That’s not to say there aren’t options — story collections like How Long ‘Til Black Future Month? (more recs like that here) and anthologies like A Thousand Beginnings and Endings are easy enough to find, and they’re a great way to dip your toes into the literary world of short fiction. But there are also so many great short stories out there for free on the internet. Many literary magazines exist entirely — or in part — online and feature some or all of their fiction on their sites. Sorting through all the publications and stories might seem a bit daunting, but that’s where lists like this one come in. These short stories are all by well-known authors you probably already know and love, and they’re a great way to get into short fiction. So keep reading for 12 not-to-be-missed free short stories by your favorite authors.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Author of Mexican Gothic and Velvet was the Night
John Scalzi, Author of Redshirt and Old Man’s War
Malinda Lo, Author of Ash and Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Anna-Marie McLemore, Author of Wild Beauty and Blanca & Roja
Rivers Solomon, Author of The Deep and Sorrowland
Sarah Gailey, Author of American Hippo and The Echo Wife
Jeff VanderMeer, Author of Anihilation and Dead Astronauts
P. Djèlí Clark, Author of The Haunting of Tram Car 015 and Ring Shout
Annalee Newitz, Author of Autonomous and The Future of Another Timeline
Yoon Ha Lee, Author of Phoenix Extravagant and Ninefox Gambit
Ken Liu, Author of The Grace of Kings and the Paper Menagerie
Kristen Arnett, Author of Mostly Dead Things and With Teeth
These aren’t the only free short stories by your favorite authors you can find online, though. Check out these list for even more stories by authors you love:
18 great short stories you can read free online
YA short stories by your favorite YA authors
Flash fiction stories to read while you wait anywhere
Where to find free short stories online
