Is It Possible to Publish Your Short Story Collection?

When considering the publication of your work, the conventional wisdom might lead you to believe that publishers are unlikely to be interested in a debut book that consists of three stories of different lengths, plus bonus parts. However, the reality may be more nuanced, especially if you decide to pursue self-publishing.

The Publisher's Perspective

Truly, no legitimate publisher will show much interest in this type of project unless you are already established in the literary world. By 'legitimate,' we mean the kind of publishers that have traditional author-matching businesses and vet your work meticulously. The reason for this is clear: publishers need to ensure there is a market for the book. If the stories are not compelling and marketable, a publisher might not see a return on their investment.

Self-Publishing as an Option

But if you wish to explore self-publishing, the options are very much open to you. A self-publishing collection of short stories can be just as valid and marketable as a traditionally published one, especially in the world of digital and independent publishing.

Consider that bonus parts, though unconventional, are not forbidden by any publishing laws. What is suggested here is that these parts should offer added value to the reader, such as extra content, illustrations, or unique insights. However, the decision to include them should be guided by the overall appeal of the stories and the type of engagement you are aiming to create with your audience.

Requirements for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

When it comes to self-publishing with Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), there are specific requirements that must be met. The minimum requirement for a paperback is 24 pages. Using a font size of 12 and standard one-inch margins, this translates to approximately 500 words per page, or a total of about 12,000 words.

If your total word count is less than this, the book will not meet the basic requirements for a paperback and, likely, for a Kindle book as well.

Is It Recommended?

The recommendation to publish your short story collection will depend on several factors, including the quality of your stories and the price you decide to charge. If you plan to sell the book for $9.99, you need to consider whether this price point is fair and competitive, especially in a market that already has numerous competitors.

To make an informed decision, it can be helpful to look at similar short story collections on Amazon. Observe the sales ranks and prices of other authors in your genre to understand the marketplace dynamics. If your book is priced competitively and the stories are compelling, there might be a chance for success.

The Difference Between a Collection and an Anthology

Terminology is important in the publishing world. The distinction between a collection and an anthology is particularly relevant when you are the sole author. A collection, in this context, refers to a compilation of your own work, while an anthology typically comprises the work of multiple authors. Although you can self-publish a collection, the term anthology might imply a higher standard of literary quality and professionalism. Be mindful of how you label your work to reflect its nature accurately.

Remember, with the rise of e-books and self-publishing platforms, there is no single gatekeeper to prevent you from publishing your work. While traditional publishers may still set the bar high, self-publishing remains a viable and respected route for authors to share their stories with the world.