly 1,000, and self-publishing one is more accessible today than it has ever been.
What is an anthology? It’s one of those literary terms that sounds sophisticated, but its definition is simple. An anthology is a collection of written works gathered into a single publication.
It comes from the Greek words for “a collection of flowers”— how lovely is that? — because that’s how the Greeks envisioned a compilation of poems.
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These days, an anthology can be more than solely a way to publish poetry, (although that’s a great use for it). It can also include other types of writing, like essays, transcripts, short stories, and more! We’ll talk about how to define an anthology, what typically goes in one, and everything else you need to know in this article. Let’s jump right in.
Anthology definition
An anthology is a collection of selected works that are brought together into a single book or publication. The term comes from Greek anthologia meaning “a collection of flowers,” historically used for compilations of poems.
One of the cool things about an anthology is that it can be so diverse. There’s no real common writing style across these books. It might consist of essays, poems, or short stories, for example. Or it can feature a big mix of everything.
It might include work from just one author or multiple authors. Often, it’s a collage of voices and ideas.
A lot of confusion exists around collections vs. anthologies. A collection often refers to works by a single author, while an anthology usually involves multiple authors or curated works.
That said, anthologies typically have some unifying element. It could be a certain theme, genre, cultural identity, era, or nearly anything else you can think of.
Examples:
- A book of poems by many poets about love = a poetry anthology
- A collection of the best science fiction short stories from the 20th century = a science fiction anthology
- A textbook that gathers important historical documents = a document anthology
Anthology vs. collection: what’s the difference?
An anthology gathers works from multiple authors; a collection compiles works by a single author. This is the clearest and most consistent distinction in publishing.
The confusion between the two is understandable. Both are "collections" in a loose sense. But in the publishing world, the terms carry distinct meanings:
| Format | Authors | Typical content |
|---|---|---|
| Anthology | Multiple (usually) | Short stories, poems, essays by different writers |
| Collection | Single author | That author's own poems, stories, or essays |
| Box set | Single or multiple | Full-length books bundled together |
There is one exception worth knowing: a single-author anthology (like a "collected works of Edgar Allan Poe") does exist, but an editor, not the author, typically curates it. The editorial hand is what defines an anthology, not just the number of contributors.
Why do we have anthologies?
What's an anthology good for? Anthologies offer readers a fresh and engaging experience by presenting a variety of stories that revolve around a common subject, topic, or theme. When an anthology features works from different authors, the editor skillfully connects them to ensure a seamless flow, avoiding any jarring contrasts.
These collections are particularly appealing to readers who may lose interest quickly, as they provide the opportunity to explore multiple themes within a single volume. Anthologies are also valuable for academic purposes, making them an excellent choice for students.
Anthologies compile essays, reviews, and other materials in one place, simplifying the revision process and essay writing by eliminating the need to search multiple sources. Additionally, anthologies allow readers to delve into their interests while discovering new authors they might not have encountered otherwise.
Types of anthologies
Anthologies fall into several distinct types based on format, content, and scope. Knowing the type helps both readers find what they want and writers decide what kind of project to build.
Literary anthologies
The most common category. These collect poems, short stories, or essays, usually around a unifying theme or genre. Example: Never Whistle at Night, an Indigenous dark fiction anthology edited by Shane Hawk.
Short-form anthologies
Short-form anthologies feature pieces under 20,000 words, which is ideal for readers who prefer quick, varied reads. Example: Micro Fiction: An Anthology of Fifty Really Short Stories (under 150 pages).
Long-form anthologies
Long-form anthologies include lengthier pieces, often novellas or extended essays. Example: The Oxford Anthology of English Literature: Romantic Poetry and Prose (nearly 900 pages).
Historical or period anthologies
These compile work from a specific literary era or movement (Romanticism, Modernism, the Harlem Renaissance) giving readers a window into a particular time. Example: Victorian Poetry: A Selection.
Regional or cultural anthologies
These center on geographic or cultural identity, lifting up voices from a specific community or background. Example: New Voices of the American Southwest.
Thematic anthologies
The most common organizing principle: works grouped around a single idea, emotion, or subject - love, war, grief, identity. Example: The Grief Anthology.
Academic anthologies
Textbooks often take the form of anthologies, gathering primary sources, essays, or historical documents for classroom use. Example: The Norton Anthology of English Literature.
Common themes in anthologies
A theme, or a central idea that unifies a piece of literature, is an excellent, intuitive way to organize anthologies.
If you’d like to find anthologies you’re interested in (or compile one of your own), here are a few literary themes you may consider:
- The human experience. Here’s one we can all relate to. There’s a bounty of work reflecting on what it means to be mortal and the obstacles we endure. Example: The Norton Anthology of English Literature
- Nature. In our age of technology, we’re more disconnected from nature than ever. Nature anthologies can help us reconnect to our surroundings. Example: Nature Writing: The Tradition in English
- Travel, adventure, and exploration. None of us will manage to see the entire world in our lifetimes, but we can read and write about it. Example: The Best American Travel Writing
- Coming of age. Adolescence is an engaging, layered topic whether you’re in the midst of it or emerged from it long ago. It can be surprisingly moving to read diverse voices on growing up, regardless of your age. Example: Coming of Age in America
- Loss and grief. Much as we’d like to avoid it, none of us is exempt from anguish. Thankfully, mourning is made more bearable in the community, and reading from authors who have faced sorrow can be an excellent way to feel communion. Example: The Grief Anthology
How long is a typical anthology?
