When it doesn't fit any category

[PeytonMirabelle]

So, I've seen that selecting the right category for your story is pretty important, in terms of ratings and reads. This leaves me with a challenge here, 'cause I don't think my current work cleanly fits any of them.

Honestly thinking of trying Romance with it but ... how tolerant are the readers there of a story that doesn't have a Happily Ever After? This one ends with a spot of hope for the future but the romance involved is more bittersweet than anything.

And yes, I am sure I am overthinking this ...

 

[NotWise]

So, I've seen that selecting the right category for your story is pretty important, in terms of ratings and reads. This leaves me with a challenge here, 'cause I don't think my current work cleanly fits any of them.

Honestly thinking of trying Romance with it but ... how tolerant are the readers there of a story that doesn't have a Happily Ever After? This one ends with a spot of hope for the future but the romance involved is more bittersweet than anything.

And yes, I am sure I am overthinking this ...

In my experience, Romance readers can be very intolerant. It isn't just a question of HEA. The story needs to be a Romance.

Can you describe your story?

 

[SimonDoom]

I think rather than starting from the negative you need to start from the positive: explain why you think it might be appropriate for Romance and then people can help you decide.

 

[gunhilltrain]

In my experience, Romance readers can be very intolerant. It isn't just a question of HEA. The story needs to be a Romance.

Can you describe your story?

This reminds me of a thread we had about a proposed category called "Relationships." Not to be too cynical, but Romance (in real life, anyway) is usually the first few weeks of two people's involvement, maybe a bit more. What really happens in that HEA? It's something different than before, maybe deeper, one hopes, but maybe not.

I'm going to have put some upcoming chapters, I think, in Non-Erotic. It's a compromise, of course, not ideal. But they won't quite be erotic enough for Erotic Couplings or romantic enough for Romance. And I don't like skipping around within a series, but I can't see a way out.

 

[PeytonMirabelle]

Answers

In my experience, Romance readers can be very intolerant. It isn't just a question of HEA. The story needs to be a Romance.

Can you describe your story?

In summary, the story follows a willful young woman who goes to college, goes a little out of control as she discovers her sexuality, then starts a relationship with a professor (in her department but not her teacher or advisor). Because of some complications of her former wild ways, there is some cheating and they part ways and though it's hard for her, the story ends with her realizing her life is not over.

In a Word doc, the first few pages are spent in her background, her first year exploring her sexuality, etc. Page 7-19 go through their developing relationship of dating, sex, being confronted by the department head over their (questionably ethical) relationship, discussions of a life together, little romantic gestures, and a marriage proposal. Pages 20-28 cover the crash, 29-34 the denouement.

I think rather than starting from the negative you need to start from the positive: explain why you think it might be appropriate for Romance and then people can help you decide.

Fair enough.

As I answered above, there is romance involved between the protagonist and her principal love interest. They meet, date, start sleeping together, fend off concerned parties who question their commitment. They meet the families, talk about kids. I think the elements are there. It just doesn't end well.

I'm going to have put some upcoming chapters, I think, in Non-Erotic.

Well, I've waffled about going to Non-Eroitc too, because even though the story has sex, it just doesn't seem to fit anywhere else. Aside from romance, there is some Non-Consent, but it's a framing issue for later story events, not the focus. There is infidelity, but not the type to satisfy the swinging, cuckold, or BTB factions of Loving Wives. The feelings and angst run deeper than Erotic Couplings normally have. There is Anal, but it's not highlighted. A First Time is described ... for all of two paragraphs. I feel like Romance has the "best" fit but it's still not great.

I'm just hesitant about Non-Erotic because is seems like a Death Valley for reads and views.

 

[ceset]

I’ve had this problem recently too. My story is more than just one category many genres and themes. And while I want it to be seen by anyone interested in a certain category, I also don’t want to anger someone who might not think it’s enough, or might think it belongs somewhere else. So recently I’ve decided to just switch everything over to novels/novellas. It seems like the best option.

 

[Brutal_One]

It does sound as if your story has enough erotic content. I think it perfectly okay to not have a happy ever after. I can relate to your story too as in my current story arc which is between the BDSM and NC categories it has had an impact on the BDSM parts but I don’t worry about this too much as it is telling my BDSM take between the Professor and his student.

Of course I have the slave / master thing going on but your ideas are totally valid with the ‘raised eyebrows’ at the relationship. In my arc I have the student also as an intern working for the museum where the professor is the curator as well as starting as a lecturer at the series beginning. It is the interview of the internship that starts the relationship and yes there has already been blackmail involved as a result of the relationship.

Of course category I think is important but I don’t see based on your outline why it does not have to fall into the Romance category.

Brutal One

 

[Handley_Page]

You might get Laurel to pick the right one for you ?

 

[Emirus]

I’ve had this problem recently too. My story is more than just one category many genres and themes. And while I want it to be seen by anyone interested in a certain category, I also don’t want to anger someone who might not think it’s enough, or might think it belongs somewhere else. So recently I’ve decided to just switch everything over to novels/novellas. It seems like the best option.

