Writing Erotic Fiction: And Getting Published

Mike Bailey has long experience of publishing (and writing) erotic books in the UK - he founded the Nexus imprint for Virgin and managed all the Headline erotic imprints until they retreated from the genre in the late 90s. As a consequence it's worth taking his pithy but to-the-point remarks on board - particularly if you're new to the business. I've published four erotic novels and still found his remarks relevant, both in and out of erotica. It's obvious from some of the comments below that the 'Britishness' of the text is a little bewildering for US readers accustomed to how-to authors dotting every I and dotting every T. Persevere, guys! Sometimes less is more. It's also possible to be witty and make a serious point at the same time.

When I first read this, I felt a bit insulted, as though somehow erotica is less than other forms of writing. But upon a second reading I realized that much of what I was offended by might be the "Britishness" of the text and author, and that is something to keep in mind, what may be published in Europe and liked in Europe but not sell in America, or Asia, or elsewhere. The chapters are short, I think they might do nicely for first time writers, and the harsh facts about not deluding yourself when you write could be good for those embarassed by their writing. But frankly some of us do write others types of books and we don't think of our erotica as taking any less skill or talent. Since erotica is about a very personal matter -- intimacy and sexuality -- it should be something that writers and readers spend time and talent on whether for private use or public consumption.

Mike Bailey has loads of experience as an editor for numerous publishing houses that publish erotica/smut/porn/one-handed reading material - use your favorite genre descriptor. Having published four such novels myself I can say with confidence that his advice is excellent - especially for the person trying to break into what has become a highly competitive field. The writing advice is practical, and budding authors of all genres would do well to pay attention to his hints. In addition to making a specific point, many of the illustrative excerpts from published erotica also highlight some of the shortcomings of what has already made it into print, thereby serving as great examples of common mistakes and how to avoid them. The exercises he suggests are good, especially if you're in the middle of a nagging edit, and aren't sure how to add just the right erotic touch to your work. I was keen to read this book because Mike has so far rejected all my submissions. I think I now have a better insight into the types of material and the slant he prefers. This intelligence should help me - an already published author - with my next offering. I'd say there's something in this book for smut-peddlers of every experience level, style and ambition.