Not Enough Is a Bad Thing

I was reading a manuscript of an erotica book that someone was pitching to me. I was about thirty pages into the manuscript when I suddenly realized, there's no erotica in my erotica. I was mildly interested in the characters to that point. Yes, ONLY mildly. So I decided this particular book wasn't for me.

But it led me to think about writing, storytelling, and most importantly, genre expectations. If that book had not been pitched to me as erotica, would I have kept reading? Now I was only mildly interested, as I have said, so this example is not perfect, but how do we temper what we EXPECT from a novel with the actual experience of reading it? There are definitely many wonderful novels written that don't fall into any genre, actually some of the very best. We lump them in together and call them 'fiction.' Even though all novels are fiction. When there is no other genre label to plaster across their spine ("ebooks have no spine"), we call it fiction or literary fiction. That's fine.  But I'm talking about a novel that HAS been labeled with a genre.  Mystery. Romance. Science Fiction. Fantasy. Erotica. Thriller. Espionage.

Genre writing suffers from low self-esteem. I've always loved mystery authors who do not want their novels defined as mystery. I know of a few national bestsellers who hate being labeled as 'romance' or 'mystery.' But I won't name names. But let's talk about the question: is there anything worse than a mystery novel in which no one dies; a romance novel in which the main character doesn't fall in love; and to me, most importantly: an erotica novel with no sex in it!

Yes, from my original example, if I were far more than just mildly interested in the characters, I would have kept reading. And maybe I would have even considered publishing it. But I would not put it on my list where customers come expecting erotica. That might be a great novel to be published by someone (even the author themselves, these days!) but not by Insatiable Press.

When you have a list of book, a source for buying books, or an imprint into which you promise to publish a particular type of book, then suddenly a great book is not a great book -- unless it fits there. Yes, genre labels are limiting. To the writer and publisher. Yes, we've pigeon-holed books into them, and their rules are measuring sticks against which we judge novels. I know writers always want to snub their noses at them and complain about them and feel greater and bigger and better than them. Rather than snub your nose, I'd recommend a different approach: shrug your shoulders and roll your eyes and say, 'Oh well.'

Because the real secret is this: genre labels are for the consumer not the writer. Consumers like to be roped in and corralled. Or to put it another way: consumers like some form of promise of what they're getting before they buy (or by into) something. If I buy a mystery novel, I know that I'm buying a book in which someone is going to die or be kidnapped or held hostage, and I the reader am going to follow the story through the eyes of the character who figures out the murder or saves the day. Maybe there will be a subplot of romance, that never hurts. But by the end of the novel, the mystery will be solved, and I will have been along for the ride of figuring it out. If you don't want to write mystery, don't write mystery. I can rewrite this paragraph for every genre.

So back to erotica. Plot, characters, setting, yes, these are all still very important. But the number one expectation of the genre is the description of sexual situations. So don't skimp on me. No, an erotica novel should not be a neverending slog from one sexcapade to the next; there has to be plot and characters to care about. But when you put that amazingly hot torso shot of a ridiculously gorgeous man on the front cover, your readers is expecting to find out what's behind those low-rise jeans.

Come and Knock on Our Door

Insatiable Press is in the process of moving to our exciting new home in the Madison Square Park neighborhood.  Honestly, I can't wait to get in and decorate.  We are definitely 'movin' on up' with this wonderful new office space.  And we've hired another editor to join us and our 'cousin' company, AudioGO.

I have plans.  Big plans for Insatiable.  And I want to share a few of them with you.  First, we are always on the look-out for new authors and new books.  I know that sounds really really weird, doesn't it?  A publishing company that is actually interested in hearing from new and upcoming authors.  A publishing company that will talk to you.  A senior editor who is saying, 'contact me.'  But that's just me, and I'm sure at some point, I will figure out why everyone else in the industry shuts the doors and closes the blinds and hides in the dark.

And also, this one is a bit further out, but I am going to keep it simmering on the back burner.  I want to create a regularly scheduled event of readings at a bar or event space where writers can present their work in public.  I imagine my first line-up will include members of my writing group, but if plans stay as they are in the recesses of my dark, dark mind, this would be open to anyone who wants to apply to read.  Some day, ah, some day.

You see, Insatiable wants to support writers and the genre.  We want to be the exciting part of erotica.  All the juicy fun parts.  So stay tuned.  Subscribe to me here. Contact me at SMHIOF@gmail.com, and keep writing!

Bob

Welcome Welcome!

Welcome to the new blog from the individuals of the editorial team at Insatiable Press!

Here our individual editors will freely comment, discuss, opine, critique, and talk about the field of erotica publishing. Any opinions, comments, statements, promises, and basically all content herein is the personal opinion and work of the individual posting, NOT edited, approved, reviewed, owned, or created by Insatiable Press Limited, Inc.

A little about us and the company we work for.  Insatiable Press is a brand spanking new publisher of erotica on audio and eBook.  We the editors are always in search of both new and established authors in this exciting genre.

Our first collection of audiobooks will launch any day now, and we're excited about the list of amazing titles we have for you, including works from Sylvia Day, Shayla Black, Shiloh Walker, Shelli Stevens, Delilah Devlin, Lorelei James, Mitzi Szereto, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Violet Blue, Opal Carew, Lauren Dane, and my new obsession Maya Banks.

Our very first original eBook publishing will follow early next year from bestselling authors Pynk and Carol Taylor.  You're going to love what the ladies are working on!  I'm so proud these ladies will be part of our launch.

So stay tuned here.  Bookmark us, Follow us, read on.  We'll have a lot to say about erotica, publishing, audiobooks, and more.  You have questions?  Feel free to email me personally at SMHIOF@gmail.com.

Bob Podrasky
Senior Acquisitions Editor
Insatiable Press