Should I publish to Literotica?

[Rob_Royale]

To the OP - what do you have to lose?

 

[ChloeTzang]

Hi all, I thought literotica might be the right place to post a dark fantasy smut of mine, but after looking at some of the things people are saying on the forums I'm not so sure anymore. Just seeing people saying stuff like they're leaving the site because it treats authors poorly, bad author/admin relations, stuff like that.

Can someone please explain to me in better detail the issues these people (or yourselves) are having with literotica as authors, anything that might lead someone like me think I'd better not publish here? Or, if what I've been hearing isn't true, I'd like to hear about that too.

Basically, I'm just looking for more info to help me make an informed decision whether publishing here is a good idea. Thanks in advance to anyone who replies

PRO's: Literotica has by far and away the most writers and readers of erotica of any website - you will get far more exposure here than on any of the other websites. There are writing competitions and events throughout the year and a very active Authors Hangout which, while only a subset of authors chat here, is very helpful and informative. The site is dated, clunky at times, but above all it mostly works and the site owners are working to progressively update the UI and the backend.

The site has seen continuing growth in volumes with up to 400 stories submitted daily - far more than other sites out there, as well as increasing numbers of users.

CON's: That said, Admin Support is sporadic and not responsive. The UI and backend upgrades are being done on a shoestring - this ain't Wattpad, wiuth Venture Capital, it's a mom and pop website that's grown, and while they're working to improve the UI and Performance, that has at times introduced bugs. We know they have been working on the submissions process to speed it up. At a guess, this is what is affecting story submission processing and causing a couple of issues that have impacted a subset of authors:

The bugs are an issue with pending stories, where stories are submitted but go into pending and are never processed. Escalations to Site Admin are not responded to as far as we can see, and no updates have been advises to us n the issue

There;s another issue with stories being incorrectly rejected due to "Use of AI". Again, Site Admin does not respond to messages or bug reports or requests for info on the issue. It's pain in the ass.

We do see tho that some stories are going thru way faster. Unfortunately others are going into a black hole and as for the AI bullshit..... insufficient testing before being promoted to production appears to be the culprit.

My take on it is that these issues will work themselves out but if your story is one of the ones impacted, it's a showstopper, and, excuse my language, fucking annoying and frustrating. What makes it worse is Site Admin has been 100% unresponsive on acknowledging these issues and advising us on what the workaround ahould be and how we escalate these so that they are addressed.

The corrollary is, most stories that are submitted go thru without any issues and are published.

As far as an informed decision goes - my recommendation would be join and publish here - you won't find a better site in terms of # of viewers and friendly fellow-authors.

You can always do what some of us do and publish on multiple sites anyhow - nothing stops you doing that. Do it that way and it's win-win.

 

[ChloeTzang]

@ShelbyDawn57 - What you say is quite correct. I think however that things would be seen in a much more understanding light if Laurel and Manu were a bit more open. People, in my experience, will put up with almost anything if they know what’s going on. The unknown is always seed for confusion, doubt, rumour and conflict.

100%

 

[TheLobster]

Should I publish to Literotica?

Nope. Sorry, we’re full

 

[AG31]

I pulled a random 5000 words from the third chapter of Dracula and it only came in at 92% human. So, Bram Stoker isn't a good enough writer to publish here, he uses AI.

Priceless!!! Thanks for doing this!

 

[Kelliezgirl]

To the OP - what do you have to lose?

Exactly! There is literally zero downside.

 

[StillStunned]

If you find a better place, by all means, post there, and let us know where it is.

There's a classic WWI cartoon called "The Better 'Ole":

 

[cw5523729]

Exactly! There is literally zero downside.

Disagree. I've been told that we are supposed to stand in solidarity with those on the picket line to send a message. I'm not sure what it is but it's important.

 

[crookedletter]

Can we cool it with the AI shit? Or maybe keep it to a thread the rest of us can avoid.

 

[Chase_Storm]

Hi all, I thought literotica might be the right place to post a dark fantasy smut of mine, but after looking at some of the things people are saying on the forums I'm not so sure anymore. Just seeing people saying stuff like they're leaving the site because it treats authors poorly, bad author/admin relations, stuff like that.

