The cancelled February gathering of Toronto’s erotica writers and readers group was supposed to answer the most burning question of erotica writers: What is it like to self-publish on Amazon?
Some background: how long have you been writing erotica and how many works have you published?I’ve been writing for many years, but I just started writing erotica about a year ago. I thought it was just for fun, and then 50 shades hit and I saw how the market was blowing up. I thought I might as well see what the response to my work would be. I have 17 e-books available on Amazon. I’m a crazy fast typist (not bragging but I clocked 12K in one day during the storm in New York two weeks ago – bleeding knuckles), I try to post something new each week. Today (it’s Wednesday, right?) I’m posting “Hump Day Treat.” It’s free so stop listening to Jon and pull out your phones!
Did you pursue the “traditional” methods (submitting to publishers, calls for submission, anthologies, etc.)?
Yes, and I still am under my romance/fantasy pseudonym Haley Night. I’ve had several editors connect with me through Twitter, and some of my works may be more “traditionally” published in the near future. I don’t think I would ever stop self-publishing, I love the instant gratification too much! Hence, the reason I write erotica.
Why did you choose Amazon as your method of publishing your work?
I read on my iPad like a crazy person and I buy most of my books through the kindle app. When I took a look at Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing it was just plain old easy to navigate. I’m getting convinced by my twitter buds to spread out to smashwords, and I have an account on Sex Shelves, a great new free erotica site.
How technologically savvy do you have to be to get your work on Amazon?
The instructions are pretty simple on the site, but there’s a whole lot more to it if you want your book to look decent. The cover is obviously important, because… um, people judge books by them. It’s hard to find good stock photos and I ended up spending a ton of money stocking up on sexy photos. I love my covers. Anyway, I figured out that in the document I have to use Times size 18 (!) double-spaced and the indentation has to be half the size of the preset. You also have to be sure to insert page breaks between chapters. Google can probably help more than I can; otherwise their site is helpful in walking you through the process. I’m also happy to answer any more specific questions.
What are some of the greatest advantages of publishing on Amazon?
And any distinct disadvantages?
When you use “KDP select” you’re signing your exclusive rights of the material to Amazon for 90 days. In my experience, unless you’re going to submit the work for an antho it’s more positive than negative.
I’ve had friend’s comments on my work removed for being “too positive” or having “too many exclamation marks.” This was frustrating because they each purchased and read the book, and I wanted my five stars, dammit!
How can writers make their works stand out in the crowded Amazon marketplace?
This is where I talk about the power of Twitter! There is absolutely no way to be successful without a twitter account and a positive attitude (which means be nice!) Follow similar authors, make friends, and PROMOTE your work. Mention every single friend that follows you and slip in a promo for your site. Re-tweet similar authors, and just be nice (and don’t be creepy)! I’ve made amazing real friends on Twitter, other writers I talk to daily. I’m collaborating on projects with my two Twitter best friends, Nicole Ryan and Delphine DeRicci. I have a busy blog, where I host swaps and an erotic micro-fiction series “Quick & Dirty.” You’re all welcome to submit 250-500 words of the filthiest goodness you can come up with!
Are you finding success (which can be defined different ways) on Amazon?
I like to think I’m just getting started! I feel successful because I’ve gotten so much support and attention. I’m going to keep going with the erotica and my other works no matter what. I don’t know hot not to write. Financially, I’ll just say that I have a ways to go before I can quit my day job, like I know we ALL want to do.
Much love and support for my fellow erotica writers! #Writersunite
PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me with more questions!
@NikkiHazeFever
Got.Haze.Fever@gmail.com
http://nikkihazefever.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Nikki-Haze/e/B00AXSAN2E
