Submissions
~ SUBMISSION GUIDELINES ~
There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written.
Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891
Erotic fiction is more than just a few sentences of explicit detail and the use of words like cock and pussy. Erotic fiction is a means of escape from a reality that leaves us unsatisfied and yearning for more. Dark Roast Press is not looking for long winded ropes of semen on every page or the mindless chatter that can follow. We want a story that engages and invokes then leaves the reader breathless. The tangible can be just as passionate as the wildest imagination. Real situations and real descriptions can be more erotic and satisfying than the most graphic fantasy. This is a tall order and not taken lightly here at Dark Roast. If this is the kind of author you are then your submission is one we want to see.
Topics that we do not want to see:
I. Necrophilia.
II. Snuff or snuff related portrayed in a positive light.
III. Rape or serious physical damage portrayed positively. Use of this topic as a minor plot point, maybe considered depending on its context.
IV. Bodily waste.
V. Pedophilia. Use of this topic as a minor plot point maybe considered depending on its context.
VI. Sexual disease or political agenda driven plots.
VII.Use of degrading sexual/racial stereotypes in a positive light. Use of this topic in a minor plot point, maybe considered depending on its context.
VIII.Bestiality in a contemporary sense. Not meaning interspecies in a paranormal or sci-fi setting.
To be very clear on the “minor plot point” statements above. We do understand that you may have a character whose view maybe be positive of these topics. What you do with this character and the overall impact of their actions we will consider very carefully when reading your submissions. We in no way want to receive a submission that glorifies these actions. It will not be considered.
Do not confuse this for what it is. Do not imply what it is not.
Please submit your entire manuscript to submissions@darkroastpress.com with the following :
I. Email subject line should give the type of fiction (GLBT, HET,NON-EROTIC) then a space, a hyphen, another space then the title.
II. The body of the email should have the following :
1. Your pseudonym.
2. Your email address.
3. Descriptive tags (BDSM, THREESOME etc) Note: if your submission features a character whose characteristics is mentioned above please put that notification here.
4. Word count.
5. A short synopsis of the submission.
III. Attach your submission in the following format:
1. doc., docx., rtf., odt.
2. 10 pt sized font
3. Legible font such as Times New Roman, Verdana or Arial.
IV. A second attachment with the following information (follow the above format as well):
1. Short biography of who you are and brought you to this genre of writing.
2. If you have a website please post the link.
3. If you are published elsewhere please list what and with whom.
4. Chapter by chapter outline. No need to be more than a paragraph long but as detailed as possible.
5. Promotional ideas
We will try and send an acknowledgment email within a week of your submission. If you do not receive that email within 8 days please feel free to inquire. Once you have received your acknowledgment, please understand it will take up to 45 days before we respond with our decision.