Rise of Short Novels: Compact Literature Gains Popularity Among Readers and Publishers
March 29, 2025
Bookshops are increasingly showcasing novellas and short novels, reflecting a growing market for concise literature.
Gaby Wood from the Booker Prize Foundation emphasizes that the quality of a work should not be judged by its length, advocating for a broader definition of literary forms.
Notable authors like Alan Hollinghurst and Marlon James have expressed envy towards writers of shorter fiction, indicating a shift in literary preferences.
The economic advantages of publishing shorter books, especially translated works, make them appealing to publishers as they are cheaper to produce.
Literary agent Karolina Sutton notes that the publishing ecosystem now accommodates books of various lengths, allowing for more concise storytelling.
A trend towards shorter novels is emerging, with many authors expressing a desire to write more concisely despite having produced lengthy works in the past.
Factors driving the popularity of shorter fiction include rising paper costs, changing retailer attitudes, and a response to readers' limited attention spans.
Short novels provide an intense reading experience, allowing readers to engage deeply with complex ideas in a compact format.
The current International Booker Prize longlist features predominantly short novels, with 12 out of 13 entries under 300 pages, highlighting the popularity of such works.
Recent short novels such as Samantha Harvey's 'Orbital' and Vincenzo Latronico's 'Perfection' are gaining significant attention, suggesting a resurgence in shorter literary formats.
Independent bookstores are championing short fiction, with many publishers specializing in shorter works that challenge traditional narrative structures.
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The Times • Mar 28, 2025
The incredible shrinking novel: why we’re all reading shorter books