The Best Short Stories 2025

This prestigious annual anthology showcases a selection of twenty prizewinning stories from a diverse group of acclaimed and emerging writers, including notable names like Wendell Berry, Alice Hoffman, and Dave Eggers. Curated by guest editor Edward P. Jones, this edition continues a century-long tradition of literary excellence, offering readers insights into the inspirations behind the winning works along with an extensive resource list of magazines that publish short fiction. Each story contributes to a rich tapestry of contemporary storytelling, highlighting both celebrated talents and fresh voices in the literary landscape.