category for a multi part story

[Anoneemuss]

hello!

first post for me and with a bit of luck, my first story will follow

I'm planning a multi-part story loosely based on experience with a couple of partners but I'm wondering how to do that on Literotica

I guess it'll start with background and a bit of rumpy pumpy so might fit in "erotic couplings." Other tales are based around toys and then there will be bondage too but can a multi-part story be multi-category?

I'm not into the terminology of bdsm (top, bottom, dom, sub, switch, etc) although lots of what we got up to would seem to fit in that category, and I like reading some of that stuff but I wouldn't be comfortable writing like that. Do I just stick with "erotic couplings"?

thanks all!

A

 

[NotWise]

Do I just stick with "erotic couplings"?

It might be best to stick with Erotic Coupling. That category is very open and the readers are accepting. It would go to BDSM if the bondage were more than mild and became a main focus of the story.

 

[yukonnights]

hello!

first post for me and with a bit of luck, my first story will follow

I'm planning a multi-part story loosely based on experience with a couple of partners but I'm wondering how to do that on Literotica

I guess it'll start with background and a bit of rumpy pumpy so might fit in "erotic couplings." Other tales are based around toys and then there will be bondage too but can a multi-part story be multi-category?

I'm not into the terminology of bdsm (top, bottom, dom, sub, switch, etc) although lots of what we got up to would seem to fit in that category, and I like reading some of that stuff but I wouldn't be comfortable writing like that. Do I just stick with "erotic couplings"?

thanks all!

A

From the way you describe the story and the depth of actual BDSM, I would agree with NotWise. In general, the category should be the one that describes the bulk of the story. As an example, a lesbian story with a bit of Dom/sub dynamic and even some hanky spanky would go in the Lesbian category. It would likely get a poor reception in BDSM. True BDSM folks are usually very educated in not only the physical aspects of the "scene", but also the emotional/mental issues as well.

When you say multi-part, I'm assuming it will be a 'Chapter" style entry with individual submissions. This too can be tricky and you could loose some of the readers as you go from chapter to chapter. (chapter stories always loose readers the longer they continue...start hoping categories could make that attrition worse.) In my view, it's best not to do that. If it were ever really critical, it might be best to think about a complete story for each phase of the story, using the same characters but developing the story differently to accommodate the new subject matter.

 

[Anoneemuss]

It might be best to stick with Erotic Coupling. That category is very open and the readers are accepting. It would go to BDSM if the bondage were more than mild and became a main focus of the story.

Thanks, appreciated

 

[Anoneemuss]

From the way you describe the story and the depth of actual BDSM, I would agree with NotWise. In general, the category should be the one that describes the bulk of the story. As an example, a lesbian story with a bit of Dom/sub dynamic and even some hanky spanky would go in the Lesbian category. It would likely get a poor reception in BDSM. True BDSM folks are usually very educated in not only the physical aspects of the "scene", but also the emotional/mental issues as well.

When you say multi-part, I'm assuming it will be a 'Chapter" style entry with individual submissions. This too can be tricky and you could loose some of the readers as you go from chapter to chapter. (chapter stories always loose readers the longer they continue...start hoping categories could make that attrition worse.) In my view, it's best not to do that. If it were ever really critical, it might be best to think about a complete story for each phase of the story, using the same characters but developing the story differently to accommodate the new subject matter.

Thanks, that’s really helpful advice

 

[SimonDoom]

Thanks, that’s really helpful advice

I agree with Yukonnights. If you are a first time writer here there are a few things to know about this site and its readers:

1. Many readers are picky about the types of stories they read. They like one kink but not another. They read some categories of stories, but not others. So it makes sense to try to match your story with the right category to get the right readers for your story.

2. Readers are surprisingly tolerant of long stories. Stories of 2-3 Literotica pages, or even longer, do well. A Literotica page is about 3750 words.

3. If you publish a story in separately published chapters, you will notice a fairly high attrition rate in your readers from chapter to chapter. If your chapters switch from one category to another, you'll probably see even higher attrition.


Unless you really want to publish the story in multiple chapters, my advice would be to publish it as one story and choose the category that you think best fits the story as a whole.

Here's an excellent "how to" article that every first time author should read to understand how categories work here: https://literotica.com/s/love-your-readers-categories

 

[Anoneemuss]

I agree with Yukonnights. If you are a first time writer here there are a few things to know about this site and its readers:

1. Many readers are picky about the types of stories they read. They like one kink but not another. They read some categories of stories, but not others. So it makes sense to try to match your story with the right category to get the right readers for your story.

