How to Expand Your Erotic Fiction Writing
Writing erotic fiction is fun but it is a limited field. Some authors can and do make a living from their fiction alone but if you’re not one of them, don’t despair! There are lots of us who diversify our writing portfolio to bring in the cash. How do you do it though? Here are some suggestions based on my real-life experience of going from Victoria Blisse erotica author to the queen of smut.
Where do you start?
My advice is to expand your circle to include people in other erotic markets. Follow sex bloggers, sex toy makers, sellers and promoters, porn stars, Sex and BDSM clubs, etc. This way you will become aware of opportunities for writers.
And think about what you’re good at. Do you write non-fiction as well as your fiction? There’s a need for content writers out there. Are you a detailed description kinda person? Maybe sex toy reviewing could be for you. Got a sexy reading voice? Maybe you can move into audio porn!
Do’s
- Ask around for advice and tips to find paid writing opportunities
- Send pitches to companies and individuals you think might be interested
- Try something new
Don’ts
- Ask for another person’s contacts – they worked hard for those
- Send pitches to *everyone* without checking suitability – this is spam!
- Say you can do something when you’ve never done it before
What Non-Fiction opportunities are out there?
Reviews
ReviewsCompanies are always looking for people to review their products, so this is a fab way to get into something new. You’re unlikely to be paid for reviews, but you will be given lots of things to try for free, which is pretty cool!
It’s not as easy as it sounds though. You have to return reviews within a set time frame, you need to include plenty of detail without rambling on and you might end up with something you really hate. How do you write a negative review that is constructive?
Top Tips
- Research the company and what they sell
- Add positives to negatives e.g ‘Too wide for me, but great for girth lovers!’
- Be picky, don’t review things you have no interest in
Articles/content writing
There is a big demand for interesting content from sex blogs and company websites alike. They’re looking for personal experiences and think pieces on all subjects connected to sex. If you write your own blog, which many authors do, these articles are an extension of what you’d write for your own sites.
There is a paid market for these kinds of articles, you just need to look out for opportunities. As authors, we’re used to giving our words away for free, as we promote our books. No one will pay you to advertise your books on their sites, so you will have to think about what you know about that is of interest. Articles about the process of writing erotica, stuff you found out about as you researched scenes for your books, your own sexual discoveries, and topics you’re passionate about.
Also, sites need people to write content for them. It might be as simple as writing up product descriptions. It might be explaining safety issues or outlining play ideas for products. It’s not always the most creative of outlets but is a solid way to earn money.
Top Tips
- Learn and practice writing pitches. It’s like writing a blurb, sell yourself!
- Keep it brief, use subheadings and keep to the subject at hand
- Show the difference between facts, opinions and your own experience
Sex Blogging
Running your own blog/website is something you’re likely used to as an author. Think about expanding it. You can use your site for more than selling your books. Adverts and affiliate links on your site can be a way to make money from what you’re already doing. You can use my tips above for reviewing and article writing to expand the content on your own site. Bring the readers to you.
I found out that book promos are often predictable and boring, what people want from an author blog is to find out more about the author themselves. It can sound daunting, moving into sex blogging, but you don’t have to reveal anything you’re not comfortable with. You can keep your privacy but share things you feel passionate about. What themes are in your books? Explore those in factual articles, photos, and maybe short stories and poems too.
- Be true to you. Don’t write about something just because it’s popular. Connect it to you and your life for an authentic feel
- Review items you own already like lingerie, erotica you love, sex toys, etc to get started
- Post regularly but don’t cripple your creativity
The more traffic you drive to your site, the more likely you are to have companies want to advertise on your site as well as getting more readers for your fiction books. You’ll also have a readymade portfolio of articles to draw on when asked to provide examples of your work for those interested in hiring you to write for them.
There are many opportunities out there to become a multitasking smutlancing hero, don’t be afraid to look for them and try something a little out of your comfort zone. Above all, go for it. Expand your horizons! Explore the wonderful world of sex and erotica and find where you fit in!
