The Impact of Writing Format on an Author’s Success: Short-Form vs. Long-Form

Featuring Author Abhishek Haridasan 

Interviewed by : Soma Mitra

The literary landscape changes every few years, and authors face this constant conundrum of whether to choose between short and long-format writing. While short-format works such as articles, short stories, or essays cater to fast-paced reader habits, long-format writing—novels, memoirs, and in-depth non-fiction—offer a deeper exploration of ideas and characters. 

The benefits and challenges of each format are crucial for authors to shape their careers. We get ourselves into an end-to-end discussion which reveals insights into how different formats affect readership, publishing success, and creative satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between short and long-form writing plays a significant role in an author’s identity and long-term success.

• How do you personally define the difference between short-format and long-format writing?

Short-format write ups are usually 150 to 200 words, while long-format write ups are around 1000 words or beyond.  A shorter format requires less attention and can be consumed faster, while longer formats need a larger attention span. I am not generalizing the new-gen z and alpha preferences, but they do read shorter formats more. While the previous generation likes to read long format right up, again, both can co-exist at the same time. If one has to grab the attention of the reader he or she prefers the short format, while if anyone wants to elaborate on something he or she can write in using long-formats.

• Do you think short-format writing allows you to connect with a wider audience than long-form? Why or why not?

If you want to grab someone’s attention or you want to get eyeballs, short-format writing is the best way out. Like reels or shots, it gets easy attention and views. Well, if you want to answer someone or if anyone is seeking an elaborate answer to something, he/ she will prefer the long-format as compared to short-format. I believe at the first attempt, one should write long-format content so that it can help the person to get gists and segment it later on to get multiple short format write-ups. 

• In your experience, what are the main challenges of writing a longer piece, like a novel, compared to a shorter one?

It takes ample time to write long-format write-ups. Experienced individuals take a minimum of 1 year to give a good output in the novel. Or a minimum 6 months at least to structure the writing. I could say the main challenge is finding an idea and then elaborating it to an extent that it becomes a readable piece.It also depends on the surroundings of the reader and the company they keep to write pieces that are impactful.

• How do you approach pacing differently in short-format versus long-format writing?

Long-format write-ups need focus and good research. Most of the time involves self- research and looking up to experienced individuals, and their methods. A short-format gives a summary and gives an overall feature of what to expect. 

• Has your audience’s preferences influenced your choice of writing format? If so, how?

Various generations and their preferences play a role. The previous generation has tutored us to write in longer formats while the future generation may be instructed to write in pointers or in short, which makes it easy for the reader or the verifier to understand. This can be a result of generation shift. Present day people don’t have that much time to read long format, but at times preferences keep changing. The actual readers find their way out to read long-formats. Both can coexist. It can be safely said that short format is cool, but long-format write-ups are the actual OGs. 

• What are the advantages of short-format writing for your creative process?

One of the biggest advantages of writing short-format write ups is it leads or guides you to write long format write-ups, providing great reference points. I would consider it a gift if one can write 4 to 5 words of a 20-line content piece, and simultaneously elaborate into 500-1000 words with ease. It’s a skill and must be honed. 

• For long-format writing, do you find the extended writing process more fulfilling or draining, and why?

I enjoy writing, so for me long-format is my first preference. To answer your question, context is necessary to understand whether it is fulfilling or draining, like if you have to do research for writing a topic and you are not a subject-matter expert for it, the creation of a framework for it can be draining.  While if you are given a topic where you have knowledge and you are free to write as per your will, you will consider the process as fulfilling. Also, let’s ensure whenever we feel drained, we take a break and analyze how best we can approach topics. Remember, learning and writing is also a creative boost that can do a world of good for each one of us. 

• How does the market demand for short versus long-form writing affect your publishing decisions?

Depending on the reader and also what topic or what context, an individual is writing with, meeting market demands can be done.  As I said before , both formats can co-exist. Matching up to preferences is up to the author and catering to specific audiences will make him/her find reach. Personally, I would like to write longer format as compared to shorter format, however, I pivot wherever it is necessary to ensure readers and audiences get value through the time spent in reading through curated write-ups.

• In your opinion, how can short-format writing impact a particular field or genre?

Short-format write-ups are a boon for many and it makes sense to work around their needs in the market. The essential part here is to write content that makes sense, and find a hold on the genre. Short stories can be intriguing and leave the audience wanting for me. However, long-format write-ups are a necessity for novels, NDAs, treaties, official documents, etc. One place a short format could come in handy is the Terms and Conditions document – perhaps it can be revisited to ensure the key points are highlighted and the elaborated concepts are placed in long-format write-ups. 

Most importantly, whatever you write; ensure you write with heart and it leaves a positive impact. 

•  Any message beyond these questions

Beyond this debate, I would like to add about being honest and explaining concepts in your words. Minimize the use of artificial intelligence; take up support of it only when you need structure or need to fact-check something. If possible, eliminate AI when it comes to creating unique content. 

Originality speaks volumes about the author and it also shows in the final outcome. Another important aspect is to write 150-200 words daily about things you experience and witness. This practice ensures that you stay current, and are constantly upping your writing game, with thoughts, ideas and self-curated masterpieces. Keep writing and inspire others too! Writing is therapeutic and everyone should experience the joy of being a writer.