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--- Writing Porn For Fun and Profit! ---
The Bi-Weekly E-Letter
Volume III, Issue 21
September 8, 2003

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This issue may be distributed to friends, discussion lists and writing groups as long as the entire issue is included.
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In This Issue:
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From the Editor
New! Sex-Writer.com Update
Article: Publish and Be In-Demand
            By Michael Levy
Market Listings
Column: Kevin's Book Review Column
              The Hooker And The Nun By Eve Locke
New! Readers' Response
Goings On
Q & A
Looking for Writers

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From The Editor
Katy Terrega
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I don't know what the weather's like in your neck o' the woods, but here in Colorado the nights are already turning cooler and there's a definite tang to the air.

Now I know that there are those who actually find joy in the changing of summer into fall, but, as you long-term readers surely remember - I am not one of them! That's because, while fall certainly has its appeal (the beautiful trees, the ripe pumpkins, the brisk evenings, yada yada) its arrival also means that winter is just around the corner. And that, of course, means an endless string of cold, grey, dark, bleak and - worst of all! - colorless days and nights. Such a tragedy!

I really shouldn't complain because our winters feature plenty of sunny days (even when the temp is below zero) but I hate it nonetheless.

I do like one (and only one!) aspect of fall, however, and that's the harvest. I had a birthday recently (no, I won't tell you the date nor will I spill my age) and instead of partying the day and night away, I spent most of it at my favorite organic farm, picking squash, corn, peppers, herbs and a hundred pounds (yes, you read it right) of tomatoes. We now have enough tomatos canned to keep us in spaghetti sauce and salsa all winter. So there is a bright spot to the coming winter after all :)

Okay, enough from me, on to business...

We've got an excellent issue today. Michael Levy's written an article on self-publishing that has an interesting and unique spin, there's a book review from our own Kevin Tipple, four great market listings, several fantastic Goings On and the September Sex-Writer.com updates. And I'd also like to mention that the 2004 Writer's Market has finally hit the bookstores and my Q and A (Sex Writer Katy Terrega Says Business is a Pleasure by Jenna Glatzer) is in it. (To show you what I dweeb I am, when I got my copy I dropped it on the kitchen table, backed away like there was a bomb in that plain, brown wrapper and made my husband read it first...)

But anyway...as usual, enjoy the newsletter and please keep in touch!

Katy

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Sex-Writer.com Update
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New for September:

Ongoing Updates:
Katy's Blog
Sex-Writer Success Stories - A Brag Page!

Updated Listing:
Down There Press

Updated Article:
Don Vaughan's Confession of a Porno Hack

New Listings:
3 Gay Anthologies

New Article:
Editing Your Dirty Stories by D.L. Tash

New Q and A:
'Nother one of M. Christian by Goddess

On tap for the next two weeks: One or two new Q and A's, one or two new articles, bunches o' new and updated listings and (maybe) a category for Foreign (non U.S.) markets

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--- Publish And Be In-Demand ---
--- Michael Levy ---
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If you want to earn a little money by becoming a self published author then start out with a lot of money. It is very doubtful you will make any money by publishing your own books. However, if you wait for a large publishing house to accept you...Hell may have to freeze over first.
"It does not matter how slowly you go........so long as you do not stop." - Confucius

Some people believe they have the talent to become a famous author and no doubt they are a legend in their own mind. But, having talent and being a good writer does not mean you will find success as an author. It just means you are a good writer. Many badly written books become best sellers, whilst many wonderful works go unnoticed. Nobody said we live in a fair world.
"The maker of a sentence launches out into the infinite and builds a road into Chaos and Old Night, and is followed by those who hear him with something of.......Wild, Creative Delight." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are other folks who say they could never become an author because they have not perfected their style yet. Some say they have nothing to write about. Well, everybody has something to share with the world even if it is how they continue to fail. In fact negativity seems to be more acceptable to the public then positivity. Books that make the public cry, dramatize life or scare them seem to be the ones on the best seller list more often.
"Not knowing when the dawn will come.......I open every door." - Emily Dickinson

The first thing a new self published author has to realize is they will most likely be rejected by the media and general public unless they can afford the services of a reputable publicist. And there are many non reputable scam merchant publicists out in the publishing world waiting for the next starry eyed sucker to come along. Many pitfalls await a new author and unscrupulous predators await around every corner. They all seem very friendly, but if they are buttering you up..... be careful you are not the roast of the day. You can also take advantage a ‘pay for placement publicist' and for ‘only' $3000 you can have your name mentioned in a top magazine and they will even quote you as an expert.(Only recommenced for those authors with a driving ego and deep pockets)
"I passionately hate the idea of being with it.......I think an artist has always to be out of step with his time." - Orson Welles

Never, ever go into debt to sell books. The self publishing world is filled with many people who will eagerly take your money and promise you great exposure. Most times you will lose your money and feel very disappointed. So the second thing to realize is...do not have any expectations of making the big time. Just publish your book for the fun of it. If you can find someone to help you as a partner with no money up front, who will share the profits they make for you, then that is the best solution of all. When your book does sell one million copies then it will be a very pleasant, welcome surprise. It will be a bonus..... for you only set out to enjoy the journey. The reality you generated fame and fortune along the way, is just the icing on the cake.....it is not the cake itself.
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled.......but a fire to be ignited." - Plutarch

Now that you have heard all the good news, how are you going to actually publish your book.

