A Valuable Lesson

"Learn all the facts regarding Sales, before you believe in them".

Taking a deep breath... where to start... I guess the beginning is a good place.

I made a wonderful friend on the net a year and a half ago. He was always there for me, helping me in every way. He is a published writer also and I learned alot from him. One thing I did not learn until far too late, was that he was a liar. He had me believing in the untimate dream. How could I have known, I trusted him.

He sent my work to his agent and within a few months he told me two of my stories sold to Red Shoe. I was ecstatic and had many questions of course. He was very witty and sharp, and always had an answer for me. He told me so many believable details, everything I would want to hear. The more he shared, the more excited I became. As time went on, I soon realized my friend took me hook, line and sinker. If there had ever been a contract I would have been contacted by his agent long ago. Was there ever one in the first place? I'll never know. He strung me along like this for a few months, much to my dismay! What can I say? I trusted him.

I never did hear from his agent, nor did I ever see any factual information. I am humiliated now that I let myself believe in him. When it finally came down to learning some truths, he disappeared. His abstinence said it all. I guess he could no longer come up with answers, without being caught in his lies. Why he would do this to a friend, I will never know. I will never understand or have any answers to my questions. I only know I learned a valuable lesson, and in doing so I lost a friend. It hurts more knowing, he was never a friend in the first place.

Being as excited as I was, I posted my success in Literotica under New Author. I only wish I had waited until I was more sure of things before sharing. I was going to let it ride, but I have had a few congratulate me and it just seemed wrong not to be honest. I felt I owed an explanation as to why it did not work out. It is not easy admitting to other's that you have been had. It's downright embarrasing. I however, think honesty is the best way to go.

This does not mean I will give up though. First and foremost, I love to write for pure enjoyment and I will always have that. No one can take that away from me. As many of you know, the gift of writing is a wonderful thing. To create something of your very own and share it with others is a true gift. I intend to keep writing and even more importantly, keep learning. Every writer's dream is to be published someday, but that does not happen for all of us. I learned, the hard way. In the meantime, we have Super Sites such as Literotica to share our amazing talents. Here we are truly appreaciated. Thank-you for that. Katerina

[This message has been edited by katerina (edited 03-01-2000).]

Hi.

I'm just wondering if anyone here has actually sold any of their stories? If so, what was the process and how much $$ can a person expect for a short story?

Thanks in advance for any info anyone might be able to supply.

Talk about your non-sequitors...

Jennifer, you probably didn't realize that you were posting your message on a thread that Katerina started. If you want to start your own thread hit POST NEW TOPIC, not POST REPLY. To answer your question, there's not enough money to be made (yet) to really bank on it. I've received a little, but it was not accomplished through any seeking out on my part. I was seen here at Literotica, so it was by exposure that I got noticed.

However, if you're looking to sell stories to magazines,or get published, pick up The Writers Guide for invaluable info on query letters, formats, and publishing opportunities.

As for the topic that Kat started, so sorry that happened. I have also learned to never get excited about anything until I'm actually drinking the champagne bought with the cleared check mailed to me from the gig. Sorry you lost a friend, too.

Hey Kat. we have all had some type of asshole we have meet on the net that isn't what they say they are. For some reason people think its ok to lie and try to be something they aren't on here and it doesn't hurt anyone. Well keep the faith hun, I have found some of my greatest friends on here and have learned real quick to pick up on the bullshit artist......lmao.... yeah I have had a few too.....Just remember there are some great people on here and its worth the effort to wait till you find them.

Oops, sorry if my post was inappropriate for this thread.

Just to clarify, it's not as if I want to make a lot of money off of short stories or anything. I was just curious if anyone actually does sell any of their stories and if so, for how much?

[This message has been edited by jennifer (edited 03-09-2000).]

Hey Katerina it isn't just on the net. There seems to be a type of person out there who doesn't know truth. They may not mean to hurt or harm but the lies just lead to more lies till the house of cards tumbles down.

Not your fault. No apology needed. We sympathize and wish that it had happened(as much for us as for you).

There are many publishers out there but you have to beat their door down. Many are the writers but few are the published.

Off the topic to Jennifer
I have been surfing around and it seems there may be a market for website content to the webmasters of porn sites. I have no idea for now of money or legalities involved. What most of them need is a package deal with multiple stories and types.
Give Laurel some time and if the legalities can be worked out it *may* become a feature she offers to the writers. (my thoughts not hers)
The written/published porn market is surely going through some upheavals with all the net porn availble today. My guess is that it will be the long novels and series that will stay in the books.

Enough of my ramblings, as Katerina points out, get an agent if you are serious about selling your stories.

Kat, don't let this get you down. Your stuff is good, and you WILL find a publisher that wants it if you're aggressive. I've never shopped a story so I don't know the proper channels, but I do know that romance stories such as yours are in demand, especially novels. So don't let some freak destroy your self-confidence.

Kat, don't despair there are true friends to be made on the net. I for one have found a couple of good people since joining this site, people who like to share their tales with other's such as yourself. I intend to get in touch with you myself, (via email) and perhaps, who knows I may just have net myself another friend.

I would like to thank everyone for responding to my post and for your compassion concerning my plight. I have since learned to be very cautious, I have too. I myself, am a very honest upfront kind of person and would never hurt someone intentionally as this guy did to me. But after corresponding with him for a whole year, why the hell would I think this could happen? Perhaps I am naive, I just don't know. I think I am just to trusting, but then as far as I knew, there was no reason not to trust him. I like to think most people I talk too, are honest about themselves, but hey, this is the net after all. I am learning. When I put time into a friendship, I value it very much. For those out there, who are willing to invest time in me, you won't be sorry. Thanks again, everyone... I look forward to a new net friendship with you Carl, thanks for looking me up. I will respond to your e-mail ASAP. Hugs Katerina

[This message has been edited by katerina (edited 05-08-2000).]