Lucille Said:

I write alot and I have a few erotic short stories I wanna publish but...?

We Answered:

Firstly, no publisher will publish an erotic book written by a 14 year old. Sorry, but are you out of your mind? Can you imagine the public uproar and bad publicity that a company will endure when people find out that they're publishing erotic/sex books written by a 14 year old. Sorry, but lack of forethought in this situation proves that you're not mature enough to tackle adult issues. Stick to Young Adult, innocent romance. I'm not trying to be mean, but someone your age shouldn't try to tackle mature material.

Secondly, another reality check for you...authors don't make a lot of money. Most authors do not become rich and famous like JR Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, or Stephen King - they are the exceptions. Most authors still have to keep their day jobs because royalties don't pay well and there's too much competition to truly break out on a rich and famous scale. Most authors don't even make enough money to quit their jobs and become full-time authors. Authors write for the love of writing and not to make a quick buck.

It seems like you've done some research into getting published because you mentioned that some people charge. Well, legitimate literary agencies do not charge upfront fees to their clients. They only get paid once they make a sale for your book. Even then you still don't pay out of pocket because the agent takes their commission out of the advance the publisher sends them and then sends you the rest. Legitimate agents also don't refer you to other "companies" for editing services that you have to pay for. If you find that you have to pay any money out of pocket during this whole process then it's a scam. You should NEVER pay anything out of pocket to get you book published because you will be the one getting paid. Publishers will pay you completely and will not charge anything for and services or fees, and they will not refer you to other companies that you have to pay for additional services like cover design, editing, or copy writing - those things are handled free of charge by publishers because they want to put out a quality book. Anyone who tries to charge you a fee or send you to another company that will charge you a fee are most likely a scam company. The publishing world is filled with fake companies that are designed to take your money and not publish your book.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forum will have everything you need to know about publishing so become a member and learn from those who have been there and done that - including those who have been scammed themselves!

Good luck and leave the erotic stuff to adults who know what they're writing about!

Valerie Said:

I'm writing an erotic novel and would like people's opinion on my basic plot?

We Answered:

A pirate in 1964?? I would change it to about 1664 and base it in Port Royal, Jamaica. You'll have lots of opportunities for saucy antics, brothels, whoring and general depravity.

Leona Said:

what is it like being an erotic dancer?

We Answered:

Chilly.
J

Sidney Said:

Do people actually read romantic/erotic books? Is this a way to make decent money (writing them)?

We Answered:

I read Romance and Erotica, and I write. I place material with ebook publishers. Maybe someday I can get a fancy New York contract but I'm not banking on it. Some of my most frequent customers are men, and I have never figured out why. Likewise, some men write Romance, and they are good at it!

As a side job, romance can get you a little money but I wouldn't count on the money as a sideline job because it's never guaranteed how much money you could get in advances, or royalties. Aiming for publication with Harlequin is like test driving a Harley motorcycle before you know how to ride a bicycle-- it's a setup for disappointment and pain.

Electronic Publishing gives you the quickest turn around times from acceptance to publication, with the shortest contracts of 1 to 3 years. Some New York Publishers want specific formulas written out or they will edit your story to death. It depends on how much of a purist you want to be with your story. Inspect the contracts carefully. Electronic publishing gives you a window into larger professional operations but some ebook authors are very happy with what they are doing.

Write because it's something you love to do. My royalties pay for my cover or banner ads, professional memberships and my webservers, but to make rent I still take contract work. My royalties completely support my writing, and I have some left to spend on some special jewelry or trinkets.

Piers Anthony, a Science Fiction author, has a website called www.hipiers.com and he has a long list of publishers and electronic publishers that offer good opportunities and resources to starting authors.

Find out what people are reading in Romance and Erotica by visiting review sites and reader groups, some are listed below.

Zachary Said:

Need help with character development for erotic short story collection.?

We Answered:

I agree with Maryn. This is a personal choice for you to make. However, I will offer a suggestion. Have you ever read Naked Came the Stranger? It is a very unusual book, circa 60's. It was allegedly written by one Penelope Ashe. It later turned out that a collection of reporters from Newsday on Long Island New York sat down over drinks one day lamenting over the quality of fiction on the market at the time - specifically the Jacqueline Suzann type stuff. They decided to write a book - the challenge being to write the worst book of all time. Each wrote a chapter and the chapters were combined into one book. The plot is similar to what you are doing in that it revolves around the people in the same Long Island neighborhood. In this case, the dominant person is a female. You might read the book to get some ideas. You might also research (yes I said research!!) sado-masocism and the Dominant/submissive relationship. There are many websites where you can get information. I have written about this subject myself and conducted dozens of interviews with people involved in alternative lifestyles to really delve into the mindset. This will help you a great deal. Quite honestly, his appearance and occupation would be probably quite unassuming - someone you wouldn't expect to have that kind of power over another person. In these lifestyles, that is quite common. Do your research. It is out there. This is not a subject you can write about without a significant amount of homework. It isn't about the various "acts", it is about the willingness of one person to give themselves over to another - what is called a "power exchange". You need to learn about it or quite honestly the book will fall flat on its face. There are more people than you can possibly imagine out there who are quite aware of these lifestyles and understand the details intimately. If you don't understand them with that degree of knowledge, it is going to come off sounding amateur and silly. Believe me, I have read many such things and there are literally laughable. Study your subject my friend. I will not post websites here due to the minors who chat here (it is against Yahoo guidelines) but if you e mail me, I will get you started on the road with a couple excellent sites.

Pax-C

Natalie Said:

What is the best way to promote my fictional ebook?

We Answered:

How about asking Yahoo answers users if they have heard about your EBook since it has to be in the form of a question.

Wendy Said:

Gilrs, do you like writing erotica ?

We Answered:

I write it--and get paid for it. As soon as your check clears, it'll be on the way.