Not long ago I wrote a story involving several days in the life of the main character and it covered a few categories. I spent a lot of time considering which overall category I would/could use. I was castigated by one reviewer, who thought the story was a waste of time anyway, for my choice and their only “constructive” comment was to suggest non-erotic but they then said in that case all the sex would have to be removed. I can’t see why a non-erotic story can’t involve making love, as against “having sex” or “fucking,” because making love doesn’t have to be erotic/masturbatory.

 

[SisterJezabel]

In summary, the story follows a willful young woman who goes to college, goes a little out of control as she discovers her sexuality, then starts a relationship with a professor (in her department but not her teacher or advisor).

Mature readers are usually pretty fair too- if there is an age gap between student and professor it might work...

 

[MelissaBaby]

In summary, the story follows a willful young woman who goes to college, goes a little out of control as she discovers her sexuality, then starts a relationship with a professor (in her department but not her teacher or advisor). Because of some complications of her former wild ways, there is some cheating and they part ways and though it's hard for her, the story ends with her realizing her life is not over.

In a Word doc, the first few pages are spent in her background, her first year exploring her sexuality, etc. Page 7-19 go through their developing relationship of dating, sex, being confronted by the department head over their (questionably ethical) relationship, discussions of a life together, little romantic gestures, and a marriage proposal. Pages 20-28 cover the crash, 29-34 the denouement.



Fair enough.

As I answered above, there is romance involved between the protagonist and her principal love interest. They meet, date, start sleeping together, fend off concerned parties who question their commitment. They meet the families, talk about kids. I think the elements are there. It just doesn't end well.



Well, I've waffled about going to Non-Eroitc too, because even though the story has sex, it just doesn't seem to fit anywhere else. Aside from romance, there is some Non-Consent, but it's a framing issue for later story events, not the focus. There is infidelity, but not the type to satisfy the swinging, cuckold, or BTB factions of Loving Wives. The feelings and angst run deeper than Erotic Couplings normally have. There is Anal, but it's not highlighted. A First Time is described ... for all of two paragraphs. I feel like Romance has the "best" fit but it's still not great.

I'm just hesitant about Non-Erotic because is seems like a Death Valley for reads and views.

Novels and Novellas

 

[Ginlover]

Mature even if you have to adjust the professor's age a bit. Your overview suggests the female character is not ready to settle down so turns down the offer of marriage and kids. That fits neatly into a love story that cant work because two people are at different stages in their life. Hence me suggesting Mature

 

[gunhilltrain]

I think there are plenty of Romantic story examples without a HEA. There's also something like a romantic writing style and format, and if the protagonist can look back at the relationship with a mixture of happiness for having been into this relationship, and perhaps sweet-bitter sadness for its end, it sounds just right for Romance to me. I know, Lit readers follow their own standards, but that doesn't mean you always have to cater their preferences. Some stories that don't follow the trodden paths get most praise for being unique and refreshing.

I think a student/professor relationship might actually be perfect for Mature.

I wouldn't call Non-Erotic a Death Valley; the reads might be lower, but with the right story you get a lot of reactions. I find it a appreciative bunch of readers.

If you reject Mature, Romance and Erotic Couplings, if there's enough erotic content to reject Non-Erotic, and if it's long enough, then I would go for Novels and Novellas. (Not sure if I would choose Non-Erotic above N & N)

The one story I have in Non-Erotic did quite well in terms of views and votes. But it was truly lacking any erotic or romantic elements, and it was not part of a series. I'll have to see how it goes the next time.

 

[holliday1960]

MB, I don't think this is quite long enough for Novels/Novella really. The OP said in word doc it's 28 pages and for Lit, that isn't long. I think you'd get some unhappy readers in that category. As others suggested, if there's a bit of an age gap between the two primary characters, MATURE is definitely a good choice. Otherwise, I'd drop it in Erotic Coupling because while Romance readers are very accepting, they do have their need for that HEA ending, so to get the most positive response, I'd choose Mature first, and if it doesnt fit there... EC. Whatever you choose, Good Luck!!!

 

[ElectricBlue]

Mature readers are usually pretty fair too- if there is an age gap between student and professor it might work...

Based on the OP's story summary, I'd drop it in Mature. It's a very responsive category, with open-minded and tolerant readers who don't mind a bit of angst.

 

[SimonDoom]

Like others I suspect Mature is the right category. For one thing, it's a popular category, with a fair number of readers -- more on average than Erotic Couplings, I think. Plus it sounds like the story is driven by the age differential and power differential -- so mature seems appropriate. That's especially true if you emphasize that angle of the relationship and if the gap in age is sufficient.

 

[Haulover]

Mature (especially if you or make the professor 45-ish or older)

Novels & Novellas (assuming it's a reasonable length)

 

[PeytonMirabelle]

Hmmm

Thank you everyone for your feedback and advice!

The professor involved was an assistant professor, in his late 20s, about ten years older than the protagonist, so I'm not sure how that would work with the Mature crowd. It's not a category I read, so I'll have to do some poking in there. I can't make him much older without some other story elements becoming less believable.

