I need advice from readers/writers of erotica/erotic romance/erotic thrillers. I'm trying to figure out the genre of my WIP. There's a strong relationship/explicit sex element but also a crime/mystery element. How much erotic content earns a book the erotic label? Is it plot based?Sex content based? - ThreadSky

zojestage.bsky.social • 2 days ago

I need advice from readers/writers of erotica/erotic romance/erotic thrillers. I'm trying to figure out the genre of my WIP. There's a strong relationship/explicit sex element but also a crime/mystery element. How much erotic content earns a book the erotic label? Is it plot based?Sex content based?

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ladyjenpool.bsky.social•2 days ago

For it to be erotica, the sexual relationship is a key component of the book. The book doesn't work without it. That being said, it can be erotica and mystery fiction. Signed, a cataloging librarian.

zojestage.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thank you! Helpful info!

jennykiefer.com•2 days ago

This seems like a question @editrixemma.bsky.social might be able to answer

editrixemma.bsky.social•2 days ago

I think Tiffany is totally right about the sexual relationship being the most central element in erotica for sure. If we were positioning this (marketing wise), we'd probably want to determine how prominent the crime/mystery was to see whether it was more romantic suspense than erotica too.

zojestage.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thanks for your input!! In truth, the crime/mystery element is the secondary story. The main thrust (hahaha) is the MC's sexual story - but it was important to me that she be depicted w/ complexity (hence her job in law enforcement).

editrixemma.bsky.social•2 days ago

It sounds really interesting, good luck with it!

tmbwrites.bsky.social•2 days ago

For me, as a reader, I expect the sexual relationship to be front and center in erotica. It should be a key part of character development; often, there's some kind of sexual awakening that helps a character better understand themselves/their world. If the plot/character development isn't centered...

tmbwrites.bsky.social•2 days ago

...around sex, I would consider the story either a hybrid - like an erotic thriller - or spicy genre fiction. Also, even an erotic romance should deliver on romance, specifically meaning you wind up with a happily ever ever or happy for now ending. Hope this helps? 🤷‍♀️ I am but one perspective.

zojestage.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thank you - yes, that is helpful!

tmbwrites.bsky.social•2 days ago

Yay! Glad to help! And your WIP sounds intriguing.

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