Erotic magazines are periodical publications that feature stories about romantic and sensual experiences between couples or individuals. They often showcase creative writing, including fiction and poetry, but they also cover nonfiction topics related to human sexual behavior, such as interviews with sex workers and reviews of sexual products. Many erotic magazines hold annual contests for aspiring writers who want to try their hand at producing original and compelling work in this genre. By entering these contests, newcomers can gain recognition and exposure while honing their craft under the guidance of experienced editors and judges.
The contest guidelines vary among different magazines, but most require submissions to be written in English and follow standard formatting rules. The theme may focus on one specific type of story, like a romance novel or a BDSM tale, or be open-ended so that entrants have greater freedom in choosing what to write about. Some publishers offer cash prizes to winners ranging from $100 to $500, while others simply provide publicity and networking opportunities for finalists.
Some erotica contests invite authors to submit short excerpts instead of full stories. This allows the editorial team to evaluate an author's style and tone without having to read an entire manuscript before deciding whether it fits their publication's needs. Other times, magazines ask for complete works that must contain multiple scenes involving intimate interactions between characters. Entries are often judged based on technical elements like grammar and spelling, as well as creative factors such as character development, plot progression, and thematic consistency. These qualities determine how much readers will enjoy the work and its potential marketability within the erotic community.
To ensure fairness during judging, some magazines hire freelancers who specialize in reviewing literary submissions for professional publications. They look out for unique perspectives, innovative approaches, and polished writing styles that meet industry standards. Authors may also need to demonstrate that they understand human sexuality beyond physical acts by providing psychological insight into their characters' motivations and desires.
Many aspiring writers find inspiration by reading popular titles published by established publishers. The magazine Lustfully is known for showcasing diverse voices in its annual contest, including emerging authors who create nontraditional narratives with unexpected twists or endings. Erotic Magazine hosts a yearly award called the Erotic Award, which recognizes top-notch storytellers from around the world. Submissions can be anything from a brief vignette to an epic saga featuring multiple protagonists across different time periods or cultures.
While there is no guarantee that entering an erotica competition will lead directly to a publishing contract, many successful novelists got their start by winning these contests early in their careers. A few examples include bestselling author Riley Jensen and critically acclaimed poet Mila Jade. Both have won prizes sponsored by large erotic magazines before releasing their debut works and building their fanbases through online platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
The winner of each competition usually receives valuable feedback on how to improve their work before being considered for future publication opportunities. Many magazines offer editorial services free of charge after announcing winners at public events where finalists present their submissions aloud alongside professional critics or experts in human sexual behavior. This provides a unique opportunity for newcomers to network with industry professionals while honing their craft under expert guidance.: