Saba Sams Books In Order

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of The BBC National Short Story Award Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Saba Sams

Saba Sams is a British author known for her sharp, engaging storytelling. Her first book, Send Nudes, came out in 2022 and earned the Edge Hill Prize. One standout story from the collection, Blue 4eva, also won the BBC National Short Story Award that same year. Her work has been featured in well-respected publications like Granta and The Stinging Fly.

Sams has a talent for creating characters that feel real and relatable. Her protagonists often navigate everyday situations with depth and authenticity, drawing readers in. The way she shapes their journeys makes her stories both entertaining and thought-provoking. There’s a natural flow to her writing that keeps the narrative moving without losing emotional weight.

Her ability to craft compelling plots sets her apart, blending ordinary moments with unexpected turns. The stories in Send Nudes showcase her skill for balancing humor, tension, and sincerity. Readers find themselves easily pulled into the worlds she builds, eager to see what happens next. With a clear, distinct voice, Sams delivers narratives that linger long after the last page.

Her work connects with readers across the globe by telling stories that feel genuine and fresh. Her writing doesn’t rely on flashy twists but instead finds depth in small, real-life moments. Whether through humor, tension, or quiet reflection, she keeps her audience engaged without ever forcing the emotion. There’s an honesty in her work that makes it resonate with people from different backgrounds.

She stays true to her voice while crafting narratives that are universally entertaining. Her characters—flawed, funny, and deeply human—pull readers in with their relatable struggles and triumphs. Even in short stories, she builds worlds that feel fully alive, making each tale immersive. The way she balances wit and sincerity ensures her work never feels predictable or dull.

Readers appreciate how her stories feel both personal and widely accessible. She doesn’t chase trends but instead focuses on sharp observations and authentic dialogue. This approach makes her fiction stand out in a way that’s engaging without being overdone. Whether in a single scene or across an entire collection, Sams delivers storytelling that’s compelling, real, and hard to put down.

Saba Sams has already made a strong mark with Send Nudes, but her career is just getting started. Given her early success and sharp storytelling skills, readers can expect more compelling work ahead. Whether she continues with short fiction or explores longer forms, her authentic voice and keen eye for detail promise fresh, engaging stories. The future looks bright for this talented writer.

Early and Personal Life

Saba Sams spent her early years in Brighton, a vibrant coastal city known for its creative energy. She attended Brighton College, where she further explored her passion for storytelling. Growing up she would build upon her imaginative perspective.

Her academic journey took her to the University of Manchester, where she earned a BA in Creative Writing. She further honed her craft with an MA from Birkbeck, University of London, deepening her understanding of narrative and character. These experiences helped refine her distinctive voice as a writer.

With a strong educational foundation, Sams developed a keen eye for authentic, engaging storytelling. Her background in creative writing provided the tools to transform everyday moments into compelling fiction. As she continues to grow as an author, her early influences and training remain key to her work.

Writing Career

Saba Sams’ writing career began with her short stories appearing in respected literary magazines like The Tangerine and The Stinging Fly. In 2019, she gained recognition when her work was shortlisted for The White Review Short Story Prize, signaling her rising talent. Her big breakthrough came in 2022 with Send Nudes, her debut short story collection published by Bloomsbury, which introduced her bold, engaging storytelling to a wider audience.

Her work quickly earned acclaim, including winning the 2022 BBC National Short Story Prize for Blue 4eva, one of the standout pieces in Send Nudes. The following year, she was named one of Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists, cementing her status as a rising literary star. Additionally, Send Nudes was shortlisted for the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize, proving her ability to craft stories that resonate with readers and critics alike.

Gunk

Saba Sams’ debut novel Gunk was published on May 8, 2025, by Bloomsbury Circus. The book marked her first full-length work of fiction following her acclaimed short story collection Send Nudes. Its release expanded her growing literary career into the novel format.

Jules has worked at Gunk, her ex-husband Leon’s grimy Brighton student nightclub, for five years since their divorce. Her routine shifts when Leon hires 19-year-old Nim, whose quiet charm disrupts Jules’ detached existence. After Nim gets pregnant, Jules helps her through it, their bond deepening in unexpected ways. But when Nim vanishes after giving birth, Jules is left alone with the newborn, uncertain what comes next.

Readers found this debut to be a compelling dive into messy relationships and unexpected connections. Sams’ sharp prose brings Jules’ world to life with authenticity and quiet intensity. The dynamic between Jules and Nim unfolds with surprising tenderness and tension. This thought-provoking debut novel confirms Sams’ skill at crafting emotionally rich, character-driven stories.

Send Nudes

Saba Sams’ debut short story collection Send Nudes was published on January 20, 2022 by Bloomsbury Publishing. The book marked her first major published work following appearances in literary journals like Granta and The Stinging Fly. Its release established Sams as a notable new voice in contemporary fiction.

Through her stories, Saba Sams’ explores girlhood’s contradictions through ten sharp stories about young women navigating complex transitions. The collection moves through vivid settings – music festivals, beach holidays, nightclub bathrooms – capturing moments of vulnerability and defiance. These stories examine intense friendships, complicated family dynamics, and the struggle to claim autonomy. With wit and tenderness, Sams portrays young women resisting societal expectations while finding their footing.

Many came to appreciate this collection for its raw, authentic portrayal of modern girlhood. Sams’ sharp observations bring each story to life with humor and heart. The collection captures young women’s struggles and triumphs with remarkable honesty. These compelling stories announce Sams as a fresh, exciting literary talent.