Annual anthologies are collections of stories, articles, poems, and other works published during one calendar year. They often include writings that were originally published elsewhere as well as new material that was created specifically for the collection. These books provide a comprehensive look at what has been happening in a particular field or industry over an extended period of time. Annuals can be useful resources for researchers who want to get a sense of how the field has evolved over time and what kinds of trends have emerged.
They can be interesting reading for casual readers who want to explore a wide range of topics all in one place.
There is no one definitive way to structure an annual anthology, but many editors choose to organize them chronologically by month or season. This makes it easy for readers to find pieces that were published around the same time and see how different writers responded to current events. Some anthologies also group pieces together based on theme or genre.
A poetry anthology might feature selections from different eras or countries side by side.
One challenge facing anthology editors is deciding which pieces to include. There are always more great stories than there is space to publish them, so editors must make difficult choices about which ones should be featured. They may consider factors like popularity, originality, quality, and relevance when making their selections. It's not uncommon for editors to solicit submissions for annual anthologies; this gives authors a chance to showcase their work and potentially gain exposure among a wider audience.
Anthologies serve as archival documents, preserving important works for future generations. They can also help promote lesser-known writers and give them a wider platform. In some cases, annual anthologies have even helped launch careers: a young author whose story was included in an anthology might go on to write bestselling novels or win prestigious awards.
Annual anthologies provide an opportunity for publishers to experiment with new formats and styles without committing to a full-length book.