Short stories

The Short Story

Making Short Work: Why Short Stories Matter

Welcome to our section that celebrates the short story. We believe that the short story is one of the most exciting and important literary forms, and that it can, and should, reach the widest possible readership. We believe that the short story matters.

Booktrust aims to increase the profile, prestige and presence of the short story in our culture; whether you are a writer or someone working with books, we want you to join us in order to help it thrive.

What are we doing?

Advocacy - we champion the short story wherever and to whomever we can
We support initiatives to promote short stories in a variety of settings, bringing new readers, writers and publishers to the form
We provide information and recommendations here on our website

What can you do?

Let us know about short story publications, events, projects, workshops and activities you are organising or involved in so that we can include them on this site
Go along to short story events
Write short stories and enter short story competitions
Read stories specially commissioned for this site
Keep informed about the BBC National Short Story Award and Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Short Story Award
Buy and read short story collections - explore our short story bibliography for ideas
Listen to short stories on Radio 4
Let publishers, booksellers and libraries know that you want to read more short stories and give positive feedback to those who support the cause
Buy newspapers and magazines that publish short stories
Tell your friends and family about the pleasures of the short story; share your passion and direct them to this website

An interview with Jon McGregor

We talk to award-winning author and twice runner-up of the BBC National Short Story Award, Jon McGregor, about his upcoming short story collection.

Read the full interview

The Short Story Bookclub - Personal Connections In The Digital Age London has more than its fair share of Book Clubs

The Short Story Bookclub - Personal Connections In The Digital Age by guest blogger, Steve Wasserman

Read the full post

Writing Tips

Find writing tips from authors and experts in their field. These authors are full of advice for getting motivated, getting published, getting your work out there and getting your work to a high standard.

Read all our writing tips