Rachel Kramer Bussel's Blog, page 8
February 7, 2019
Enter to win my Valentine's Day giveaway of a heart sex pillow and erotica!
This is my year of giveaways, in addition to the ones I do in my monthly newsletter (make sure you subscribe at the left-hand side of my blog or at rachelkramerbussel.com because one is coming up today). I just mailed out 40 books, 10 sets of Volumes 1-4 of the Best Women's Erotica of the Year series to 10 Book Riot winners and now I'm doing a Valentine's Day giveaway where you can win a Liberator Shapes Heart Wedge Sex Pillow AND a copy of Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4.
Links to enter are below, and you have to be at least 18 years old and in the United States to win. Enter by Thursday, February 14, 2019 (yes, Valentine's Day). Good luck!
Enter at the Best Women's Erotica of the Year Instagram
Enter at the Liberator Shapes Instagram
Enter at the Best Women's Erotica of the Year Facebook page
Enter at the Liberator Shapes Facebook page
Links to enter are below, and you have to be at least 18 years old and in the United States to win. Enter by Thursday, February 14, 2019 (yes, Valentine's Day). Good luck!
Enter at the Best Women's Erotica of the Year Instagram
Enter at the Liberator Shapes Instagram
Enter at the Best Women's Erotica of the Year Facebook page
Enter at the Liberator Shapes Facebook page
January 23, 2019
The Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4 audiobook is out!
I'm officially on vacation and heading to a beach location for a few days but wanted to pop in to let you know that the Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4 audiobook narrated by Rose Caraway is officially for sale! Click the link above or image below to listen to a free sample and buy it for yourself. I hope you'll enjoy these sexy, creative and diverse stories as much as I did. The book has stories by authors whose work I encourage you to read if you haven't yet, such as Alyssa Cole, Alessandra Torre, Megan Hart, Tamsen Parker, Tamara Lush, Suleikha Snyder, Sofia Quintero and more! If you own the Kindle edition, the audiobook costs only $7.47, a total bargain! Want to learn more about what's in the book and read my introduction? Visit the official site.
January 21, 2019
New articles: Somali refugee Congresswoman Ilhan Omar memoir and US tour of The Bookshop Band
My latest articles for Forbes online, which I didn't get to post last week, are about Somali refugee turned Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's memoir book deal and The Bookshop Band doing their first U.S. tour. I interviewed Representative Omar's literary agent and her editor, who said, "Her voice on the page is very much as it is in real life—fresh and positive even when she is tackling serious issues, with real empathy and deep knowledge. Her story counters everything we keep hearing from the current administration and the right-wing media about refugees, immigrants, Muslims and women. This memoir presents an urgent and important counter-narrative."
Hope you'll check them out and follow me on Forbes if you want to be emailed when new articles drop. I write seven each month.
Hope you'll check them out and follow me on Forbes if you want to be emailed when new articles drop. I write seven each month.
January 15, 2019
New at Forbes: Why this book dedication is going viral
The humorous dedication in Ben Philippe's debut novel, The Field Guide to the North American Teenager, is going viral. Why? Find out in my latest article at Forbes online.
January 14, 2019
My Washington Post article on couples and debt, and how I plan to pay mine off
In many ways, my new Washington Post article on couples and debt (which also got picked up by their women's publication The Lily and was reprinted at by the
Los Angeles Times
) was a challenging one. I first submitted an essay about my personal experience with debt and dating, and was asked to expand it into a reported article.
That part was interesting as I got to talk to experts, including a three financial planners, a financial therapist and Bad with Money podcast host and author of the new book by the same name, Gaby Dunn. I've alluded to and once written about my debt before, but this piece had a higher profile, and I knew family members and friends would see it, and that was scary. I never want to look like a failure, even when I am. I'm not saying I consider everyone who has debt a failure, but for myself, I do, because the reason my debt is so high is my own doing.
I lived way beyond my means when I was in New York, and even though I haven't lived there for almost six years, the effects linger. Only in the last few years has my business grown in a way that paying it off is now in the foreseeable future. I had intended to have it paid off by the end of 2019 but had more expenses than expected, so that projected debt-free date is now the end of 2020. At the same time, in growing my business, I do need to stick to the "you have to spend money to make money" adage. So I'm doing things like attending creative business conference Alt Summit in March in Palm Springs (called Alt Oasis this year because it's six days long), considering hiring a publicist for my December Best Women's Erotica of the Year book launch and will be investing a lot of time into launching my online classes, hopefully by mid-March. Those things are all important to me for various reasons that essentially boil down to not wanting to do the same thing over and over and expect things to change. Having the classes will also help me pitch myself as a speaker...to places like Alt Summit. I meant to apply this year and a combination of stress and anxiety and negative self-talk prevented me, but I plan to launch a class on the subject I want to teach on, which will make applying easier.