There is no required length for an anthology. It can be brief or hundreds of pages long. It all depends, of course, on the number of works it contains and how long those works are.
There isn’t a set number of pieces required for anthologies, either. The choice of how many to include will largely depend on the theme or focus of the anthologies, the length of the pieces, the editor’s vision for the collection, and perhaps the publisher’s preferences.
To get an idea of the variation in anthology lengths, compare Micro Fiction: An Anthology of Fifty Really Short Stories, which is less than 150 pages, to The Oxford Anthology of English Literature: Romantic Poetry and Prose, which is nearly 900 pages!
Can an anthology have multiple authors?
Yes! In fact, it’s common for anthologies to have pieces from different writers. Often its goal is to compile diverse work serving a common theme or purpose. By featuring writers with unique voices and writing styles, the editor adds dimension to a topic.
That said, you’ll also find anthologies featuring writing from just one author—typically one who has a vast body of work like Lydia Davis or Edgar Allen Poe.
Examples of anthologies
Whether you need inspiration for your own anthologies or you simply want to read some, these are a few of the best:
The Best American Essays Series
The Best American Essays Series compiles—you guessed it—the best essays written by Americans each year, according to the editor selected to compile them. 2023’s Edition is led by feminist writer and critic, Vivian Gornick.
The Seashell Anthology of Great Poetry
The Seashell Anthology of Great Poetry, edited by Christopher Burns, is a collection of beloved poetry classics that you’ll return to throughout the years.
The Beatles Anthology
The Beatles Anthology by The Beatles is not only a treat for fans but an example of how an anthology can include different works like stories, transcripts, and photographs.
Never Whistle at Night
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology, edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr is a new and highly-rated fiction anthology that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re interested in authors who write short stories, this one’s for you.
The Moth Presents Series
The Moth Presents Series is a collection of anthologies presented by beloved podcast, The Moth. Each book, like Occasional Magic and All These Wonders, is an engrossing collection of essays, short stories, and more from familiar and brand-new voices.
There’s a nearly endless list of anthology genres, so if none of these appeal to you, we encourage you to do some research! We promise you’ll find one you love.
Why anthologies matter for writers
For writers, an anthology offers something a solo book can't: an instant community, shared marketing, and a lower barrier to entry for getting published.
Contributing to an anthology lets new authors add "published author" to their credentials without committing to a full-length book. It's a meaningful first step, one that builds credibility and connects writers to an audience that might otherwise take years to reach.
For experienced writers, anthology contributions keep a backlist active and introduce existing work to entirely new readers.
And for readers? Anthologies are the best way to discover multiple authors in a single sitting, especially in genres where short fiction thrives, like horror, science fiction, and literary fiction.
How to publish your own anthology
Self-publishing an anthology is entirely achievable, but it requires more coordination than a solo book because you're managing multiple contributors, contracts, and editorial decisions at once.
Here's a practical overview of the process:
1. Choose a clear, compelling theme The more specific your theme, the more cohesive your anthology will feel. "Love stories" is too broad. "Love letters written during wartime" has editorial focus.
2. Set your submission guidelines Define word count limits, formatting requirements, content standards, and the rights you're requesting. Clarity upfront prevents disputes later.
3. Solicit more contributors than you need A typical anthology includes around 20 short pieces. Invite at least 60 potential contributors. Not everyone will follow through or submit work that meets your standards.
4. Build in buffer time Working with multiple writers means delays are inevitable. Set early internal deadlines so the overall timeline stays intact.
5. Get contracts in place You'll need signed agreements granting you the right to publish each piece. This is non-negotiable. Work with a publishing attorney or use a vetted contract template.
6. Edit with an editorial vision Don't just collect submissions, curate them. The order pieces appear in, how one piece transitions to the next, which voices get featured prominently. These decisions define the reader's experience.
7. Hire a professional editor and proofreader With multiple authors comes multiple voices and multiple inconsistencies. A professional editor brings coherence to the whole.
8. Design a cover that signals the genre Anthology covers need to communicate the theme instantly. Readers often choose anthology books based on the cover before reading any of the included names.
At selfpublishing.com, we work with authors every day who are turning their ideas (whether that's a solo memoir or a multi-author anthology) into published books. If you're ready to stop planning and start publishing, book a free call with our team to map out your path forward.
Frequently asked questions about anthologies
What is an anthology in simple terms? An anthology is a book that collects multiple pieces of writing (poems, short stories, essays) usually by different authors, organized around a shared theme, genre, or time period.
What is the difference between an anthology and a collection? A collection is works by a single author. An anthology typically brings together works from multiple authors curated by an editor.
How many pieces are in a typical anthology? Most short-form anthologies contain around 20 pieces, though this varies widely based on the length of individual works and the editor's vision.
Can one person write an entire anthology? Yes, though it's less common. Single-author anthologies exist, usually for writers with a large body of short-form work, but the term "collection" is more accurate in that case.
Is an anthology the same as a compilation? The terms are often used interchangeably, but "anthology" implies more editorial curation and is almost always used for literary works specifically.
Can I self-publish an anthology? Absolutely. Self-publishing an anthology follows the same process as self-publishing any book, with the added step of managing contributor agreements and multi-author editing.
