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Author Frequently Asked Questions |
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Why must I follow your submission guidelines? What are your manuscript categories? What do you mean by explicit erotic content? Where does Sci-rotica draw the Line between erotica and pornography? What are your content ratings? Are your books aimed more at male or female readership? |
Why must I follow your submission guidelines? We ask that you follow our submission guidelines in order to make the review process easier for our editing staff. We receive up to 30 submissions a month, and it helps make the process smoother if everything is standardised. We are a professional company and we expect authors to submit a professional representation of their work. In addition, all our e-book conversion software is set up to recognise specific formats, headings and file types. What are your manuscript categories? Currently, we are accepting short stories, novellas and novels. Our book lengths are categorised as follows: Short Novel (35,000 to 49,000 words). Novel (50,000 to 89,000 words). Long Novel (90,000 plus words). Anthologies: (90,000 to 100,000 words). Four novellas by different authors. 22,500 to 25,000 words per novella (90 to 100 manuscript pages). Authors do not have to submit in groups of four as we will compile individual stories into anthologies based around particular themes. Collections: (50,000 to 80,000 words). Short stories and/or novellas all by one author (200 - 320 manuscript pages). Short: (18,000 - 24,000 words). One short work or collection of stories based around a theme. Collections must have a strong underlying connection. One for One (8,000 - 12,000 words). Short stories that we intend to sell for one pound. We are sorry but Sci-rotica is not a market for poetry or short stories under eight thousand words (although see our short story competition). What we do want to see is the very best in the field of erotic science fiction and fantasy. What do you mean by explicit erotic content? While works do not need to be graphic, they must contain an erotic element and focus on the interaction between characters. Extensive use of vocabulary is a must, and reliance on standard romance clichés is definitely discouraged. You needn't use raw Anglo-Saxon to describe the sexual organs but substitutions should evoke a sexual frisson. In other words, the sexuality must be an asset to your work. We do not accept works that have little or no plot or books that use a thin plot line as a device for linking together gratuitous sex scenes. Where does Sci-rotica draw the line between erotica and pornography? We don't. The distinction between erotica and pornography is purely subjective and therefore difficult to define in any real sense. However, we do impose some restrictions and will not condone what amounts to illegal sexual practices. For instance we will not accept works that include sexual abuse of minors under the age of consent in any form. We also will not publish works that show rape or misogyny (or indeed misandry) in a positive light. However, rape as an essential part of the plot is acceptable. Because of this open policy, some of our works may contain controversial subject matter. To help readers decide on the suitability of books, each are classified by content using a book rating system. Remember, erotica is as much about emotions, sensuality, and situation as it is about the graphic description of the sex act itself. My story is sexually charged but I don't feel comfortable writing about the emotional or sensual aspects. I just like writing about sex. Then Sci-rotica isn't the publisher for you. We are not looking for gratuitous sex without the normal tenures of good fiction: plot and characterization, both of which require fully three-dimensional characters. Sensuality is vital. As in real life readers expect characters to use all five of their senses and to be emotionally connected to the protagonist. Remember, the most important sexual organ is the brain, so readers need to to relate to a characters' feelings, thoughts and sensations. What are your content ratings? Water. Mildly erotic content. Language is not too explicit, but love
scenes are uninhibited. Are your books aimed more at male or female readership? Sci-rotica encourage books that appeal to both sexes. However, 'hard' science fiction traditionally has a male fan base because of its perceived technical content. Female readers tend to prefer 'softer' fantasy and speculative fiction. |
