For Play: Erotic Romance for Women
Editor: Kristina Wright
Publisher: Cleis Press
Submission Deadline: October 1
Payment: $50 per story and 2 copies of the book, on publication
E-mail: forplayantho@gmail.com
Ah, the anticipation of the hottest sex you’ve ever had. The steady gaze, the fevered skin, the brush of fingertips on the inside of your wrist. For Play lingers where other erotic anthologies rush ahead—on those moments between “I want…” and “Oh yes!” For Play isn’t only about foreplay, although that’s where it all begins—whether it’s on the couch, in the conference room or behind the sand dunes—it’s about capturing that moment in time when a woman’s heart, mind and body all want the same thing and her greatest desire is fulfilled.
Please read my previous Cleis Press anthologies, especially the first two editions in the Best Erotic Romance series, to get an idea of what I’m looking for in this collection. The anthology will be primarily heterosexual with a female audience in mind, but lesbian and bisexual scenarios are welcome. 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. 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.
I will consider up to two stories per author. Please be sure to follow all of the submission guidelines. Unpublished stories only, no simultaneous submissions. Please do not send me a story that is being considered elsewhere. The desired story length is 2,500-4,500 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 forplayantho@gmail.com with Submission: Story Title in the subject line. Please direct any questions to the same address. The deadline is October 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. All submissions will be confirmed upon receipt and all authors will receive a reply once the final book has been approved. If you have not received a response by February 1, please feel free to query me.
