New Erotica Website; looking for submissions

Greetings, everyone!

(Moderators, if I'm posting in the wrong location, please feel free to move this thread. I'm going to link to it in the nonpaying markets thread too.)

I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself, and my new website. My name is Karen, and on July 1 (hopefully, fingers crossed!), my brand new website will become active.


The site is:

http://www.eroticstoriesandtoys.com

You can see the 'preview' of the website now; it's just not fully 'done' yet.

We are actively seeking submission of short erotica (up to about 5,000 words); not porn (I've listed my definition of the difference between erotica and porn on the site; as I know you've all discussed before--having been a lurker here for a bit--basically, not just sex for sex's sake, but an actually story line is needed for erotica); and I'll only post stories that are well written--in other words, consistent verb tenses, cohesive sentences, etc. In other words, erotica written by writers, not just people relating a sexual experience.

The difference between my site and other erotica sites is--here's the kicker!--each month I'll present three Product Inspirations--three products, one of which MUST play an important role in your story. For instance, if one of the Inspirations is handcuffs, your story has to include the use of handcuffs.

There is no cash prize, but the winner each month (based on readers' votes) will receive a fun box filled with one each of the Inspirations, as well as an exclusive (you have to win it, you can't buy it) keychain. (I know, I know, it's the keychain that's the REALLY exciting prize!)

Writers who are published, either on their own sites, via traditional publishers, or on ebook sites, are more than welcome to attach links to their stories. Hopefully this will help us both out--I'll be receiving quality stories from top-notch writers, and you'll be attracting readers with shorter stories your publisher won't buy, then sending them to your for-sale books.

Since this site is brand new (and not even official for another two weeks or so), any comments you have regarding ANYTHING would be totally appreciated, while there's still time to make adjustments.

Thanks so much for reading this, and please, take a look at the website (two of the Inspirations are already listed, the third will be up soon), and let me know what you think.

I'd love to have your contributions...plus, you're in for a really good time if you win!

Thanks for your welcome, Boston Steve!

Funny you should mention that...I actually took it out when I was working on the website this morning, but I haven't updated the site yet with today's changes, I usually do that at night. When I update it, that statement won't be there anymore...you're totally right about that being an unnecessary restriction.

I really appreciate the time you took to read through the site though, and hope to see you contribute something once we're up and running!

Hi Bookewyrme, thanks for checking out the site...but I think you probably clicked on it at the EXACT moment we were uploading today's changes (including the one mentioned by Boston Steve, above); hopefully if you try again you'll be able to get there. (If not, please let me know.)

I've never run a website like this before; if it does well, becoming a paying market is definitely a future consideration; it's just not something we can afford to do right now.

However, we have two (and that's good, 'cause I've only CALLED 2 so far!) major manufacturers on board supplying product, and they've both promised to Twitter and Facebook about the contests, so hopefully that will draw a lot of traffic, and that'll be good for everyone. One of these two has also asked to reprint stories on their website; if the author agrees to it that's something else I'll offer.

And no, you don't have to mention the product by name (again, a very worthwhile note that I will have to make clear in the instructions) or by brand, just use the item itself. So it can be a vibrator, not the Super Duper Biggest Vibrator by SuchandSuch.

I'm so glad people are asking these great questions; they're really going to help me fine tune the website! Thanks!

Thanks for checking it out kdbeaar; hope you come back!

edbeale said:

I'm intrigued by the Artisan shop. That's a nifty idea. I can't wait to see what that's all about .

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The Artisan Shop will feature handmade crafts (not sex-related) like leather, jewelry, clothing, etc. If you're an Artisan and want to feature your products there, just email me and I'll explain the program. It's very simple.

Thanks!

UPDATE: we've got three major manufacturers on board!--yay!--each one sponsoring a month's contest, and I'd like to re-invite you to take a look at the site, since we've got all three of the first Product Inspirations up. Here's a sneak peak: the items are (drumroll please!) a feather tickler, a bondage kit, and a lipstick vibrator.

I don't want to beg here...well, okay, I am begging, but just a little...but I sure would love to have the AW erotica writers help launch my new site!

Hope to see you there!

Well, as long as no chickens were harmed in the making of your story...

nkkingston said:

That looks like a great idea. I'll see if I can summon up any inspiration

One note - I don't know about anyone else, but the blue links on the pinky background are doing my eyes in. You might want to consider something a little more high contrast?

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Thanks for taking a look, and for your comments. I'll take another look at the colors. I appreciate feedback like this, it really helps!

Thanks for submitting, Kimi!

We've got at least one other AWer on there too.

I hope more people will come read and vote--and better yet, submit!