Encouraging Reader Submissions of Erotic Writing
When I started this publication, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I never imagined that encouraging readers to submit their own erotic writing would be such a challenge. It's not enough to just put out a call for submissions; you have to build a culture of acceptance, trust, and enthusiasm around your submission guidelines. Here are some tips and tricks that have helped me get the most from my community members:
1. Be explicit about your boundaries. Make sure everyone knows exactly where you stand on topics like violence, age, consent, and more. This will help avoid misunderstandings down the line.
2. Create an environment of trust. You want people to feel comfortable sending you work they wouldn't share anywhere else. That means being clear about how you handle confidentiality, editing processes, and feedback.
3. Provide examples of the kind of writing you're looking for. Don't assume everyone understands the nuances of different genres or styles. Give them a sense of what works and why.
4. Be patient. Not every writer is going to hit it out of the park right away. But if you show interest in their work and give thoughtful feedback, they'll keep coming back.
5. Encourage creativity and experimentation. If someone wants to try something new, let them! You might be surprised at how much you can learn from each other.
6. Celebrate successes together. When someone publishes a piece, give them a shout-out. When you hit a milestone, invite everyone to join in the celebration. Sharing wins helps build a strong community.
7. Keep things fun. A little levity never hurts when it comes to encouraging submissions. Share memes, jokes, and inside jokes with your contributors.
8. Remember that not everything has to be perfect. Some pieces are going to need more work than others. That doesn't mean they aren't worth publishing - just that we all have room to grow as writers and editors.
9. Listen to your contributors. They know what they like best, and what they think will resonate with readers. Ask for their input on cover art, titles, and promotional materials.
10. Finally, don't forget to follow up. Send an email after each submission with some notes and suggestions for improvement. And if you do accept a piece, make sure you share the news with your community members. It's always exciting when we get to feature someone else's work.
I hope these tips help you build a thriving community of erotic writers. Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts along the way!