2. Readers are surprisingly tolerant of long stories. Stories of 2-3 Literotica pages, or even longer, do well. A Literotica page is about 3750 words.

3. If you publish a story in separately published chapters, you will notice a fairly high attrition rate in your readers from chapter to chapter. If your chapters switch from one category to another, you'll probably see even higher attrition.


Unless you really want to publish the story in multiple chapters, my advice would be to publish it as one story and choose the category that you think best fits the story as a whole.

Here's an excellent "how to" article that every first time author should read to understand how categories work here: https://literotica.com/s/love-your-readers-categories

Thanks Simon, I really appreciate this. As a longtime reader, thinking I knew what to do, when I started I realised I didn’t have a clue!

Really appreciate the tine you’ve taken to reply

 

[oggbashan]

If your chapters cover multiple genres, then Novels and Novellas is probably appropriate even though it has a low readership.

 

[Anoneemuss]

If your chapters cover multiple genres, then Novels and Novellas is probably appropriate even though it has a low readership.

I’ll avoid that category as I have to confess I haven’t read anything in it! Oops

 

[regularguy13]

In defense

I just want to say a good word about the "Novels" category.

Sometimes it's nice to have a good, long read. With "Novels' you can count on getting to know the characters and see them evolve. With stories in other categories, it can be A meets B. They have sex. With "Novels" there is plenty of time for a story and, of course, sex.

As mentioned earlier, it can come in handy when when the werewolf has lesbian sex with her dominatrix and then, gets drilled in the ass without her consent.

 

[Hypoxia]

Throw in a succubus or three and post in EH. Almost anything goes, there.

 

[Anoneemuss]

I just want to say a good word about the "Novels" category.

Sometimes it's nice to have a good, long read. With "Novels' you can count on getting to know the characters and see them evolve. With stories in other categories, it can be A meets B. They have sex. With "Novels" there is plenty of time for a story and, of course, sex.

As mentioned earlier, it can come in handy when when the werewolf has lesbian sex with her dominatrix and then, gets drilled in the ass without her consent.

Sold! Point me at that story, please

 

[PennameWombat]

hello!

first post for me and with a bit of luck, my first story will follow

I'm planning a multi-part story loosely based on experience with a couple of partners but I'm wondering how to do that on Literotica

I guess it'll start with background and a bit of rumpy pumpy so might fit in "erotic couplings." Other tales are based around toys and then there will be bondage too but can a multi-part story be multi-category?

I'm not into the terminology of bdsm (top, bottom, dom, sub, switch, etc) although lots of what we got up to would seem to fit in that category, and I like reading some of that stuff but I wouldn't be comfortable writing like that. Do I just stick with "erotic couplings"?

thanks all!
A

I have direct recent experience with this. I'm relatively new to this site and had a couple of different trilogies (yeah, sorry They're actually related and parts of longer works but that will take a while to become clear.

Back to point. One trilogy I put in a single category for all three parts ("Exhibitionist & Voyeur"). It has had the usual drop off in total readership which almost every author here mentions for multi-part stories, but, all three chapters have had high ratings (the third part is highest rated of all.)

The other trilogy hopped around. Part one was "Erotic Couplings" and it was well received. The second one ended up in "NonHuman" due to a revelation by the main female character (I submitted for EC but it was placed in NonHuman, not inappropriately for the content. But note that as a warning, EC is kind of a catch-all and can be trumped by your content based on the judgement of the site editor.) Part 3 I put into "Sci-Fi & Fantasy" since the final revelations make clear what's going on and it fits there.

I believe the relatively lukewarm response for the second two parts weren't just that they were part of a longer work (see my other work) but because it crossed Categories not all readers were aware of it, or possibly weren't interested in the other categories.

Knowing what I know now, I may very well have kept it as three parts, but I would've redid it to ensure all three stayed in one Category, Sci-Fi & Fantasy or NonHuman. I had the story in my head but given the need to write around my day job, etc., I did somewhat self-contained parts and also being new here wanted some amount of feedback. The first chapter was meant to be mysterious but I could've laid in a few hints to nudge it.

So I'd recommend you think through the full arc of the story and aim to keep it in whatever category best fits the FULL STORY if you release it in parts. I've decided to just accept the drop off in readership for multi-part stories since part of my enjoyment is releasing my work. But I'm likely to aim for "Novels..." one of these days.

