It’s never easy running a short story competition. The first thing about them is that they are rarely a commercial success. Tonto put out two anthologies in the past because the company wanted to discover and support new writing. Our very first publication was an anthology and I’ve always wanted to stay true to the ‘nurturing’ vision we had when we set up. So the immediate problem is in the decision – I always want to set up projects such as short story comps, novel comps, etc – but the other side to it is that short story collections are difficult to market and sell. Bookstores aren’t that interested and that makes it all the more difficult to promote those writers. Although as the publisher, I always believe in anything I publish – the big difficulty is getting the support from bookstores. This initial bit could easily turn into a massive rant. I’ll move on…

That first anthology received and Arts Council grant and the second one was a POD title. We went POD because there wasn’t enough money around to print traditionally. This time round, Even More Tonto Short Stories – in my opinion – stands a good chance. It probably won’t make it onto any best seller list, but knowing the strength of some of the submissions, I think it is going to be the best Tonto anthology to date. I think it will do well because we now know a lot more bloggers and reviewers who can help spread the word. I have a strong belief that word of mouth recommendations work and social networking sites weren’t even around when we put the last anthology out, so there are much more opportunities around now.

Tonto mate, author and all-round ‘canny lass’ Caroline Smailes is currently judging it and is keeping me updated on progress and pointing out some of the stories that are sure to make it. And here’s another problem with putting an anthology together… illness. We’ve both been struck down with flu during this project. Caroline is currently suffering and I’ve already had it. I bet mine was worse though. Regardless, it always sets us back by a few weeks every time.

We can’t announce winners until the judge can read through them and make decisions. Even collating stories and sending on to Caroline was hindered by illness.  As I say, I my illness was worse than Caroline’s ‘cold’ because mine was ‘flu’. I hope that’s clear.

The difficult part is wanting to get the winners announced because you want to keep momentum going – it’s just one of those things. No one likes hanging around too long.

To reassure anyone reading this who entered the competition – we will announce the winners as soon as humanly possible. I’ve had a few emails about this. Even some polite ones! We don’t have an exact date. Winners will be announced VERY soon indeed.

Well Wheatman, what are the positives of an anthology?

Firstly, they stand as a route to publishing for first time writers and writers looking to get their foot in the door. It’s all about building up a track record, this writing lark – and anthologies and competitions are a great way of getting started.

Although a difficult sell into bricks and mortar stores – online book selling is a level playing field. Books can be marketed on a zero budget. The book will be reviewed, and being in a well-received book boosts you as a writer immediately. There are some fantastic stories by fantastic writers – rubbing shoulders with this lot will be good for anyone. I wish I’d sent something in myself.

We’ve got a great judge and editor on board – Caroline Smailes choosing your story gives it extra kudos than if it was just me. I mean, whaddo I know? The Smailesy seal of approval goes a long way.

We’ll be holding events for the book wherever we can. Still to be confirmed. Again, the best way to promote writers is to get them out there meeting Joe Public and his mates. Writers need to feel like writers and becoming a Tonto writer means you’ll enjoy some great publicity.