What should I know before posting?

[sr71plt]

The Editor's Forum has a separate thread for requesting beta readers, and beta readers don't have to have editorial training. An additional pair of eyes on a story can help ferret out a lot of issues the author doesn't see in her/his own work.

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=1161443&page=2

 

[OliviaM]

(Or do as I did and shack up with a good beta reader, but that takes some planning.)

Ha ha. Sadly, my shackerupper is not editorially inclined.

Depending on the details, I might be able to take a look at a story for you. Feel free to PM

Thank you! I may just take you up on that.

The Editor's Forum has a separate thread for requesting beta readers, and beta readers don't have to have editorial training. An additional pair of eyes on a story can help ferret out a lot of issues the author doesn't see in her/his own work.

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=1161443&page=2

Thanks for the link!

 

[Ninegoodreasons]

Generally speaking...

I self edited my first story three times before posting. Perhaps I was a little giddy about finally posting an erotic story and running on a high because of it but it wasn't ready. The grammar goons jumped straight on it and slammed it quite harshly (I think?!?) the only balance to this was the nice comments and odd email sent by those who read the story in a better light.

Self editing is so very difficult. I found taking time away from the story, totally forgetting it has been written then coming back to it some weeks/months later lends better perspective. It allows you to approach the story like a first time reader rather than the person who wrote it, remembers all the little changes and twists you gave it and then changed the ending twice before finishing.

Hope it goes well for you.

 

[TxRad]

Some pointers on self editing.

Change the font.
Read it aloud.
Read it backwards, one paragraph at a time.
As said above, let it sit for a while.
Get a second pair of eyes. (Not for yourself but from someone else)

 

[sr71plt]

TxRad's suggestions are spot on. This "how to" on self-review might help you:

https://www.literotica.com/s/self-review-for-literotica

This discussion on the elements of literary erotica might be of interest too:

https://www.literotica.com/s/elements-of-literary-erotica

 

[jomar]

I haven't read all the replies so this may have been mentioned: Just be yourself and it will be okay.

 

[OliviaM]

Thanks to everyone coming in with advice. I'm reading all of it and taking it in.

TxRad's suggestions are spot on. This "how to" on self-review might help you:

https://www.literotica.com/s/self-review-for-literotica

This discussion on the elements of literary erotica might be of interest too:

https://www.literotica.com/s/elements-of-literary-erotica

I can't express enough how helpful I found these two essays. The second, in particular, should be required reading here. All of the best stories I've read on this site fit the requirements you suggested. I like to think that I have been including all of those necessary elements in my writing (since playing with fully realized characters is really what I love the most) but I appreciated having it all outlined and explained in one place. It's already giving me ideas for rewrites on my current project.

 

[OliviaM]

So.... after having a couple of people go over it, and making lots of edits, and letting it rest, and editing it again (and again and again), I went ahead and just hit "submit" on my first story. I am honestly so nervous I can feel my heart racing. Haha. I don't know if it's because it's my first time sharing erotica, or I'm just bracing myself for reactions, or both, but this is terrifying. But it kind of feels good too?

I'm also kind of glad my first story is what it is. It's so appropriate for how I feel right now.

 

[TxRad]

Careful because it is also addictive.

 

[SunnyJohansen]

So.... after having a couple of people go over it, and making lots of edits, and letting it rest, and editing it again (and again and again), I went ahead and just hit "submit" on my first story. I am honestly so nervous I can feel my heart racing. Haha. I don't know if it's because it's my first time sharing erotica, or I'm just bracing myself for reactions, or both, but this is terrifying. But it kind of feels good too?

I'm also kind of glad my first story is what it is. It's so appropriate for how I feel right now.

Wow. WAY too much to put into it and that may be making you more nervous and terrified.

1. Take your time writing with your brain, your heart and your gut.
2. Enlarge the font and take your time editing for spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage and dropped words. Go ahead and do that twice if you must.
3. Submit.
4. Start your next story.
5. Have fun.

I wish you well.

 

[HandsInTheDark]

Some pointers on self editing....
Read it backwards, one paragraph at a time.

Interesting. I can see how that would work. I'll try that.

Get a second pair of eyes. (Not for yourself but from someone else)

Don't they generally object? Or do you wait until they're definitely done using them?