How does this all work?

[amofiga]

I'm a relatively new member and have posted two stories. I'll be doing more. I wonder how stories get considered in these "contests" that are mentioned. Do they have to be submitted especially for the contests, or are they automatically "entered" based on the number of votes and type of feedback?

I've gotten generally good feedback and relatively good scores for the two stories I've done so far, but one of the things I wonder about is what is the best category for the most readership? I posted one in BDSM and one in Incest, but I wonder of there are many people who just wouldn't bother to check out certain types or categories because they don't find them interesting, or worse, are put off by certain subject matter. I try to treat whatever the subject may be with sensitivity, and try to include as much of the "why" as I can and not just dwell on the "how". I'd like to let a reader see that characters aren't one dimensional, and that there is sincere motivation for their actions.

In any case, I've always enjoyed this sort of writing and have done short stories for other venues. For me, it's a way of trying to explore and expand various fantasies I've either had myself or have been told by others. It's nice to get feedback that says a reader has felt the emotion or has shared the fantasy him/herself.

Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[PennLady]

There are two different types of contests. One is the monthly readers' choice stuff-- which they are behind on announcing -- and the other is the themed contest. Every story is automatically 'entered' in the monthly contest. For the themed contests, you need to check the rules (at the top of the Author's Hangout, or accessible from the main index page and a couple of other places). When you submit a story for a contest, you must say so in the notes box on the submission page; otherwise it won't be entered.

I'm sure someone else can lay this out with more detail, but that's the short answer.

 

[Feotakahari]

This topic is somewhat relevant to the second question.

 

[sr71plt]

but I wonder of there are many people who just wouldn't bother to check out certain types or categories because they don't find them interesting, or worse, are put off by certain subject matter.

Well, yes, of course. There are hundreds of thousands of readers tooling through Literotica. They most certainly have a w i d e range of likes and dislikes. It would be like trying to herd cats to try to write something they all want to read.

I suggest just writing what you want. You're sure to get an audience--and a fan base for it if you're any good at it. If you try to please everyone, you'll produce pablum that pleases no one of any intellectual capability.