Short Édition Story Machines

About

MSU Libraries purchased four Short Édition machines in 2019 from Short Édition, an international publisher that offers free on-demand printing of thousands of short stories and poems. The program was launched in Grenoble, France, in 2015. Interest in the technology grew in the United States after Francis Ford Coppola installed a dispenser in his San Francisco café.

The MSU Libraries’ Short Édition machines were the first installations in Michigan and initially located at the MSU Main Library, the East Lansing Public Library, the MSU Broad, and the Capital Region International Airport. They are managed by MSU Libraries, with machines currently located at the Main Library and the Broad. We have reduced the number of machines from four to two, keeping those that reside on the campus, as part of the program’s transition to focus more directly on the creative outputs of the MSU community.

The machines offer users two choices: Spartan Shorts, submissions that were reviewed by MSU Libraries Short Édition editorial team and its partners; and Short Édition, collection categories that were selected by MSU Libraries Short Édition editorial team and its partners. Stories are printed on paper a bit wider than a typical receipt. Each roll of paper is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and can print between 350-450 stories. The machine uses thermal printing. No ink or cartridges are used.

MSU Libraries Short Édition offers an innovative publishing venue for writers. We have paused accepting submissions. Stay tuned for new submission guidelines forthcoming this Fall 2024.

Choose your story…