I’m so excited: I just put a call for submissions up on the Erotica readers and Writers Association for the next erotica anthology I’m editing, Best Women’s Erotica 2008. When I took over the series a couple of years ago, I didn’t expect it to be so much fun and so successful for me. I agreed to take over and edit the series for three years: 2006, 2007 and 2008. The 2006 edition won the Independent Publisher’s award for Best Erotica title of ‘06, the 2007 edition is in the running for the same award. I get literally hundreds of submissions for this book, and there’s nothing more fun than reading though juicy piles of superlative women’s erotica for this series! I’m really looking forward to assembling the 2008 edition. The publisher was so pleased with the series’ success that we’re in contract negotiation for another year — it’s great news all around.

If you’re a female erotica writer, please consider my call for submissions pasted in this post, and send only to the cleisbook at gmail address I’ve indicated in the guidelines. Photo via mcdowell’s great “books” photoset on Flickr.

Best Women’s Erotica 2008
Editor: Violet Blue
Publisher: Cleis Press
Deadline: April 1st, 2007.

Please note: Publisher has final right of refusal on all submissions. Payment is upon publication, plus 2 copies of the book; pub date is November 2007.

Best Women’s Erotica is a legendary and groundbreaking yearly series, and is the best-selling women’s erotica collection. Every year BWE raises the bar for explicit erotica written for women, penned by the most exciting female authors, from around the world.

This edition (BWE 2008) is selected and edited by Violet Blue. In this edition, we are looking for fictional stories that seek to push the boundaries of female sexuality, present realistic fantasies and situations, and break taboos. The sex acts depicted must be explicit and realistic in detail. A strong focus on character, predicament, and compelling situations is desired — smart, literate erotic fiction. The desired orientation within the main sexual element of the stories is primarily heterosexual, yet bisexuality and lesbian encounters are also encouraged. The primary focus of the sexual activity must be on the female experience; female pleasure is the main element. A playful, clever approach is welcome, as are intense scenarios.

BWE 06 won the Independent Publisher award for Best Erotica Book of 2006. Both BWE 06 and 07 edited by Violet Blue are very different from past editions — please read a few stories from either book or the introductions for examples of tone. Dark themes (such as breakup, jealousy, infidelity and death) must be exceptional in content for acceptance and are least desired. Do not send sci-fi or fantasy fiction.

Established authors and newcomers alike are welcome.

Desired themes include: Women’s sexual fantasies of all kinds, such as those that feature taboos, fantasies, bondage, fetishes, male anal penetration (such as strap-on play), light S/M, exhibitionism, power-play, voyeurism, seduction, role-play, spontaneous sex, spanking, erotic punishment, sexual surprise, emotional honesty, desire, longing, lust, passion, female fierceness, power (and power struggles), deviousness, meaning, modern themes that involve the Internet and technology, and sublime humor. Above all, include explicit sex.

Paste your pieces into emails and send to: cleisbook at gmail.com

Editor’s notes: If you send an attachment, I will delete your email immediately. I am not accepting paper submissions. Only three submissions per author. Word count: 2500 to 4500 words is the desired range. Include your name, a short bio, mailing address and main contact email address with your submission. No simultaneous submissions (you will be disqualified), and no reprints. Excerpts from full-length books will be considered. Authors must be female; sorry, no male authors writing under pseudonym. Because of the volume of submissions last year (literally hundreds), I likely won’t be able to respond to your submissions until May. I appreciate your patience in advance.