Getting Published

[P. B. Walker]

Hey all,

After reading Wispersecret's post about her novella, I was wondering how hard it is to get an erotic novel published in this day and age. I don't feel I'm a good enough writer to actually undertake writing a novel at this point, but I am working on it and would someday like to do just that. What is involved in getting a novel published? Is a book of short stories a feasible idea? or would it have to be a full-sized novel? Is the pay decent or should I keep my day job?

Just wondering. I have browsed thru Amazon.com and found a book about writing erotica and getting published, but decide against shelling out $$ for it.

Thanks for any info.

- PBW

 

[English-Passion]

I don't know anything about getting erotica published - you should probably start by contacting the publishers and asking for their writer's guidelines.

However, I have bought two or three books about writing erotica. My honest opinion of all of them is that they are a waste of money. Any book on writing will help you sort out your passive voice from your split infinitives.

The truth is that you should read the excellent articles published on this very site if you want to get the real know-how on writing creditable and credable erotica.

Save yourself a bundle and read the superb article: Guide for Amateur Writers of Erotica by bs904@freenet.carleton.ca
http://www.literotica.com/storyxs/stories/guide.shtml

English-Passion

 

[P. B. Walker]

Thanks English-Passion

I already had that article printed out and have referenced it several times in the past week or so. It's been a tremendous help. The other article I found very helpful was "How To Make Characters Talk" by WhisperSecret.

Thanks again,

- PBW

 

[Whispersecret]

P.B., I'm glad that little article helped you. I really only touched on the very basics of dialogue punctuation. There's so much more about writing dialogue that I don't cover at all.

Kensington isn't an erotica publisher, perse. They publish a ton of different things, and their new line is "erotic romance," heavy on the romance. I erred more on the side of erotic than romance.

I can only say, just keep trying. Write as much as you can. It's the only way you'll get better.

 

[P. B. Walker]

Another thought

hey all,

I was struck with another thought on this subject. Does it help to get your short stories published in, say, magazines (i.e., Penthouse, etc.) first so that you can show potential publishers of the quality of work you do? I'm sure there are several magazines beside Penthouse that publish erotic stories, so I was thinking this would be a quick easy way to at least get *something* published, which would then hopefully help you get a novel published. What are ya'lls thoughts on this?

- PBW

 

[tigerjen]

here's one

Blue Moon Books ....publishes erotic fiction....its one
of many branches under Publishers Group West.

They do have a website I believe......dont' know the
address off the top of my head though

Good luck!

TJ

Also.....if you're into submitting online, try
www.cleansheets.com . Quite a few of stories
that have been posted on there have made it
into "The Best American Erotica" series edited
by Susie Bright.

 

[Guest]

getting published

PB--

So your homework. The number of novels published by first time authors is as promising as you becoming a draft pick for the NBA. Chances are slimmer if you peddle your manuscript without an agent.

Yes, start small. Get published in e-zines and magazines. A portfolio is a logical step. Start building your 'clips' as the jargon goes. If you can, join a local writers' group. We have a chapter of the National Writers' Union here. You need to establish a network. Hook up with folks who have accomplished what you want. Mickie is published. Contact him. Online communities are cool, but we actually met in person before the www.

If anyone wonders, yeah I've been published and I work in the industry. Enough said.

Keep the day job. Writing like teaching, better be something you love. It better be your passion. Jackie Collins don't happen everyday. And there are plenty of one book wonders. Everybody doesn't have a Terri MacMillan for a sister either. Roslynn shouldn't have left her day job. Nice lady. Can't write for shit. Pissed as all get out when I bought her first novel. Didn't finish it. Couldn't.

Alice

 

[alice]

unregistered

Duh, didn't realize I wasn't logged in.

A

 

[P. B. Walker]

Alice,

thanks for that post. That was the kinda info I was looking for. I think I'll stick to writing for fun for the time being... Plus, I think the fun would go out of it if it became a job... hehe.

thanks,

- PBW

 

[KillerMuffin]

Closet Desire has published erotica.