I created the Best Microfiction anthology series back in 2018 to showcase the best micro stories of the year (400 words or less) published in online literary magazines. Back then, I could never have imagined how quickly and robustly our series would grow. The stories are nominated by literary magazine editors.
Working with Gary Fincke, series co-editor, has made involvement in this big yearly project a delightful experience. This week, Best Microfiction 2024’s winners were announced. You can see a list of all the winning stories here: Best Microfiction 2024.
Our judges over the last 6 years have included Dan Chaon, Tania Hershman, Amber Sparks, Deb Olin Unferth, Michael Martone, and Grant Faulkner. Bringing in a different final selections judge each year has allowed each one of our anthologies to have its own unique flavor.
Best Microfiction is now being sold in iconic bookstores such as the Bookstore and Café & Bar at the Center For Fiction in Brooklyn. I was delighted to see our pocket-sized anthology sandwiched between O. Henry and Jane Austen!
Of note this year: 7 of the winning stories selected for Best Microfiction 2024 were written in 100 words or less, and 3 of the winning stories are just 50 words long. I am charmed and fascinated by the world’s tiniest pieces, and we are committed to showcasing the finest every year. Best Microfiction 2024, featuring the tiniest stories yet, will be available this summer. Stay tuned for our launch date..
Thanks for the huge amount of work that must go into this! Always a stellar collection, and I'm feeling especially honoured to be included this year. :D
I first found a Best Microfiction book on a shelf at McNally Robinson Booksellers, a very popular independent bookstore here in Winnipeg, Canada. I don’t know how it got there. At that time I was just learning that the way I like to write was actually a different genre. It changed my life reading those stories and seeing all the names of journals that published them. So, thanks. 😊