The Slim Novel: Trad Pub is Learning from Indie Authors

Readers never wanted filler in their books

Traditional publishers never want to admit what we all know: their business model is outdated and dying. They only get by on giving fat deals to big names and relying on the prestige of their imprints. Part of that prestige, weirdly, has always included the physical heft of their books.

Whether fiction or nonfiction, part of the “editing” process of any trad pub house involves making sure a book is thick enough. It needs to “feel good in the hand.” And if that means stuffing a tight, outstanding novel full of unnecessary subplots and meandering philosophizing by the main character… then so be it.

At least until recently.

Indie authors long ago realized that readers don’t actually care how thick your book is. They care if it’s good. And now trad pub is finally catching on.

Two years ago (2023), Esquire declared 'the year of the slim novel.' It wasn’t true though, at least as far as traditional publishers were concerned. But now, in 2025, seven of Esquire’s 21 best books list are less than …