I write mostly novels, but I've also done some short stories. Recently I had a reader comment on my shorts vs my fuller length works, and it got me to thinking.
I'm going to spend a couple of days reviewing the pros and cons of novels vs short stories published in the e-book industry. Please feel free to jump in! :)
Today -- Short Stories
Pros
- they take less time to write
- you can produce more in a year
- since they're cheaper, you usually sell more copies
- they're a good way to "introduce" your writing/style/genre to readers
Cons
- it's harder to develop a full story and characterizations
- since they sell for less, there's less profit per book
- not many e-pubs will accept stories shorter than novella length
- they don't go to print (unless you have a bunch that would collectively make a print version worthwhile)
- if your short is part of an anthology, that's even less of a profit than if it had been a single title
Opinions? Comments?
7 comments:
Compromise. Start by trying your hand with a novella. This will help you decide if you can "tighten" story lines. Then try a short story. A lot can happen in 12,000 words- as long as you don't get overly descriptive.
So true, Ellen. When I wrote my Amazon Shorts, I felt "constricted" by the 10K ceiling limit. But later I realized there was some padding I really didn't need, and was able to trim it without losing any of the story. :D
I like to write descriptive. I'm very analytical when it comes to writing and explain everything because of it. I can write shorter stories, but it is harder to make an impact with them. They aren't my strength in writing, so I don't do many. Mostly Christmas shorts that are easy to read. I do like to read shorter books. They make good between reads.
When I am in story TELLING mode, the short is perfect for my style and voice. It gets to the point and makes no appology for the brevity because I edit thouroghly to make the story POP.
However, that is also a drawback in the sense that though the story is complete, it opens the door to doubt. "Is there more?" "Could it be better?" Or as Diana put it; "Would a more descriptive narrative give it the impact it truly begs for?"
I have faced that demon and found that anything less than Novella length could possibly be an injustice to the reader unless the market is the proper forum, i.e. ezines or mags!
I started out with short stories and graduated to novels. And while having a lot of short stories on hand will turn you into a better *writer*...?
The market for shorties are grossly suppressed.
But anovel on the other hand...? Does give you more leverage--but absolutely no guarantee that you will be able get a sale or get picked up.
Again, the market is pretty tilted towards those whom can make a solid buck--then those newbies whom are just thrown straight into the fire pan with little support or direction from their mainstream publisher.
Especially when their books don't make it.
Again, the market is pretty tilted towards those whom can make a solid buck--then those newbies whom are just thrown straight into the fire pan with little support or direction from their mainstream publisher.
Oh, boy! How true! And when a writer's style and story are so different from what is already out there, it's like there's two strikes against her before she even hits the market.
I wrote a couple of short stories and haven't since, though a friend suggested I write more. There are pros and cons, of course, but I think different lengths of stories have their own zest and will interest different people, just like genres do. A reader may love your novels but hate your short stories, and vice versa. If you enjoy writing them, I don't think you should stop, and I've seen several publishers who accept short stories (such as The Wild Rose Press).
Even Stephen King writes short stories! I own one of his collections and it's wonderful. Several movies (don't ask me to name them now, LOL) have been made from short stories.
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