The only way I will reach the next level in any area of my business is to experiment and try new things. I can't travel as much as I used to, and even if I could, in-person erotica writing classes, which I love teaching, can only reach 20-30 people at a time. My online class will be able to reach an infinite number of students all over the world. When I taught in Berlin last year, I had someone in another part of Germany ask if I was teaching there. Soon I'll be able to say yes to that. I'm looking forward to it, but it's also a commitment of time and energy (the costs so far have involved buying a microphone, which I did in...2017).
My point is, I'm doing a lot on the debt reduction front, and will be writing much more this year about debt and money, probably on Medium. But since I've lived with some for of debt my entire adult life, I've also adapted. I don't buy myself too many things these days, but when I turn in an anthology manuscript, I treat myself to buying a book, provided my local library doesn't carry it. I occasionally buy myself a Leota dress, although now I have a whole row of them in my closet, and got gorgeous ones for my birthday and the holidays. I've cut back immensely because what I want more than anything is to see a zero balance everywhere. I won't be going to New York too often. But I will make sure when I'm there I see one of my best friend's newborn twins, even if an extra day means paying for food and subway fare. I also need to have a life, especially to counteract the times when I work really insane, stressful hours, as I've done a few times over the last few months. I'm trying to move away from those but sometimes as a freelancer last-minute assignments happen, or I get sick and can't work as efficiently as I wanted to.
The truth is, part of me still thinks, Well, if you onlypay bills and necessities, you could pay off all your debt this year. I'd have to crunch a lot of numbers to see if that's strictly true. I could certainly come very close. But aside from the many business expenses I pay, from postage to buying books to send to authors to smaller things like renewing Flickr (yes, that's what I still use to post images on this here blog), I wouldn't be able to take my mom to Tribeca Film Festival as I did last year for her birthday. I wouldn't get to visit my family on Martha's Vineyard in the summer. I think the difference between me now and me back when I was accruing tons of debt is that I value every dollar I spend and consider it carefully. On our drive down to Virginia in December, I was proud of myself for forgoing my daily cup of decaf coffee and saving the approximately $2 it would have cost, because the craving wasn't that bad. But on the way back, I had a cup, because I knew I'd have a headache otherwise. What I most look forward to about debt-free life is not having to do all those calculations. In the meantime, my other way of tackling debt is, hopefully, upping my company's income by 20% this year. If I can do that, I'll likely have a lot more bylines and be able to look back at my 2019 work with pride.
That part was interesting as I got to talk to experts, including a three financial planners, a financial therapist and Bad with Money podcast host and author of the new book by the same name, Gaby Dunn. I've alluded to and once written about my debt before, but this piece had a higher profile, and I knew family members and friends would see it, and that was scary. I never want to look like a failure, even when I am. I'm not saying I consider everyone who has debt a failure, but for myself, I do, because the reason my debt is so high is my own doing.
I lived way beyond my means when I was in New York, and even though I haven't lived there for almost six years, the effects linger. Only in the last few years has my business grown in a way that paying it off is now in the foreseeable future. I had intended to have it paid off by the end of 2019 but had more expenses than expected, so that projected debt-free date is now the end of 2020. At the same time, in growing my business, I do need to stick to the "you have to spend money to make money" adage. So I'm doing things like attending creative business conference Alt Summit in March in Palm Springs (called Alt Oasis this year because it's six days long), considering hiring a publicist for my December Best Women's Erotica of the Year book launch and will be investing a lot of time into launching my online classes, hopefully by mid-March. Those things are all important to me for various reasons that essentially boil down to not wanting to do the same thing over and over and expect things to change. Having the classes will also help me pitch myself as a speaker...to places like Alt Summit. I meant to apply this year and a combination of stress and anxiety and negative self-talk prevented me, but I plan to launch a class on the subject I want to teach on, which will make applying easier.
The only way I will reach the next level in any area of my business is to experiment and try new things. I can't travel as much as I used to, and even if I could, in-person erotica writing classes, which I love teaching, can only reach 20-30 people at a time. My online class will be able to reach an infinite number of students all over the world. When I taught in Berlin last year, I had someone in another part of Germany ask if I was teaching there. Soon I'll be able to say yes to that. I'm looking forward to it, but it's also a commitment of time and energy (the costs so far have involved buying a microphone, which I did in...2017).
