A question about appropriate material

[soflabbwlvr]

I am pondering whether to subject a story to this board for discussion, but first I have a few questions:

1. What is an appropriate story length? I have looked at the most recent threads, and they seemed to involve very short pieces. Is it considered bad form to submit something longer?

2. How about multi-part stories? Is a two or three chapter story allowed, or is that straight out forbidden? What about a single chapter of a multi-part story?

3. Should an author contribute some analysis to a few threads before taking a place in the queue? In other words, does this board tolerate newbs? Is there an initiation ritual? A probationary period?

4. Is it necessary that a story is first published on lit., or can it be a pre-publication "work in progress?"

thank you, in advance.

 

[PacoFear]

Hi soflabbwlvr,

Bless you for asking such polite questions! Penny is the moderator in these parts but she's out this week so your stuck with the rest of us dummies for now. I'll volunteer my journeyman's understanding of how things go here. I've only been hanging out here for about a year. Circle Gang, feel free to chime in and correct me!

1. What is an appropriate story length? I have looked at the most recent threads, and they seemed to involve very short pieces. Is it considered bad form to submit something longer?

2. How about multi-part stories? Is a two or three chapter story allowed, or is that straight out forbidden? What about a single chapter of a multi-part story?

There's no cap on story length or multi-chaptered stories to my knowledge. Folks have asked for the SDC to review lengthy multi-chaptered works before. You might get a lower turnout if what you're asking for is too big a time commitment. It's one of the reasons I picked a shorter piece. Most folks can spare time to read 2,500 words.

3. Should an author contribute some analysis to a few threads before taking a place in the queue? In other words, does this board tolerate newbs? Is there an initiation ritual? A probationary period?

Nope. The only effect of posting as a newb is that theoretically you'll have reduced priority in the queue to have your story reviewed. Check the FAQ on that. In reality, I don't think I've seen a newb get bumped. We're a polite lot.

It'd be right neighborly to hang out and comment on other people's work. The theory is that this is a collective effort and we're all pulling together here. Besides, you can learn a lot by sticking your neck out a little and joining the conversation on other people's work.

4. Is it necessary that a story is first published on lit., or can it be a pre-publication "work in progress?"

Nope. As the FAQ says, you can cut and paste what you want reviewed directly into a forum post. I've wondered if Google docs or something like it might come into play at some point. Seems to me it'd be a handy tool. It hasn't come up yet.

thank you, in advance.

No prob. Hope to see you wade on in soon.

-PF

 

[Experiencedguy]

Just My Two Cents

Story length: One page is fine, if all you are doing is a 'stroker' story. Many of us (as readers) prefer stories of 2 to 3 pages (but not all). Stories over 4 pages I consider rather lengthy, and I believe that you would have a much better readership if posted into the lengthier story section. Irregardless, your choice.

Multipart stories -- absolutely. I have seen stories with 40 chapters. I recommend you space them out - all the people who enjoyed chapter one will be looking for the follow ons. It also helps if you end the chapter with a one line teaser of the next story.

The only reasons I have seen for a newb getting a first story rejected is for really horrible spelling/grammer, or not following the site rules on what is not allowed. A few have complained that their story is not posted in the correct story context - if this happens to you, believe me, the editors know a lot more about the readers than you do.

As for your thanks -- the most polite thanks you can give to those of us who respond to you would be a link to the story once it has been accepted.

 

[PacoFear]

Experiencedguy, I think you misunderstood the gist of the OP's post. His questions were directed to SDC practice.

 

[soflabbwlvr]

Thanks for the clarification, Paco

 

[Penelope Street]

fwiw, I think Paco did a fine job of answering. Thanks!

 

[JustaSCOUNDREL]

I am pondering whether to subject a story to this board for discussion, but first I have a few questions:

1. What is an appropriate story length? I have looked at the most recent threads, and they seemed to involve very short pieces. Is it considered bad form to submit something longer?

2. How about multi-part stories? Is a two or three chapter story allowed, or is that straight out forbidden? What about a single chapter of a multi-part story?

3. Should an author contribute some analysis to a few threads before taking a place in the queue? In other words, does this board tolerate newbs? Is there an initiation ritual? A probationary period?

4. Is it necessary that a story is first published on lit., or can it be a pre-publication "work in progress?"

thank you, in advance.

Some answers from a reader more then an author.

!. Some write a single page or less and some may have 4, 5 or more pages. Usually I read single page stories and some time 2 pages but, only if the 1st couple of paragraphs grab me. Even my favorites authors may get passed up if they post 3 or more pages.

2. Obviously from my point of view I have a short attention span and memory. So keep your stories to no more then 2 pages and no more then 3 or 4 chapters. Oh, Don't wait too long between posting chapters. I would suggest writing the story and breaking it down into the chapters and posting them every 3 or 4 days.

3. Basically do any damn thing you want. Please remember if you want this reader to peruse them then read and follow #1 & 2 above.

4. I don't have a clue about what you are asking so do as you damn well please . The worst they can do to you is say no.

In the end the rule just do as you please but, stay within the rules. Don't worry about the minutiae.

The readers will tell you when you fuck up. Usually they will not tell you exactly how or why.It is up to you figure out.

Ain't being a writer fun?

 

[Auden James]

The readers will tell you when you fuck up. Usually they will not tell you exactly how or why.It is up to you figure out.

Well, depends on the reader, doesn't it? I for one usually (try to) answer the "how or why". The hurdle to clear is to get me interested* in reading your story, that's all.

*Having read 1000+ stories, you really know how the wind blows after the first few paragraphs (or sometimes even sentences, e.g. when it starts like: "I'm a 35 yo blonde, 5'9" with ample tits and a sexy bombshell-like 38D-22-35 figure I'm keeping to a tight 110 lbs doing fitness and yoga. I'm a yoga intructor. And last monday I interviewed with my new company..." blah blah).