Editing an Anthology or Compilation?

Question

I'm interested in putting together an anthology --a work containing some original material, but also lengthy excerpts and/or full text of previously published material by other authors, from a variety of sources.Assuming I'm pursuing publication by a traditional publisher (print, not self-published) in the United States, how would I go about this? Would I likely need to be approached or contracted by the publisher rather than the other way around? Who would secure the rights, me or them? Assuming me, what is the right way to go about this, and how difficult is it? Would there be up-front fees, or would authors take a percentage of sales? Either way, are the rates entirely up in the air, or are there standard rates?

Answer 1

I can't address fees, rights, etc. but you would come up with the anthology and pitch it to an agent or publisher. But first of course you'd have to identify whose essays you would like to include, reach out to them and get their approval in writing, and be sure to include the monetary arrangement you agree to. Maybe it's a one-time fee that you offer them rather than having to deal with royalty splits? The project sounds very interesting. Reach out if you want to discuss more. Good luck!