My point is, I'm doing a lot on the debt reduction front, and will be writing much more this year about debt and money, probably on Medium. But since I've lived with some for of debt my entire adult life, I've also adapted. I don't buy myself too many things these days, but when I turn in an anthology manuscript, I treat myself to buying a book, provided my local library doesn't carry it. I occasionally buy myself a Leota dress, although now I have a whole row of them in my closet, and got gorgeous ones for my birthday and the holidays. I've cut back immensely because what I want more than anything is to see a zero balance everywhere. I won't be going to New York too often. But I will make sure when I'm there I see one of my best friend's newborn twins, even if an extra day means paying for food and subway fare. I also need to have a life, especially to counteract the times when I work really insane, stressful hours, as I've done a few times over the last few months. I'm trying to move away from those but sometimes as a freelancer last-minute assignments happen, or I get sick and can't work as efficiently as I wanted to.
The truth is, part of me still thinks, Well, if you onlypay bills and necessities, you could pay off all your debt this year. I'd have to crunch a lot of numbers to see if that's strictly true. I could certainly come very close. But aside from the many business expenses I pay, from postage to buying books to send to authors to smaller things like renewing Flickr (yes, that's what I still use to post images on this here blog), I wouldn't be able to take my mom to Tribeca Film Festival as I did last year for her birthday. I wouldn't get to visit my family on Martha's Vineyard in the summer. I think the difference between me now and me back when I was accruing tons of debt is that I value every dollar I spend and consider it carefully. On our drive down to Virginia in December, I was proud of myself for forgoing my daily cup of decaf coffee and saving the approximately $2 it would have cost, because the craving wasn't that bad. But on the way back, I had a cup, because I knew I'd have a headache otherwise. What I most look forward to about debt-free life is not having to do all those calculations. In the meantime, my other way of tackling debt is, hopefully, upping my company's income by 20% this year. If I can do that, I'll likely have a lot more bylines and be able to look back at my 2019 work with pride.
January 13, 2019
Join me March 21 in New York for a FREE Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4 reading
I try to do at least one reading from my Best Women's Erotica of the Year series books for each volume as a way to meet the authors I otherwise just correspond with via email and share their stories live. For Volume 4, I'm thrilled that The Pleasure Chest on the Upper East Side (1150 Second Avenue) in Manhattan is hosting our reading on March 21 from 7-9 pm. It's free and there will be snacks and beverages and free bookmarks and we'll answer your questions and sign your books afterwards! If you know anyone who might like to hear some sexy stories, please let them know. There's no need to RSVP but if you want to do so or spread the word, you can use the Facebook event page. Questions about the reading? Contact The Pleasure Chest or email bweoftheyear@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer. All 18 and over are welcome! I sometimes get questions about whether these events are "for women" and the answer is no. They're for any adult who wants to hear some erotica out loud!
March 21, 7-9 pm
Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4 reading
Join editor Rachel Kramer Bussel and contributors Calliope Bloom, Tamsen Parker and Sofia Quintero for a sexy reading from the new anthology, Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4. Hear about everything from erotic role-playing and BDSM, to a hot professor who gives some sexy extra credit and more! Book signing and Q&A to follow. There is no advance registration or reserved seating for free workshops or events. Attendance is on a first come, first served basis. Early arrival is recommended to secure your spot!
The Pleasure Chest, 1150 Second Avenue, New York, NY, 212-355-6909
Lexington Ave./59 St. (4, 5, 6, N, Q, R)
Lexington Ave./63 St. (F)
March 21, 7-9 pm
Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4 reading
Join editor Rachel Kramer Bussel and contributors Calliope Bloom, Tamsen Parker and Sofia Quintero for a sexy reading from the new anthology, Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4. Hear about everything from erotic role-playing and BDSM, to a hot professor who gives some sexy extra credit and more! Book signing and Q&A to follow. There is no advance registration or reserved seating for free workshops or events. Attendance is on a first come, first served basis. Early arrival is recommended to secure your spot!
The Pleasure Chest, 1150 Second Avenue, New York, NY, 212-355-6909
Lexington Ave./59 St. (4, 5, 6, N, Q, R)
Lexington Ave./63 St. (F)
January 11, 2019
Why there are so many New Year/New You self-help books out in January
I've been on a roll at Forbes online, writing about everything from the writing career of American Book Award winner MacKenzie Bezos, who's getting divorced from world's richest person, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, to the controversy over Kathleen Hale Is a Crazy Stalker and have lots more in the works over the next few months. One I'm particularly proud of (and was excited to see Goodreads post on Twitter and Facebook) is about why so many self-help books are published in January. If you're curious, check it out. I'm really enjoying getting to geek out about books and learn more about the industry. And if you visit my Forbes profile page you can follow me there and get emailed whenever my new articles are posted. You just have to make an account with the site (for free) and then click "Follow" under my bio.
