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Careers: Writing/Getting paid for short stories

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Expert: - 6/23/2011


Question
Hi.
I'm 22/female.

I have a creative itch that I thought I was going to scratch by getting a degree in web design.

Wrong-o.

Now I have a current obsession for writing stories. Short stories, definitely not novel length.

Is there some way I can get paid by writing short stories?

I've seen people selling e-books online.

Specifically, I often write trashy/taboo stories for my girlfriends and also for some web forums online.

But I have written other things too, including short stories for my little sister who is 7.

Do you have any ideas?

Answer
Hi, Desirai!

There is still a short story market in the United States but it's shrinking all the time. But the first thing you want to get out of your vocabulary is "trashy" when it comes to erotica or fetish stories. It's considered an insult to others who write in the genre. Since any form of writing that sells is a legitimate form of writing, just say you write erotica. Then, within that genre are the individual quirks, fetishes or kinks that make it for a specific audience.

You might try Ellora's Cave, which purchases both long and short stories. There are also a number of online publishers who pay by word or by story. But first you might check out some of the offerings over at EC to see if they're what you write.

You might also visit a writers web forum I frequent. They have a thriving Erotica forum with members from all over the world and a list of open markets that are accepting new stories. You'll have to join the forum and be a member for a little while before you can access the Erotica forum. It's a protection to be sure that no minors get access to the room. Then you can send a private message to the moderator of the room and ask for the password for the room. But you'll still enjoy the rest of the forum and by the time you've wandered through the various rooms, you'll be a pro and know just what questions to ask!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/

Stop first at the New Members room so you can get a feel for what's offered.

Good luck!

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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