 

[Anoneemuss]

I have direct recent experience with this. I'm relatively new to this site and had a couple of different trilogies (yeah, sorry They're actually related and parts of longer works but that will take a while to become clear.

Back to point. One trilogy I put in a single category for all three parts ("Exhibitionist & Voyeur"). It has had the usual drop off in total readership which almost every author here mentions for multi-part stories, but, all three chapters have had high ratings (the third part is highest rated of all.)

The other trilogy hopped around. Part one was "Erotic Couplings" and it was well received. The second one ended up in "NonHuman" due to a revelation by the main female character (I submitted for EC but it was placed in NonHuman, not inappropriately for the content. But note that as a warning, EC is kind of a catch-all and can be trumped by your content based on the judgement of the site editor.) Part 3 I put into "Sci-Fi & Fantasy" since the final revelations make clear what's going on and it fits there.

I believe the relatively lukewarm response for the second two parts weren't just that they were part of a longer work (see my other work) but because it crossed Categories not all readers were aware of it, or possibly weren't interested in the other categories.

Knowing what I know now, I may very well have kept it as three parts, but I would've redid it to ensure all three stayed in one Category, Sci-Fi & Fantasy or NonHuman. I had the story in my head but given the need to write around my day job, etc., I did somewhat self-contained parts and also being new here wanted some amount of feedback. The first chapter was meant to be mysterious but I could've laid in a few hints to nudge it.

So I'd recommend you think through the full arc of the story and aim to keep it in whatever category best fits the FULL STORY if you release it in parts. I've decided to just accept the drop off in readership for multi-part stories since part of my enjoyment is releasing my work. But I'm likely to aim for "Novels..." one of these days.

Hi and thanks for replying. Since i posted the original question I’ve had my first story go live - in EC - and although the 4 parts aren’t actually that long I think it hangs together and reads okay.

As per previous advice I’ve started another story in 4 parts rather than simply continuing the first. I’m hoping this will keep it fresh although it’s the same characters and a continuation of the story, differing only in title and an escalation in smut

Like you, my latest story has been put in a different category than I submitted it to - BDSM rather than EC. I can see why it’s been moved as it does include a bondage and a ball gag, although doesn’t use the usually terminology and language common in that category. I’ll see how it goes.

 

[SimonDoom]

Hi and thanks for replying. Since i posted the original question I’ve had my first story go live - in EC - and although the 4 parts aren’t actually that long I think it hangs together and reads okay.

As per previous advice I’ve started another story in 4 parts rather than simply continuing the first. I’m hoping this will keep it fresh although it’s the same characters and a continuation of the story, differing only in title and an escalation in smut

Like you, my latest story has been put in a different category than I submitted it to - BDSM rather than EC. I can see why it’s been moved as it does include a bondage and a ball gag, although doesn’t use the usually terminology and language common in that category. I’ll see how it goes.

You've already started publishing so this is late but I thought I'd chime in for the future. I agree with PennameWombat.

Your first chapter is less than one Literotica page -- probably around 3000 words. That's short by Literotica story standards. Some people have done an assessment of what stories do well and stories that have 3 or more pages typically have higher scores than 1 page stories. If you have 4 chapters and the rest are the same length then your full story is no more than 4 Lit pages. There's no reason to divide a story of that length into separate chapters, and if you want to (a) maximize your number of readers, and (b) maximize your score, it makes more sense to submit it as a single story rather than in chapters. 4 pages certainly would not be long enough to put in the Novel category. Doing this eliminates the need to categorize each chapter separately.

Good luck with your story!

 

[Anoneemuss]

You've already started publishing so this is late but I thought I'd chime in for the future. I agree with PennameWombat.

Your first chapter is less than one Literotica page -- probably around 3000 words. That's short by Literotica story standards. Some people have done an assessment of what stories do well and stories that have 3 or more pages typically have higher scores than 1 page stories. If you have 4 chapters and the rest are the same length then your full story is no more than 4 Lit pages. There's no reason to divide a story of that length into separate chapters, and if you want to (a) maximize your number of readers, and (b) maximize your score, it makes more sense to submit it as a single story rather than in chapters. 4 pages certainly would not be long enough to put in the Novel category. Doing this eliminates the need to categorize each chapter separately.

Good luck with your story!

Hey, thanks! I really appreciate the time and effort you guys all put into replying.

Yep, first story was a little short. Hopefully that’ll change as I get used to this and write more.

