What does it really take to build a short story collection—and how do you even find the right anthologies to submit to in the first place?

In this episode of Most Writers Are Fans, I talk with Brent Lambert about the strategy behind short fiction: how to assemble a cohesive collection, how to identify open calls that align with your voice, and how to think long-term about building a body of work rather than just publishing one story at a time.

But the conversation quickly expands beyond craft. We dive into the importance of community—especially for writers operating from marginalized identities—and why lifting up other writers isn’t just generous… it’s essential. Publishing can feel isolating. It doesn’t have to be.

If you’re working in short fiction—or thinking about it—this episode offers both practical guidance and a reminder that none of us are doing this alone.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tyranny of the Fey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is now available in ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hardcover and paperback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠eBook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠audiobook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Read my stories now on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠terrybartley.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Send requests to be a guest or comments about the episode to [email protected] Theme Song: Young Squire - TrackTribe, Piano track by sing2piano