• Are you going to get a good copy and format editor? (recommended for first timers and for veteran writers)
• Are you going to get a good traditional printer ? (only recommended for people with deep pockets, for large print runs are required)
• Are you going to get a publicist? (even deeper pockets needed)
• Are you going to get a literary agent? (good ones are very selective)
• Are you going to use a vanity publisher who will charge you an arm and a leg and leave you with bare bones? (Not recommended)
• Are you going to publish an e-book and sell it through the Internet?
• Are you going to use a print on demand publisher (recommended for most folks with little money to spare and can be combined with an e-book)? Do a search on the Internet and find the best on demand publisher who is fair and genuinely wants to help you succeed.

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--- Market Listings ---
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Forbidden Gardens

Forbidden Gardens is an erotic EZine for the erotic literature lover in all of us. Our quest into the inner reaches of the erotic imagination requires leaders, teachers - writers of all erotic styles. This is an invitation to view our guidelines and perhaps to join, thrilling us with your work.

Our guidelines are http://groups.msn.com/TheCommonality/_homepage.msnw. Please join us in our online debut November 1, 2003. Or email me for more details (including guidelines) at Bobann28@msn.com

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Historical Anthology
Worldwide call for submissions for an anthology of erotica (to be published by Cleis Press) featuring famous historical characters, edited by author/anthologist Mitzi Szereto. The focus of this collection of speculative erotic fiction will be on famous characters throughout history from ancient times through the 20th Century. What did Napoleon and Josephine really get up to? Was Cleopatra as hot as everyone says? What went on backstage with the Bard and his actors? How much of a sexpot was Mae West? Did Elvis have much of a pelvis? Okay, you get the picture…. You’ve got thousands of years to work with, so get cracking!

Specifications:

1. Stories can be of any length, but generally no longer than 6,500 words.

2. A high calibre of writing is expected.

3. Explicitness is fine; crudeness is not.

4. No underage or non-consensual encounters.

5. No hackneyed descriptions or dialogue.

6. Stories may be of any sexual orientation.

7. All stylisations are welcome.

8. Give your story an edge! (To get an idea of what I am looking for, refer to my other anthologies.)

9. And please, get your historical facts right. Do your RESEARCH!

Previously published material may be considered, providing you have the rights or can get the rights. Indicate where and when published, plus rights status. This means FULL DISCLOSURE OF PUBLISHING HISTORY.

Submission requirements:

Stories must be submitted in typewritten hard copy ONLY, double-spaced (with a Windows-compatible file available on request). Manuscripts not chosen will be discarded, so do not send your only copy. Include with your submission a brief author bio and your e-mail address. Please do not submit stories by e-mail.
Query in the first instance: WordDabbler@yahoo.com

Submission deadline: Dec. 1, 2003.

{Mitzi Szereto is author of "Erotic Fairy Tales, A Romp Through the Classics," the novella "highway" and editor of the "Erotic Travel Tales" anthology series. She is also known as M. S. Valentine, author of several best-selling erotic novels.}

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Down There Press: 938 Howard St. #101, San Francisco CA 94103. Phone: (415) 974-8985 x 205. Fax: (415) 974-8989. Website: www.goodvibes.com/dtp/dtp.html.

Down There Press is the nation's only independent publisher devoted exclusively to the publication of sexual health books for children and adults. Buys all world rights. Responds to submissions as soon as possible: “We're pretty much a one-person office, with part-time help, so mss. get kind of backlogged with delays of a few months not uncommon if the ms. has any potential at all.” Guidelines are on website.

CURRENT NEEDS: We're looking for pansexual treatments of sex topics, something more than simple how-to, material that's entertaining as well as enlightening.

SUBMISSIONS: Send query via snail mail and enclose SASE.

PAYMENT: We pay small advances against royalties. Contributors to collections like Herotica 6 and Sex Toy Tales share sub rights income and get additional payments at certain sales levels.

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Blood Lust: Gay Vampire Stories
Edited by M. Christian and Todd Gregory
To be published by Alyson Books

M. Christian and Todd Gregory are seeking erotic short stories for the anthology Blood Lust: Gay Vampire Stories.

An eternal figure of both sensuality as well as horror, vampires have entranced readers ever since their first contemporary appearance in Bram Stoker's Dracula. For gay men, vampirism has become a particularly attractive and alluring icon. Cynics could very well say it's because vampires remain forever young and beautiful (certainly appealing) while others might say it's simply identification with another group of outsiders. Whatever the appeal, Blood Lust will be an anthology celebrating and exploring gay men's fascination with the dark sensuality and seductive power of the vampire.

Writers are encouraged to explore the myth and allure of vampires and gay male sexuality as well as deconstruct and play with the overall theme. Stories should always be erotic -- or at least sensual -- and respectful of gay male sexuality. Stories should also be written with literary flair, contain interesting characters, and be unique enough to stand out from any previous depictions.

Stories: 3,000 to 7,000 words

Deadline for Submissions: November 1, 2003

Payment:$50 for reprints, $100 for original work

Rights: First North American Anthology Rights

Submissions should be sent to:

M. Christian
41 Sutter Street, #1012
San Francisco, CA 94104

No email submissions for this project, please.

Questions? Contact M. Christian (zobop@aol.com)

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Get a custom-written M. Christian story! http://www.customeroticasource.com

Collections: Dirty Words, Speaking Parts, and The Bachelor Machine.

Editor: The Mammoth Book of Tales of the Road and The Mammoth Book of Future Cops (with Maxim Jakubowski), The Burning Pen, Guilty Pleasures, Best S/M Erotica, Rough Stuff and Roughed Up (With Simon Sheppard), Love Under Foot (with Greg Wharton), Bad Boys (with Paul Willis), Leather Lace & Lust (with Sage Vivant)

Columns: "Confessions of A Literary Streetwalker" at www.erotica-readers.com, and "The View from Here" at www.suspectthoughts.com See www.mchristian.com for more information.

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