Writing erotica isn’t for everyone. As such, writers often choose to use a pen name to keep their erotic writing separate from their other writing and professional lives.
Erotica requires a lot of descriptive language to sweep the reader away into a world of sensuous delights. But it must also be tasteful and avoid tasteless sex scenes and phraseology.
1. Decide on a Niche
A sexy genre like erotica requires authors to really commit and get into the spirit of things. That means pouring yourself a glass of wine, listening to sexy music or doing whatever else it takes to put you in the right mindset. It’s also important to choose a niche that fits your personal tastes and writing style. For example, if you enjoy science fiction or fantasy, crafting erotic tales that take place in otherworldly settings might be more your style than the sexy romance stories that have been done to death with Doms and submissives.
Once you have a clear idea of your niche, begin building a network by attending writing events and engaging with online communities that are relevant to your genre. Getting to know other writers and fans can help you make connections and expand your reach when it comes time to start marketing and selling your work.
It’s also a good idea to decide whether you want to write under your real name or choose a creative pen-name to build your brand. For many authors, especially those who have careers or families, choosing a pen-name provides greater privacy and allows them to focus on their craft without being distracted by other responsibilities.
2. Develop Your Characters
In erotic fiction, the characters are the foundation of your story. They must be interesting, unique, and multi-dimensional. They should also have flaws that make them more realistic and relatable. This makes them memorable and increases the overall appeal of your book.
Sex scenes are the highlight of erotic literature, but that doesn’t mean they should be the only focus. Just like any other genre, a romance needs to have an exciting plot that unfolds around the steamy scenes.
When you develop your characters, pay special attention to their dialogue. This is where you can really showcase your writing abilities. It’s important to have the right tone and phrasing to capture the essence of your character.
You should also decide how your character will grow over the course of the story. This is called a character arc and it helps readers connect with the characters more effectively.
3. Write a First Draft
One of the most important steps in becoming a successful erotic writer is writing your first draft. It’s important to remember that all first drafts are going to be flawed. Don’t focus on typos or poor word choice at this stage, just get the content down. This will give you something to work with as you edit your drafts in the future.
When writing your first draft, try to include sensory details that will draw the reader in. Use vivid descriptions and metaphors that will resonate with the time period and culture you are writing in. For example, using phrases like “smooth as silk” will not be effective if you are writing about historical erotica.
Consider submitting your story to a literary magazine to gain exposure and start making money from your work. Many writers also report making money from self-publishing their work on sites like Amazon’s Kindle store. This is an easy and inexpensive way to reach a large audience. When publishing on these platforms, you will receive royalties for each book sold or downloaded.
4. Edit Your Work
When you’re writing erotica, it’s important to edit your work carefully. You want to make sure your story is sexy and steamy but that it also has a good plot. Erotic readers want to be able to enjoy the sexy parts of the story but they also want a good ending that leaves them satisfied.
If you’re struggling to get your erotic stories edited, consider finding some trusted friends who are willing to read over your work and give you feedback. This is a great way to get your work edited before submitting it for publication.
Another popular option for monetizing your erotica is to self-publish on Amazon’s Kindle platform. This is a simple way to get your work out in front of a large audience.
It’s also a good idea to build up a network of fans and followers on social media. This will allow you to keep in touch with your audience and to promote new releases. You should also try to build a newsletter campaign so that you can send out regular updates to your audience.
5. Submit Your Work
A big part of getting on the writing scene is branding yourself and having a consistent style that readers will recognize. This doesn’t mean you have to be a one-of-a-kind writer, but it will let your audience know what type of work they can expect from you. It’s also important to get a few “beta readers” to look over your work before you publish it. Erotica can be a very subjective genre and having someone to double-check your work could save you from some embarrassing missteps.
Another great way to make some extra income is by selling your short erotic stories online. It’s easier than ever to self-publish your work on platforms like Amazon with their Kindle store and KDP. Many erotic authors are making six figures a year from their short stories alone!
If you want to reach a larger audience, consider creating a newsletter that will keep your readers updated on your latest publications. This is a great way to build your following and stay in touch with potential collaborators. You can also host a blog on your website where you can showcase your work and discuss it in more detail.
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