Careers: Writing/writing

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Expert: - 11/7/2008


Question
hi cathy,
 i just wrote what i think is the best short story i've ever written, though it still needs some finishing touches.  how would i go about getting it published, for money?  and as i was writing it, i couldn't help fight off the feeling that i was inadvertently plagiarizing from an unknown source.  how could i check to make sure my story is as original as i think it is?
 and last question, can there really be a career in writing erotic novels?  cuz i remember watching "girlfriends" a couple of years back and one of the characters worked in a company specializing in erotic novels.  if such a field exists, does it in nyc?  
 thanks.

Answer
Hi, David!

There are still places to publish short stories in today's market, but they're growing smaller every day, so if you're going to do it, now would be the time. Depending on the genre you've written (a "genre" is where on the shelf the story would sit on a bookstore shelf---horror, literary, suspense, mystery, romance, etc.) there are lots of places to find markets. What's your genre?

As for erotica (the industry term for erotic novels) there's a wide market, and yes, there are plenty of NY publishers getting involved. But erotica is a complicated genre, so you'll have to study up on what's on the market to know what's being bought. Erotica isn't just a novel with lots of sex. The sex is PART of the storyline and the same elements of any other novel---characterization, plot, and logic---are required. But Bantam-Dell, Kensington Aphrodesia, Virgin Cheek (a UK publisher), Harlequin Spice and Ellora's Cave (plus dozens of electronic and small/niche presses) have all proven that it's a money-making market. Check out some of the selections at your local bookstore. In smaller stores, the erotica novels are mixed with the romances. In larger stores, they have their own section.

Here's a link to a story about erotica in Publisher's Weekly, the publishing world's trade magazine. It might answer some questions:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6572085.html

Hope that helps, and feel free to ask any other questions.

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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