Can someone please explain to me in better detail the issues these people (or yourselves) are having with literotica as authors, anything that might lead someone like me think I'd better not publish here? Or, if what I've been hearing isn't true, I'd like to hear about that too.

Basically, I'm just looking for more info to help me make an informed decision whether publishing here is a good idea. Thanks in advance to anyone who replies

I'm a longtime reader of this site who began writing just a few months ago.

As a consumer, I can't imagine a better site, so that's a draw as an author. The audience is here.

As an author, most things are good. There are frustrations, no doubt about it, but most of what I see would be if you are like me and writing a series.

Initially, stories don't always link together correctly, so it's annoying when you think of the readers you're losing because they think there isn't another chapter.

Delays in publishing can be very frustrating. Usually things go smoothly, but when they don't, they really, really don't. I've found it takes one or two months to have an edit made, so be sure whatever you are submitting won't need work. Most of the times, stories go up quickly. When they don't, that can be frustrating, too.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

Disappointment comes only from unfulfilled expectations.

As a author who deals with agents and publishers in mainstream publishing, my expectations for responses to communications and publication times are likely much lower than many on Literotica. I have never been disappointed with Literotica.

My suggestion is for everyone to focus their energy on those things that they themselves can control: The quality of your writing, the method that you use to submit it, and the settings you select for accepting votes, comments, etc.

 

[Katie_Mae]

In my time posting stories here, my experience of timeframes has never matched with what was loudly advertised in this forum as "normal."
I haven't published much recently, but I've got some stuff coming up and I'll be interested if I notice a difference from my old personal normal. It's hard to know how much of the recent changes in publishing times are actually changes overall, vs some people experiencing what others have experienced for years. Certainly stories sitting a month while others sail through isn't new. It does sound that of the AH crowd, a higher percentage are having these issues than before, however it's hard to know if the sample size in the AH is representative of the whole site. I'm not saying it is or it isn't, just we don't know.

Is it a good idea for you to publish here? That's impossible to answer without knowing your intentions in publishing here. Everyone has their own "why" of being here, that may differ slightly or greatly to the "why" of the next person. What I mean to say is, depending on what you're seeking to get out of publishing here, will determine if Lit is the place to put your work.

For me, posting stories here has been worth it, but if you have different intentions than me, then it may or may not be the best place for you.

One think to keep in mind is that we're not the customers, we're the product. We're donating our stories to Literotica and there are many, many people willing to make that donation. There's a power dynamic there.

 

[Soixenta]

Hi all, I thought literotica might be the right place to post a dark fantasy smut of mine, but after looking at some of the things people are saying on the forums I'm not so sure anymore. Just seeing people saying stuff like they're leaving the site because it treats authors poorly, bad author/admin relations, stuff like that.

Can someone please explain to me in better detail the issues these people (or yourselves) are having with literotica as authors, anything that might lead someone like me think I'd better not publish here? Or, if what I've been hearing isn't true, I'd like to hear about that too.

Basically, I'm just looking for more info to help me make an informed decision whether publishing here is a good idea. Thanks in advance to anyone who replies

For what it is worth, my newest story was approved within an hour. And I do not think that I warrant special preferential treatment, with only four stories published so far.

 

[iwatchus]

I believe that the vast majority of stories go through smoothly.

 

[Maya_Vakker]

I’ve been disappointed in the process and lack of clarity. I’ve been haunting this site for over a decade as a casual reader. Often times wondering how a story was allowed to be published due to awful grammar and syntax errors.

A friend of mine is a professional editor. After writing a few chapters, and having him clean up the story, I submitted three chapters. All rejected with only a vague reference to possible use of AI. Both him and I were dumbfounded.

We did a test and ran the first chapter through four AI platforms, and one grammar editor with a synonym suggested option. Two AI responses said there is less then a five percent chance that chapter was AI generated. The third said it had elements that suggested 30% was AI generated. The last platform said it was 90% AI. The reasoning for such a high probability is that the tone and continuity was to consist, and that the sensory development was to robust. The grammar editor didn’t provide any useful feed back, which we suspected.

I’m still trying to decided what to do with Lit.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

You're correct, but again, resources vs requests. They get to decide, and how many times and ways can you tell someone adamant that their work wasn't AI generated that, well, you know, it kind of looks like to to me, before it's just not worth answering the question anymore?

