The Anthology Journey, Part 6: Book in Hand

“Out of the Woods and into your hands!” became our rallying cheer.

Social media was a big part of getting the word out and, during our flurry of posts, the LWS attracted a new member. Not only was she a twice-published author in the self-help genre (one of my favourite genres—buy her books for transformational change!), she was also, as we dubbed her, a “social media guru.” Rebecca Hamilton joined us on our next Zoom meeting and offered her services to post and promote the anthology. She definitely drove traffic to our socials! Those of you who follow the LWS on Facebook or Instagram, may have noticed some super cool video reels that started around the time the finalists were announced. Rebecca asked thoughtful questions to our finalists to create “author profile” reels, and we got to know each virtually, hearing their experiences as writers and what it meant to be published. Rebecca also advised us on future videos and posts we should create, beginning with the cover reveal. 

As the owner of her own creative company and with decades of experience, A-team member Brenda generously offered to design the cover. Her vision of a tree-green book with a forest backdrop was sent to the team. The anthology was grounded in meticulous care, art and beauty. Despite popular advice, this is one time when we would encourage you to judge the book by its cover.  

The A-team launched into a flurry of media activity: articles were written for magazines and newspapers like the local Villagers, the Tillsonburg Post and the Middlesex Banner, and interviews were conducted on local radio stations and “What’s up, London?” (Please see our socials to read, listen, or watch.) Our timing worked out as, due to the political climate of 2025, the #ShopLocal movement was stronger than ever. 

So strong in fact, that we had to change venue locations for our launch party due to the larger than expected number of RSVPs including LWS members, judges, sponsors, local dignitaries, media, and friends of the LWS. Donna researched a number of venues, and found that London’s Portuguese Hall would be the perfect fit due to the lovely space, accessible location, and delicious catering available. Our team who started off as a group of writers from different backgrounds, had become event planners! There was food to be ordered, décor to consider and, of course, everything hinged on budget. 

Brenda placed the order for the tote bags, positioning the logos from our top-tier sponsors, choosing background colours and ensuring an on-time delivery. Another item off the “to-do” list! Anne worked in the background creating media release documents and sharing her experience querying bookstores and libraries where we would sell the anthology. 

The trilliums had just bloomed when we received the exciting news that our Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) had arrived. Brenda and Donna were the first to tear into theirs—they waited together for the UPS delivery to get that all-important social media snapshot—with Anne receiving hers at home, and me finding mine on the doorstep later in the day. I have a framed scroll in my writing room that says, A Book is a Dream you Hold in your Hand. The London Writers Society finally had the anthology that we had collectively dreamed about for years. Holding the ARC, I wanted to scream like Elle Woods when her class graduated from Harvard, “We did it!”

The committee worked with Chrissy Hobbs at Indie Publishing to review the ARC and, with only a few minor adjustments, we were ready to place the order for the June launch. We were all set. 

And then, word came from our printer that they were busier than usual and printing was delayed. The A-team was left wondering, Would the anthology arrive on time? 

To be continued…

  Martha Morrison is honoured to have served as Chair of the Anthology Committee for the London Writers Society’s inaugural anthology project Out of the Woods. She holds a BSc in Biochemistry and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction writing. Her work has been published in various literary anthologies and she was shortlisted for the International Amy MacRae Award for Memoir. Her previous careers include flight attendant and professional ballroom dance instructor. Martha lives on a farm outside London with her family, dogs, cats and chickens. Most days, she gets up before the rooster (and the kids) to write in the quiet early mornings.