Jane over at Dear Author has brought up an interesting topic again: Is there a perception that ebooks are all erotic? Is that old chestnut, "sex sells" even more true in the online world?
I can honestly say that, in my experience, the answer to both of those questions is a resounding yes. The majority of the epublishers that I am familiar with take primarily, if not only, erotic romance and/or erotic submissions. In talking with other authors who write both erotic and non-erotic fiction, sales figures seem to clearly indicate that the hotter the book, the more it will sell.
I think a lot of that stems from the fact that it's easy to go and by "shocking", "racy" or "scandalous" books online. No one needs to know what you or your mother or grandmother are reading. You don't have to take a stack of books with half-clothed (or naked) people to a cashier in a bookstore. You don't need to pay (and wait!) to have them shipped to your house. So online is a very viable outlet for people to get their fix.
There are, however, people who write non-erotic fiction in the ebook world. Yes, I'm one of them, so forgive the shameless plug. I think there's room in the e-world for the non-erotic stuff too, but the readership has been so well-trained to think sex and hot and more of both is better that those who don't meet those heat levels are often overlooked.
And I think that's a shame, both personally and on behalf of others.
So, if you like electronic books and aren't necessarily looking for hot or a particular kink, and you're willing to give a new author a try, why not check out Sweeter Romantic Notions for a start. I used to be a member of the group. I'm not exactly sure why I'm not anymore, but I'm asking to be reinstated. :) Check it out!
And share your thoughts about this topic, if you like!
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7 comments:
Oh brilliantly put, Sara!!
I think you're right. It's too bad because I've noticed some excellent writers who DON'T write erotic, you included.
The audience will come. I really do believe that.
I hope so, Jennifer. I continue to hope, though I occasionally despair, too. :)
And thanks so much for the compliments. They are much, much appreciated.
Bless you Sara.
I thought you'd vanished. I've added you to my roll.
I'm not exactly sure why I'm not anymore, but I'm asking to be reinstated. :) Check it out!
I missed this... You are always welcome!!! Come back to the roost hon.
I did vanish, sort of, for a while. Hit one of those low points, you know? It happens, unfortunately, and I'm doing my best to pick myself up. :)
I will cheerfully come back to the roost. :)
They have been contagious this year. Be loud and proud baby. :)
I write romantic suspense for Cerridwen Press. Alhough Cerridwen is an imprint of Ellora's Cave, it's for mainstream titles -- their motto is "Titles for All Tastes." It's worth checking out if you like e-books but aren't looking exclusively for erotica.
There are a lot of e-books out there that aren't erotica if you know where to look.
I also write short contemporary romance for The Wild Rose Press, which has numerous non-erotic imprints in all lengths.
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