I think even just a general message of reassurance would be useful - you know, something like, “Our computer came down with hoof and mouth disease and things have been crazy. Should be back to normal soon.”

 

[FeldGasden]

There seems to be a lot of delays in publishing these days. Some have it worse than others. The biggest issue is probably the lack of communication in explaining WHY certain issues happen. Getting a response can be tough. I couldn't access the forums at all during my first few months of writing. They did fix the problem, but it was not easy to get a response. That was a while ago now, and people seem to be having more problems.

Is it worth it? Only you can decide that. I'd say go for it. Readers are still here. Just don't be surprised if it takes a while for your story to be approved.

I enjoyed reading your "It's a Date" story so I went to check out your other stories. Perhaps it's also because you were one of the authors who commented on one of my posts.

I didn't know where to post a comment I have on your work, that will reach you, so I'm trying this path.

Personally, I hate pool parties, reading them and watching them online because the girls are all in beach wear but when I read your Birthday Pool Party stories, I frankly think this is the best story cycle I've seen here. All the girls, the Slut-Sisters, Stacey, April, Nicole and Sarah all are etched with bold strokes that give them life as distinct characters and the sex scenes are outstanding. I wish there's a part where you get all of them together in jeans for one harem scene but you've done such a good job with them, I'll read those parts which interest me as they come out. I admit I only read some parts because of my kink but those parts were more than enough to give me a very good time.

Steven really reminds me of a richer, smarter, stronger, more handsome, more mature, more gentlemanly version of the main character in a manga from my school days, the harem comic Love Hina. And all the girls are like even better versions of the girls who stayed in that girl's hostel he ran.

Real life catches up with all of us so I can naturally understand if you'll be taking a while to generate your stories but I hope it gratifies you that this reader considers them very fulfilling and well balanced. They're all stories that can stand on their own as stories with a heavy erotic element that's well pulled off.

 

[FrancesScott]

Basically, I'm just looking for more info to help me make an informed decision whether publishing here is a good idea.

I started publishing here not so long ago and I will say that my experience has been very uneven. I’ve been awarded two back-to-back editor’s choice green Es, which I understand is unprecedented; then both were technical essays. I briefly made it to the all time top ten for lesbian stories (only to have my story voted down 0.06 in ratings by people who didn’t think I fitted in with the more exalted company). I dipped my toe in Loving Wives, and now have nine toes; and a competition entry blown out of the water by the cross-contagion.

The forum is a mixture of nice and helpful people, those with a chip on their shoulder, and some who seem to come here purely to be unpleasant to others. It’s the internet I suppose. The draw of Literotica is audience size. But - outside of the Lesbian category - I’ve not really seen a lot of activity. Other authors I have spoken to have said that story views are down. I think it’s very hard to build a following here unless you are churning out new stories on a schedule. So, I’d say, go into publishing here with eyes wide open and not expecting The Garden of Eden. If you have realistic expectations they may be exceeded. If you are expecting Nirvana, you might be disappointed.

 

[yowser]

The forum is a mixture of nice and helpful people, those with a chip on their shoulder, and some who seem to come here purely to be unpleasant to others. It’s the internet I suppose. The draw of Literotica is audience size. But - outside of the Lesbian category - I’ve not really seen a lot of activity. Other authors I have spoken to have said that story views are down. I think it’s very hard to build a following here unless you are churning out new stories on a schedule. So, I’d say, go into publishing here with eyes wide open and not expecting The Garden of Eden. If you have realistic expectations they may be exceeded. If you are expecting Nirvana, you might be disappointed.

Astute observations. Unless you are writing for the killer categories (TI and LW) a following is a long term game. I'd suggest the most satisfying approach is to focus on your own art, strive for the best you are capable of producing, experiment thoughtfully, and accept whatever you can get in the way of feedback. I think your last two sentences are sound advice for life in general.

 

[FrancesScott]

I think your last two sentences are sound advice for life in general.

Yes they are. Not that I always take them myself. It’s human to be hopeful and then disappointed.

 

[WittyUserName]

I enjoyed reading your "It's a Date" story so I went to check out your other stories. Perhaps it's also because you were one of the authors who commented on one of my posts.

