VICTORIOUS BY DESIGN

Even strong stories get rejected from anthologies, and often, it has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. Many submissions are declined because of avoidable mistakes, such as overlooking the theme, ignoring submission guidelines, or sending work before it's fully revised. The good news is that every one of these mistakes can be corrected before you click “Submit.”

A powerful anthology story doesn’t need hundreds of pages to leave a lasting impression. In fact, some of the most memorable stories are the shortest. The challenge isn’t the length, it’s making every word count.

One of the biggest questions aspiring authors ask is, “Should I contribute to an anthology or focus on writing my own book?” The answer isn't the same for everyone. Both paths can help you grow as a writer and build your author platform, but each offers different advantages depending on where you are in your publishing journey.

For many writers, an anthology is the first step toward becoming a published author. It offers the opportunity to share your work, build credibility, and gain valuable publishing experience. But getting accepted takes more than writing a great story. Editors are looking for writers who can follow instructions, meet deadlines, and submit polished work. Here’s how to give your submission the best possible chance of being accepted.

Some stories do not arrive fully formed. They exist in fragments, in questions, in moments that never quite resolve the way we expect them to. They live in conversations left unfinished, in relationships that shifted without explanation, and in emotions we have learned to carry without fully understanding.

Some stories do not arrive fully formed. They exist in fragments, in questions, in moments that never quite resolve the way we expect them to. They live in conversations left unfinished, in relationships that shifted without explanation, and in emotions we have learned to carry without fully understanding.

Not every writing journey begins with a book. For many writers, it begins with a single piece, a story, a reflection, or a moment that carries enough weight to be shared. That is often where anthologies come in.

A.L. Ember has always been drawn to stories—those spoken, written and lived. With roots spanning Nigerian, Jamaican, and Antiguan heritage, her love for culture, music, and food has shaped both her worldview and her writing. From childhood competitions to her current book series, her voice has matured into one that celebrates faith, resilience, vulnerability and love.

At Victorious By Design, it’s our pleasure to highlight the achievements of individuals who are courageously walking in purpose and using their talents and abilities to make a positive impact. That’s why we are excited to feature A.L. Ember w ho is an author and project management coordinator. On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, we will be celebrating the release of A.L.'s book Dear Strong Friend: A Guide to Grace and Breathing Again . Visit A.L.Ember's website to keep up with la

At Victorious By Design, it’s our pleasure to highlight the achievements of individuals who are courageously walking in purpose and using their talents and abilities to make a positive impact. That’s why we are excited to feature Ramona Powell w ho is an author, teacher, and inspirational speaker. On Thursday, February 13, 2025, we will be celebrating the release of Ramona's latest book Whispers of Faith: In Hopeless Times, Trust God . Visit Ramona Powell's website to keep