MunchEye has announced the upcoming launch of ShortStoryEngine, a new AI-powered app and software platform from IM Wealth Builders, scheduled for September 4, 2026. The tool gives self-published authors a way to turn existing books, characters, and story worlds into standalone short fiction, including prequels, missing scenes, origin stories, and other content that can introduce new readers to their work.
For more details, visit https://muncheye.com/im-wealth-builders-shortstoryengine
The launch comes as competition for readers continues to grow. According to Bowker data reported by Publishers Weekly, more than 3.5 million self-published print and e-books were released in the U.S. in 2025, up 38.7% from the previous year. With more titles entering the market, independent authors face growing pressure to find new ways to get their work in front of readers.
Short Story Engine approaches that problem by using material authors have already created. Users can upload an existing book or begin with an idea, then use the software to develop standalone stories based on established characters, themes, and fictional worlds rather than starting another project from a blank page.
Options include prequels, missing scenes, side-character stories, character origins, seasonal stories and bridge stories connecting books in a series. Authors can also create reader magnets and serial fiction from their existing ideas.
The resulting short fiction can be used in newsletters, offered as reader magnets, shared with existing audiences or distributed through suitable publishing channels, creating more opportunities for someone to encounter an author's characters before committing to a full-length book.
Short Story Engine is accompanied by the Short Story Traffic Playbook, which covers ways authors can use their new stories for reader discovery. The guidance includes social sharing, email newsletters, reader magnets, and a 30-day traffic plan, connecting the story-generation process with practical ways to put the finished material in front of potential readers.
For self-published authors, the broader idea is to get more mileage from work that has already gone into creating a book. Instead of relying solely on promotion of the original title, authors can create additional entry points into the same fictional world while continuing to build around characters and ideas they already own.
People interested in Short Story Engine can review the launch information, product details and updates at https://muncheye.com/im-wealth-builders-shortstoryengine