How many stories in an e-book of short stories?

1. 78

   jlparkposted 11 years ago

   How many stories in an e-book of short stories?
   
   I've written a series of short stories - quite literally a 'series'.  I'm considering putting them all together in order in an ebook for Kindle on Amazon. I've written about 6-9 already, and have plenty more in my head.  They aren't very long. Just wondering what would be the optimal amount of stories in an ebook.

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2. 61

   Jesse Mugnierposted 11 years ago

   In my opinion, if it is a series, I would put them all in one book.
   Or you could literally put them out individually. After someone reads one, they will download the second and so on and so forth.
   I've read a few short stories series on Kindle, some that couldn't even be considered a chapter in a full story. These series usually only consist of one or two books. From the sounds of it, you have a full book on your hands, my friend. If they really aren't too long, I would put your 6-9 stories in one book. Then with the other stories you have just waiting to be written down, I would put in a second book. This is what I would do, but only you can decide how you want people to read your work.
   Congratulations and good luck to you!

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3. 82

   Joyette Fabienposted 11 years ago

   I believe it's all up to you. For a series, you have to ensure that the stories are connected. When the connection ends you probably need to begin a new book or series. Alternatively, you could go by word count. Since the stories are short you may wish to include a larger number in the collection especially since you have others coming. It's more practical to do so than to go through the publication process every time you write a few short stories. Also please note that if it's a small book you obviously have to set a lower price. All the best.

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4. 60

   tinamariemillerposted 11 years ago

   I would like to read a series all in one book if they are short stories.   If your nine short series stories can make a book I'd keep going and change the short story to a novel.   . Just thinking ahead. I love novels.

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5. 67

   L. Spikesposted 11 years ago

   I have two short stories out as individual ebooks on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Since they are unrelated (one is supernatural and the other is romance drama) and about 10,000 words each (somewhere around 30 pages for Kindle), I chose to split them up. I think your marketing strategy will play a big role in how you want to package things, though.
   
   I suggest that if you have a series of related works with a large number of stand-alone stories, you should split them up into volumes (1-3 stories per volume, depending on length). The first volume can serve as an introduction to the series that you can then use for the 5-day free promotion through KDP Select, or even better, as a permanently free book through the price match method that some people do through Smashwords. This will hopefully get you ranked on Amazon. Put links or references to your other stories inside so that it's easy for people who like the free volume to find the others in the series that are sold at a regular price.
   
   The reason that I say to split them up is because the free promotion with KDP Select makes your work Amazon (Kindle) exclusive for 3 months and limits your distribution channels (i.e., no websites, blogs, or other retail outlets [B&N, Kobo, etc]). If things catch on, I imagine you wouldn't want all of your stories to be contractually limited, given that you have such a high volume of work. Plus, depending on the subject matter, variations in titles (playing into tags and keyword searches) and cover art might make one volume more popular than another, while still allowing for a sales runoff since they are connected as a series.
   
   Short stories are great because you can release them as singles, mini-volumes, or even large collected editions. I say play around with different packages and prices to see what readers respond to and what works best for you. Since it's free to publish on Amazon, there's no harm in experimentation, as I have found out from personal experience. Best of luck to you.

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6. 61

   d d gargiposted 11 years ago

   I would opt for putting one or two short stories as a free teaser and publish the others bunched together. Another option is to split them into two books, 4 stories in each book. However, this would depend on the length of the short stories. That's just my take though

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7. 86

   M. T. Dremerposted 11 years ago

   In my opinion, you could do one of two things. First, head over to a library or book store and pick up a book of short stories. Get a feel for how many stories are inside and the general length of the book. Second, check out a few agents/publishers who represent short story compilations. See what their word requirements are and use that as a guide. Who knows, you may even find one you want to submit to before going the self publishing route.

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8. 78

   jlparkposted 11 years ago

   Thanks guys.  I guess what I did forget to add was they are VERY short....one of them is about 5 pages long...if not a little more.  I'm gathering I'll need at least 20 of them to make a book, as the rest are shorter.  They do kind of go in chronological order, but are on different aspects/quotes.
   Based mostly on statements, quotes, or at one point something someone thought I couldn't write on - Kumquats - or the other one... - The Political Ramifications of Windsurfing. Oh, and the series is "A Day in the Life of Satan (herself)" - little funny, giving almost everyone/thing stick.
   Thanks for all your answers - I have lots to think on....thanks!

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