Three of Hearts: Erotic Romance for Women
Editor: Kristina Wright
Publisher: Cleis Press
Publication Date: Fall 2014
Submission Deadline: June 1
Payment: $50 per story and 2 copies of the book, on publication
E-mail: threeheartsantho@gmail.com
Three’s company? No, three’s a charm! For my newest anthology I’m looking for stories about threesomes! Three of Hearts: Erotic Romance for Women will feature sexy trios who are not just falling into bed, they’re falling (or have already fallen) in love. I want stories that explore the threesome dynamic emotionally as well as sexually. Whether it’s a couple introducing a third person to their relationship for just one night of fun or for a lifetime commitment, or a woman torn between two lovers who decides not to choose, the focus should be on female pleasure. Any combination of lovers is acceptable, but stories should be erotic and romantic, with a female audience in mind. Not all partners in a threesome must be in love for your story to qualify as erotic romance, but I do want to see emotional development and connection between at least two of the partners.
According to Romance Writers of America, a romance must include two key elements: a central love story and an emotionally-satisfying, optimistic ending. In erotic romance, the sexual component is critical to the development of the romantic relationship. To get an idea of what I’m looking for, read my previous anthologies such as Best Erotic Romance and Best Erotic Romance 2013. The collection will be primarily heterosexual with a female audience in mind. I have a preference for realistic stories with contemporary settings, but any time period will be considered. The usual taboos apply: no incest, nonconsensual sex, bestiality or underage characters, please. (Special Note: writing threesome sex can be tricky so watch those pronouns! I shouldn’t have to draw a diagram to figure out which body parts belong to whom.)
Please be sure to follow all of the submission guidelines: I will consider up to two stories per author. Unpublished stories only, no simultaneous submissions. Please do not send me a story that is being considered elsewhere. The desired story length is 2,000-4,500 words. Double-space and indent the first line of each paragraph. Do not put extra spaces between paragraphs. Include your full contact information (legal name/pseudonym, mailing address and phone number) and a bio of 50 words or less written in the third person. Please paste your story into the body of your e-mail and attach it as a Microsoft Word .doc file. Send your submission to threeheartsantho@gmail.com with Submission: Story Title in the subject line. Please direct any questions to the same address. The deadline is June 1, but earlier submissions are very much appreciated.
Payment will be $50 per story and 2 copies of the book upon publication. Contributors retain the rights to their work and Cleis Press has final approval over the stories selected for the book. Authors will be notified upon approval of the manuscript from the publisher. If you have not received a response by January 1, please feel free to query me.