I’d not really thought about scores when I started, rather what made sense to me and I think I was thinking more about chapters being distinct episodes in terms of when they happened rather than how they make sense as chapters of a story. All part of the learning process I guess

 

[Hypoxia]

Yep, first story was a little short. Hopefully that’ll change as I get used to this and write more.

That's how it works. Write, write, write. It's like the old joke of a newcomer in midtown Manhattan (NYC) who asks a passerby, "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" The response: "Practice, practice, practice." The more you write, the more you write. And better.

I’d not really thought about scores when I started, rather what made sense to me and I think I was thinking more about chapters being distinct episodes in terms of when they happened rather than how they make sense as chapters of a story. All part of the learning process I guess

I was hung up on scores for my first couple years here. A thorough one-bombing taught me to value the numbers less. But I digress.

There are chapters, and chapters. On LIT a chapter is a chunk of text in a series. In the world, a chapter is a distinct episode within a larger work. I've bundled numerous episodes into one LIT chapter, itself part of a larger arc. I've also spread a single episode across multiple LIT chapters. It's all a matter of packaging.

I agree with your "chapters being distinct episodes in terms of when they happened". I may date-stamp a section of text to distinguish it as a chapter. "Sunday: this happens. Monday: that happens. Etc. I don't call those dated sequences 'chapters' but that's what they are.

 

[Anoneemuss]

That's how it works. Write, write, write. It's like the old joke of a newcomer in midtown Manhattan (NYC) who asks a passerby, "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" The response: "Practice, practice, practice." The more you write, the more you write. And better.


I was hung up on scores for my first couple years here. A thorough one-bombing taught me to value the numbers less. But I digress.

There are chapters, and chapters. On LIT a chapter is a chunk of text in a series. In the world, a chapter is a distinct episode within a larger work. I've bundled numerous episodes into one LIT chapter, itself part of a larger arc. I've also spread a single episode across multiple LIT chapters. It's all a matter of packaging.

I agree with your "chapters being distinct episodes in terms of when they happened". I may date-stamp a section of text to distinguish it as a chapter. "Sunday: this happens. Monday: that happens. Etc. I don't call those dated sequences 'chapters' but that's what they are.

That’s a great idea. The datestamping thing I mean.

How do I add italics or bold text? I don’t see that option in the editing page, at least not on my phone. Do I need to write in Word and upload it or paste in with the formatting applied there?

 

[Hypoxia]

How do I add italics or bold text? I don’t see that option in the editing page, at least not on my phone. Do I need to write in Word and upload it or paste in with the formatting applied there?

I'm told that certain font effects in Word DOC files carry over into LIT. I use a plain TXT editor and apply the few HTML tags that LIT accepts:

<i>italic</i>
<b>bold</b>
<u>underline</u>
<blockquote>indent</blockquote>

That last doesn't always work right. Also note that the LIT Android app does not recognize HTML tags. Many many LIT readers see only all plain text.

 

[Anoneemuss]

I'm told that certain font effects in Word DOC files carry over into LIT. I use a plain TXT editor and apply the few HTML tags that LIT accepts:

<i>italic</i>
<b>bold</b>
<u>underline</u>
<blockquote>indent</blockquote>

That last doesn't always work right. Also note that the LIT Android app does not recognize HTML tags. Many many LIT readers see only all plain text.

Brilliant, thanks, I’ll give that a go

 

[Anoneemuss]

If you copy-paste your text in the Story Text field (or write directly into the Story Text field), you can use HTML code like " <i> <b> <u> <s> "

For example, if you want to write something in bold, add <b> before, and </b> at the end of the text

It is almost similar to the forum threads, but notice that in the story text you have to use these "<" ">" guys, unlike the forums where you use these "[" "]" brackets


More info on these codes can, for example, be found here: How much HTML/CSS can you put into a story?

Thanks, very helpful

 

[ElectricBlue]

Brilliant, thanks, I’ll give that a go

Be aware that I had a good run of html italics converting properly (I draft and submit in .rft), but my last three chapters each had different html glitches, to the extent that I've submitted an edit to try to get it sorted properly, and for my current WIP I've not bothered with italics at all. Something's gone wobbly only recently, and it must be Lit-side because I'd not changed any of my drafting habits. So don't get too fancy, your content might go pear-shaped.

 

[oggbashan]

I sometimes use the Alt key and a numeral for example for French accents:

Fiancé; Fiancée

They don't always appear correctly on some devices.

 

[Anoneemuss]

I sometimes use the Alt key and a numeral for example for French accents:

Fiancé; Fiancée

They don't always appear correctly on some devices.

Thanks, that’s good to know