Story categories too restrictive

[Clans57]

Should there not be a "Miscellaneous" story category for those submissions that do not naturally or logically fit in the categories provided?

I also think it would be great if you could filter stories by the gender of the author.

Just a couple of random thoughts......

 

[KeithD]

Erotic Coupling is the miscellaneous category here, and there's no way to tell what the actual gender of an author is--and that's not really relevant in the actual story, just in the mind of the reader. Their actual gender isn't necessarily what they claim in their account and regardless of the discussions we frequently have here on whether a male can write female and vice versa, the truth is that females can (and do) write male perspective and vice versa (e.g., it's arguable that most writing gay male here are female and get away with it).

 

[NotWise]

Should there not be a "Miscellaneous" story category for those submissions that do not naturally or logically fit in the categories provided?

Novels and Novellas has the description "Erotic fiction with a broader scope." You can put things there that don't fit in any one other category.

 

[KeithD]

Novels and Novellas has the description "Erotic fiction with a broader scope." You can put things there that don't fit in any one other category.

Except that novels and novellas really are works with broader wordage not just broader scope and I'd scratch my head finding a 3,000-word story there. (I'd just move on, though, I wouldn't have a conniption fit over it.)

 

[NotWise]

Except that novels and novellas really are works with broader wordage not just broader scope and I'd scratch my head finding a 3,000-word story there. (I'd just move on, though, I wouldn't have a conniption fit over it.)

I posted one story to N&N and at the time I watched the other stories being posted. Quite a few of them were fairly short. I just checked the random stories list there, and one stand-alone came up at 1.5K.

We also don't know how long the OP's story is. Being short may not even be an issue.

 

[KeithD]

We also don't know how long the OP's story is. Being short may not even be an issue.

It is with me when posted to Novels and Novellas. The meaning of those terms are too definite. You can only redefine the wheel so much before it gets ridiculous.

 

[MelissaBaby]

I doubt that a Miscellaneous category would attract many browsers, most people probably look for their particular interest.

 

[JuanSeiszFitzHall]

Erotic Couplings isn’t really a catch-all, either. To be downbeat about it, EC is like a Lit equivalent of the pathetic Defense of Marriage Bill: Sex only takes place between one man and one woman. Not that there’s anything wrong with that (he referenced), as long as the other categories exist. I suggest that the OP try to work within the existing categories, and use the description line and tags to inform the reader further.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I doubt that a Miscellaneous category would attract many browsers, most people probably look for their particular interest.

This. The category system is flawed, lord knows we've grumbled about it often enough, but tacking on a new mish-mash category isn't going to fix that.

 

[yukonnights]

Should there not be a "Miscellaneous" story category for those submissions that do not naturally or logically fit in the categories provided?

I also think it would be great if you could filter stories by the gender of the author.

Just a couple of random thoughts......

While I can't help you get a new category, I can offer you this link to an informative guide of how to choose the best category for your story -> https://literotica.com/beta/s/love-your-readers-categories

 

[BarracudaSwordfish]

I find choosing a category just about the hardest thing on this site. Most of my stories cut across multiple genres, so I spend almost as much time agonising over where to put them as writing them.

I am currently writing a tale that involves lesbian sex, group sex, erotic couplings and a fair degree of science fiction and fantasy though the story is very much grounded in the present day. There are probably a few other categories I have forgotten. It's just the way it happens.

It all makes perfect sense to me, but I haven't the first idea where I am going to publish it.

Maybe I'll make each alternate sentence rhyme and stick in the poetry section.

 

[RejectReality]

I find choosing a category just about the hardest thing on this site. Most of my stories cut across multiple genres, so I spend almost as much time agonising over where to put them as writing them.

I am currently writing a tale that involves lesbian sex, group sex, erotic couplings and a fair degree of science fiction and fantasy though the story is very much grounded in the present day. There are probably a few other categories I have forgotten. It's just the way it happens.

It all makes perfect sense to me, but I haven't the first idea where I am going to publish it.

Maybe I'll make each alternate sentence rhyme and stick in the poetry section.

There's your answer. If it has a strong Sci-Fi & Fantasy vibe, then that's where it belongs. The readership isn't remotely going to balk at any of the other elements you mention. Being present day doesn't matter.

You're lucky that you have the fantasy elements in your story, because it provides a definitive home where your imagination can roam. Take that out, and you do have a potential conundrum. Although, what you mention isn't really that extreme. Taking just the other three things you mention, all you need to do is figure out which is dominant.

If group sex is the ultimate conclusion of the story, the readership isn't going to care if there's some 1on1 action ( hetero or lesbian ) along the way to getting there. Even if it isn't the ultimate conclusion of the story, if there's enough multi-partner sex in there, they'll be fine.

The Lesbian category is not friendly toward penises, so if there are any in your story, it's probably not a good choice. The presence of more than two partners eliminates Erotic Couplings. ( Though the category is such a grab bag with a transient readership that going outside the 1on1 scope isn't necessarily a problem. )

Seems a relatively easy choice of Group Sex with what you've presented here, until you mention the Sci-Fi & Fantasy. That's where virtually every other category gets eliminated. While stories with those elements can do well in other categories, it's more the exception than the rule. Add in other genre hopping, and you're really pushing your luck.

 

[Hypoxia]

Should there not be a "Miscellaneous" story category for those submissions that do not naturally or logically fit in the categories provided?

No. Find your main theme and post there. If you post to an unsuitable category, Laurel will send it where she wants. Otherwise pick N&N or Non-Erotic or Poetry where it won't be noticed.

I also think it would be great if you could filter stories by the gender of the author.

Will you provide the gender-determination test kits?