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The Best American Short Stories

24 books
Ongoing series

About this series

This annual anthology collects the year's finest short fiction from American and Canadian authors. Each volume offers a diverse selection, reflecting current trends and enduring themes in contemporary literature. Discover new voices and celebrated writers in this essential series.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is the correct reading order for The Best American Short Stories series?

    Each volume in The Best American Short Stories series is an independent anthology of short fiction from a specific year. They can be read in any order, as there is no overarching narrative or recurring characters connecting the books.

  • Are there any spin-offs or related series to The Best American Short Stories?

    This series is part of a larger 'Best American' anthology collection, which includes similar annual volumes for essays, poetry, science and nature writing, and more. While distinct in content, they share the same editorial approach and focus on showcasing top contemporary works in their respective fields.

  • How are the stories selected for The Best American Short Stories?

    Each year, a guest editor, typically a prominent author, selects the final stories from a pool of hundreds of submissions previously narrowed down by the series editor. This process ensures a fresh perspective and diverse range of voices in every volume.