Ellora’s Cave was the first successful erotic e-publisher on the Internet, founded by Tina Engler, who writes under the pen name Jaid Black. With many more e-publishers popping up virtually every minute, Ellora’s Cave is still the big fish when it comes to publishing erotic works of fiction. The term Romantica, wildly used in writer’s circles, is actually registered as a trademark by Ellora’s Cave.
What Ellora’s Cave is looking for
Ellora’s Cave publishes erotic romance novels in lengths ranging from 10,000 words up to 125,000 words. They take all genres, from contemporary to paranormal, but the main focus of the story has to be the sexual relationship between the characters.
Apart from creative storytelling, it is important that the sexual relationship starts early in the book, not on the last pages. Plot your story accordingly.
Research
If you are not sure if your writing style will suit Ellora’s Cave requirements, read from their popular authors, such as Lora Leigh, Jaci Burton, Cheyenne McGray, and Shiloh Walker, to mention just a few. Pick the genre you feel most familiar with, and read extensively before starting to plot your own story for Ellora’s Cave.
What sells
According to Tina Engler, multiple partners and BDSM is selling well. Vampires and Shifters are popular with readers, and creativity in storytelling is key.
How hot is too hot?
For an Ellora’s Cave story, the erotic scenes between the characters can never be too hot. But it is important that the scenes are relevant to the plot.
Ellora’s Cave publishes stories in different heat ratings, from S-ensual to E-rotic to X-treme. It also has the Exotica line, where stories do not need to have a happily ever after. The rating E-rotic sells the best.
What to avoid when writing for Ellora’s Cave
Euphemisms are a big no-no when writing an erotic story for Ellora’s Cave. Use direct, graphic language, not delicate wording. While the heroine should be a strong woman, she shouldn’t be too perfect, but likable. Mary-Janes, a perfect woman without flaws, isn’t a likable character. However, an Ellora’s Cave hero is always the perfect example of an alpha-male.
How high is the chance to get an offer from Ellora’s Cave?
According to Ellora’s Cave website, the acceptance rate is roughly 4 – 5% for unsolicited submissions.
Improve your chances of publication by writing a clear synopsis and cover letter. Have several critique partners read your story. There should be no grammar or spelling errors in your finished manuscript. Ellora’s Cave is very selective, so take your time to send them only polished manuscripts. Once you have submitted your story have patience, and write a new story.
Writing takes time and practice, but with the help of critique partners and a strong will to succeed, your manuscript might be the one selected by Ellora’s Cave for publication.
