Great Jones Street

Great Jones Street was a digital literary publication delivered via a mobile application, often described as a 'Netflix for short stories'. Founded in 2016 by technologist and serial entrepreneur Kelly Abbott, the platform aimed to revitalize the short fiction genre for the mobile era. Abbott, son of author Lee K. Abbott, saw an opportunity to connect writers with new readers through a dedicated app, inspired by the idea that the mobile phone could spur a comeback for short fiction.

The company's primary service was a subscription-based app that provided readers with a curated library of thousands of short stories across various genres, including science fiction, crime, fantasy, and horror. Readers could consume content in short, 5 to 15-minute bursts, with some stories also available in audio format. The platform quickly became the largest single buyer of short fiction annually, creating a new revenue stream for professional writers and allowing them direct interaction with their audience. The name 'Great Jones Street' was inspired by a Don DeLillo novel and the actual New York City street, which has historical ties to counter-culture and art, reflecting the brand's desire to be seen as alternative and bold.

Great Jones Street operated from 2015 until it was discontinued in January 2018. Its business model was centered on a paid subscription service, providing users access to its extensive and quality catalog of stories. The app was designed with a strong focus on user experience and aesthetics, allowing readers to easily search and filter for content that matched their interests.

Keywords: short fiction, literary app, digital publishing, mobile reading, short stories, literary magazine, fiction subscription, story platform, Kelly Abbott, reading app, curated fiction, genre fiction, narrative content, digital literature, author platform, fiction monetization, online publisher, mobile entertainment, story library, discontinued app