My uncomfortably sexual story

Eleasha · May 6, 2006

I'm writing this shortish story (I think it may come out in the vicinity of 20,000 words or thereabouts), and, not only have I always been confused about the maximum length of a story that magazines publish (ie, do they do it in installments per issue, or cram the whole thing in and have a really thick mag?), but my story has some rather detailed sex scenes of an occasionally gay/threesome nature. Is this one that's going to have to be published in book form with a few other shorties to beef up the book?

veinglory · May 6, 2006

I rather think that the more of this material you add the easier it would be to sell. But it depends on what sort of markets you want to appeal to.

Sassenach · May 6, 2006

20,000 words is past short story, and I can't think of any mags that run such long pieces. As Veinglory says, you need to do some research.

veinglory · May 6, 2006

It's a good length for epublication as a novella--depending on content.

Maryn · May 6, 2006

veinglory took the words right out of my mouth, or fingertips. Whatever. This is much too long for a short story in a periodical, and not many serialize. (None that I know but, but never say 'none,' right?) Eleasha, if you'll stop by the Writing Erotica board, the good folks there will help you determine which markets might fit what you're writing and/or how to write for specific erotica markets.

Maryn, pleased to meet you

Eleasha · May 7, 2006

Good heavens. I didn't even notice there *was* an erotica board... :S

veinglory · May 7, 2006

It's down there under the flickering neon sign

Mike Coombes · May 9, 2006

I can't think offhand of any publication that would look at a 20k story - 10k is usually the upper limit.

I don't see a problm with the subject matter - sex sells - but if you're looking for traditional publication, trim at least 10k words (lose the scene with the dwarf, the nun and the donkey) or expand it to 80k.

Eleasha · May 9, 2006

I think I'll undoubtedly slap it in with a few other short strories and see if it will go together in one book. Failing that, I'll do some rewriting, even though that word should be a four letter one.

beatkay · May 9, 2006

Lots of e-publishers accept novellas at 20K or so. Just off the top of my head, try: Loose ID, Ellora's Cave, Chippewa, Whiskey Creek, Torquere Press (if it's gay/lesbian), Phaze, and Venus. Check out ERWA and ERWF for more markets.

Good luck!

veinglory · May 9, 2006

E-publishing isn't most people first thought but if you have the right material and aim for the larger houses (EC, Loose id) it can be at least as profitable as a smaller print publisher.

My uncomfortably sexual story

Eleasha

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Sassenach

5 W's & an H

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Maryn

I Tried

Eleasha

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Mike Coombes

Guru

Eleasha

beatkay

veinglory

volitare nequeo