I didn't know where to post a comment I have on your work, that will reach you, so I'm trying this path.

Personally, I hate pool parties, reading them and watching them online because the girls are all in beach wear but when I read your Birthday Pool Party stories, I frankly think this is the best story cycle I've seen here. All the girls, the Slut-Sisters, Stacey, April, Nicole and Sarah all are etched with bold strokes that give them life as distinct characters and the sex scenes are outstanding. I wish there's a part where you get all of them together in jeans for one harem scene but you've done such a good job with them, I'll read those parts which interest me as they come out. I admit I only read some parts because of my kink but those parts were more than enough to give me a very good time.

Steven really reminds me of a richer, smarter, stronger, more handsome, more mature, more gentlemanly version of the main character in a manga from my school days, the harem comic Love Hina. And all the girls are like even better versions of the girls who stayed in that girl's hostel he ran.

Real life catches up with all of us so I can naturally understand if you'll be taking a while to generate your stories but I hope it gratifies you that this reader considers them very fulfilling and well balanced. They're all stories that can stand on their own as stories with a heavy erotic element that's well pulled off.

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed my stories. Just as an FYI, you can go to an author's page and click "contact author" to send them a message that goes to their email. Thanks again!

 

[RoyalAuthor]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed my stories. Just as an FYI, you can go to an author's page and click "contact author" to send them a message that goes to their email. Thanks again!

While we're on the subject of praising you, @WittyUserName, I'm going to let you know that while I have several authors on here that I consider to be inspiration, it was your Birthday Pool Party that was the final straw in getting me to try my hand at writing. I read through the chapters that had been completed at that point (last summer) and then started typing the following day. Cheers to you.

For the OP: Go for it. Worst case, it goes poorly, you call it a day. I've been publishing here for a year, 30 stories so far, and one more dropping Sunday, and I've mostly had a very smooth experience. No more than three days' delay from submission to publishing ever, and only one problem in the current crop of issues (my Christmas story was delayed until the latter half of the day, which sucks for exposure reasons since you get a high percent of your reads on the first day). If that happens to me regularly, I might reconsider, but in the meantime, it's really just a speedbump in an otherwise enjoyable tenure here.

 

[FeldGasden]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed my stories. Just as an FYI, you can go to an author's page and click "contact author" to send them a message that goes to their email. Thanks again!

I've emailed you. Hopefully this works. I emailed another writer in the past but I don't know if it ever reached him because he never replied.

I sincerely wish you good luck on Sisterhood 101 and look forward to reading any new stories which might match my unfortunate kink.

I admit I didn't read all the stories in your Birthday Pool Party series, just those that interested me because of my jeans kink but what you wrote was enough to give me a good idea of the various characters featured, so you're definitely on the right track.

 

[caleb35]

Hi all, I thought literotica might be the right place to post a dark fantasy smut of mine, but after looking at some of the things people are saying on the forums I'm not so sure anymore. Just seeing people saying stuff like they're leaving the site because it treats authors poorly, bad author/admin relations, stuff like that.

Can someone please explain to me in better detail the issues these people (or yourselves) are having with literotica as authors, anything that might lead someone like me think I'd better not publish here? Or, if what I've been hearing isn't true, I'd like to hear about that too.

Basically, I'm just looking for more info to help me make an informed decision whether publishing here is a good idea. Thanks in advance to anyone who replies

Yes, you should. Cheers.

 

[Z_TheWriter]

I've emailed you. Hopefully this works. I emailed another writer in the past but I don't know if it ever reached him because he never replied.

I don't know that I would expect a response from most authors. Not everyone considers this erotica writing thing a social experience.
And myself, for instance, I reply to some comments and talk to people on here, but wouldn't reply to e-mail feedback because I don't want to actually give out my address. (Really wish that feedback could be confined to the website itself)

@RipTieman : That kinda ties into my experiences so far. The only negative things I really have to say are that my comments take a long time to get approved (although that seems to get faster every time), and that some feedback is sent to an email. Very minor complaints in my opinion.

The only reason not to publish here that I can think of is if you're also considering another site, and that site only accepts things exclusively posted there. (I don't know if that's a thing)