Story length is 22K words, so maybe Novels & Novellas? I guess that translates to 6 full Lit pages? Feels short but I see some in there that length.

I guess the upshot is I will have to think about it. I'm sure after a few hours, I'll just say "screw it," pick something, and let the chips fall where they may.

ETA: This was the story I referenced a while back about possibly running afoul of the underage rules too (with the protagonist's early development). I think I'm inside the lines now but I guess we'll see. I seem to be doing everything right on this story!

 

[gunhilltrain]

I think there are plenty of Romantic story examples without a HEA. There's also something like a romantic writing style and format, and if the protagonist can look back at the relationship with a mixture of happiness for having been into this relationship, and perhaps sweet-bitter sadness for its end, it sounds just right for Romance to me. I know, Lit readers follow their own standards, but that doesn't mean you always have to cater their preferences. Some stories that don't follow the trodden paths get most praise for being unique and refreshing.

I think a student/professor relationship might actually be perfect for Mature.

I wouldn't call Non-Erotic a Death Valley; the reads might be lower, but with the right story you get a lot of reactions. I find it a appreciative bunch of readers.

If you reject Mature, Romance and Erotic Couplings, if there's enough erotic content to reject Non-Erotic, and if it's long enough, then I would go for Novels and Novellas. (Not sure if I would choose Non-Erotic above N & N)

That's true, there doesn't have to be a HEA. I have two were the couple is just starting out, and those did pretty well. The hard thing is doing the end of a relationship. Most plausibly, it's not bittersweet, but just plain bitterness. Usually one person pulls the plug, and the other one doesn't like it.

A tried one where a guy gets stood up, and the readers hated it. One told me to put it in Non-Erotic.

 

[MelissaBaby]

Mature (especially if you or make the professor 45-ish or older)

Novels & Novellas (assuming it's a reasonable length)

34 pages is long enough to be a novella.

 

[SimonDoom]

34 pages is long enough to be a novella.

I agree. The Great Gatsby is a little over 40,000 words, and everybody thinks of that as a novel. That's around 12-13 Lit pages. So if it's 20, that's plenty for a novel.

 

[Salacious_Scribe]

This reminds me of a thread we had about a proposed category called "Relationships." Not to be too cynical, but Romance (in real life, anyway) is usually the first few weeks of two people's involvement, maybe a bit more. What really happens in that HEA? It's something different than before, maybe deeper, one hopes, but maybe not.

I'm going to have put some upcoming chapters, I think, in Non-Erotic. It's a compromise, of course, not ideal. But they won't quite be erotic enough for Erotic Couplings or romantic enough for Romance. And I don't like skipping around within a series, but I can't see a way out.

For a series I pick the category that covers the major theme of the entire series. So if the theme is group sex and most chapters have group sex, teh two that don't have sex still go in group sex.

 

[Salacious_Scribe]

In summary, the story follows a willful young woman who goes to college, goes a little out of control as she discovers her sexuality, then starts a relationship with a professor (in her department but not her teacher or advisor). Because of some complications of her former wild ways, there is some cheating and they part ways and though it's hard for her, the story ends with her realizing her life is not over.

In a Word doc, the first few pages are spent in her background, her first year exploring her sexuality, etc. Page 7-19 go through their developing relationship of dating, sex, being confronted by the department head over their (questionably ethical) relationship, discussions of a life together, little romantic gestures, and a marriage proposal. Pages 20-28 cover the crash, 29-34 the denouement.



Fair enough.

As I answered above, there is romance involved between the protagonist and her principal love interest. They meet, date, start sleeping together, fend off concerned parties who question their commitment. They meet the families, talk about kids. I think the elements are there. It just doesn't end well.



Well, I've waffled about going to Non-Eroitc too, because even though the story has sex, it just doesn't seem to fit anywhere else. Aside from romance, there is some Non-Consent, but it's a framing issue for later story events, not the focus. There is infidelity, but not the type to satisfy the swinging, cuckold, or BTB factions of Loving Wives. The feelings and angst run deeper than Erotic Couplings normally have. There is Anal, but it's not highlighted. A First Time is described ... for all of two paragraphs. I feel like Romance has the "best" fit but it's still not great.

I'm just hesitant about Non-Erotic because is seems like a Death Valley for reads and views.

Sounds like more of a Coming of Age Story. Another category that's missing.

 

[Salacious_Scribe]

I would go with Romance or Erotic Couplings. Romeo and Juliet does not have an HEA ending, yet it's considered Romance.

 

[KeithD]

Story length is 22K words, so maybe Novels & Novellas? I guess that translates to 6 full Lit pages? Feels short but I see some in there that length.

In electronic publishing, 22,000 words is in the novella sweet spot. (There wasn't a sweet spot or much of a cost effective market for novellas at all until electronic publishing came along). A novel is generally considered to start at 45,000 words in the electronic world. Novellas can be put in paperback (that's where most of my mainstream publishing is), but it should be 25,000 words or more to be considered for print--from a cost effective view.