Is 2012 Going to Be ‘The Year of the Short Story?’

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

By Edward Nawotka

Earlier this month in the UK Bloomsbury pronounced 2012 as “the year of the short story” and announced plans to print a new collection each month to mark the occasion.

It’s no surprise: 2011 has been rife with startups, announcements and other endeavors focused on publishing short form literature. The promise these companies are making is that they will be able to deliver a reading experience that fits into the busy, saturated lives of the digitally distracted.

What’s the bet here? The short story is form long derided by traditional publishers as unprofitable, at least when published in book form.

It’s interesting to note that the phenomenon has come about at the very moment when there’s been a massive explosion in the number of works being published — one fueled almost entirely by the self-publishing community.

What has changed to make traditional publishers suddenly interested in stories?

About the Author

Edward Nawotka

A widely published critic and essayist, Edward Nawotka serves as a speaker, educator and consultant for institutions and businesses involved in the global publishing and content industries. He was also editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives since the launch of the publication in 2009 until January 2016.