January 7, 2019
Call for submissions: Best Bondage Erotica of the Year, Volume 2
You are free to either reprint this entire call in full, including contract terms and embedded links, or include a mention of the call and link to http://lustylady.blogspot.com/2019/01/best-bondage-erotica-two-anthology-call-for-submissions.html, which will be kept up-to-date and may include changes to the guidelines. This website will always include the most up-to-date guidelines.
Call for Submissions
Best Bondage Erotica of the Year, Volume 2
Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
To be published by Cleis Press in late 2020 or early 2021
Deadline: June 1, 2019 (earlier submissions strongly encouraged)
For Best Bondage Erotica of the Year, Volume 2, Rachel Kramer Bussel is looking for your hottest, most creative unpublished 2,000-5,000 word bondage erotica stories (no poetry). Authors whose stories are accepted for publication will receive $100 and two copies of the print edition of the book on publication. Authors who’ve never published in any of Rachel’s anthologies before are especially encouraged to submit to this anthology. Please make sure to read and follow the guidelines in full before submitting. If you would not be willing to sign the contract terms listed below should your story be selected, do not submit to this anthology. Stories submitted that don’t contain bondage, are received after the June 1, 2019 deadline or fall outside the word count will be rejected..
This anthology will include characters of different races, ages, sexual orientations, locations, occupations, backgrounds and bondage experience levels. The book will also include a wide array of motivations, techniques, implements, and scenarios, though all will include at least one bondage or restraint scenario at some point in the story. Ownvoices stories, in which the story’s protagonist and author share a marginalized identity, are especially welcome; for more information on the definition of ownvoices, click here. I want characters ranging from newbies to seasoned bondage players and everything in between. I want first person, second person and third person stories. I want bondage in bedrooms, at play parties, at offices, in public, in secret. Bondage should be a central focus of the erotic element of the story but the plot does not have to hinge on bondage. I especially welcome stories were the motivations for engaging in bondage are unusual, and settings outside of dungeons, play parties and traditionally kinky settings. Stories do not have to contain a specific amount of sexual activity, but must be erotic in nature and be intended to arouse the reader. For an idea of the types of stories I prefer, see Best Bondage Erotica 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Stories that do not contain any form of bondage or restraint will not be considered.
The final book will include stories focused on both the physical and mental aspects of bondage. Stories featuring bondage plus other elements of BDSM or sexual erotica activity is welcome (spanking, tickling, exhibitionism, voyeurism, intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, sex toys, nipple play, fetishes, kissing, teasing, etc.). The more creative the bondage in the story, the better, but any type of bondage will work as long as the storyline and writing are compelling. I gravitate toward stories that draw me in from the first word and keeps me riveted. The main reason I reject stories for a themed anthology such as this one is that they are too similar to one I’ve already selected, so avoid clichéd plotlines and dialogue. Characters of all genders/sexual orientations welcome. No poetry. All characters must be over 18 for the entirety of the story. No incest or bestiality. Note that I won’t be able to give final answers to submissions until August 1, 2020 at the latest (if I can reply sooner, I will). If you need a response sooner than August 1, 2020, please do not submit to this anthology.
All stories should have a compelling beginning, middle and end. Make every word count and advance the story you want to tell. Consider each sentence and as: Does it serve a purpose? Is it advancing your story? If not, cut it. Make me care about your characters and get invested in their passions.
Only unpublished stories will be accepted; this means no part of the story can have been published or posted previously anywhere, in print, online, on blogs, on bulletin boards or private groups, in newsletters, via email or anywhere else and cannot be published or posted in any form prior to the book’s publication.
Rights: One-year exclusive rights. Authors will retain copyright to their stories. See contract terms below. If you would not be willing to sign the contract terms below, do not submit to this anthology.
ONLY SUBMIT ONE FINAL, THOROUGHLY PROOFREAD, GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT VERSION OF EACH STORY. Since I will be reading and considering stories as they come in, only the initial story submission will be considered; subsequent versions of the same story will NOT be considered, so please keep this in mind and make sure the submission you send contains exactly the story title, author name and text you would like to see published in the book. If I am interested in a revised version of your story, I will contact you.
How to submit: I will consider a maximum of two stories per author. Submit each story as a separate attachment using an email address that you check regularly. Submit only 2,000-5,000 original, unpublished stories that are not being considered elsewhere. Stories under 2,000 words or over 5,000 words will be automatically rejected. I want only original work that has never been published in whole or in part in any format, including online and print. Must use U.S. grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.). Submit to bestbondageseries@gmail.com by attaching a Word .doc or .docx file, double spaced, Times New Roman Black font and titled BBE1 LastName StoryTitle. At the top of the first page, include legal name, pseudonym (if applicable), mailing address, phone number (only to be used for urgent communication about your story) and 50 word-or-under third person professional biography either on the first page of your story. This should be the exact bio you’d want published in the book. URLs in bios should be listed in the first sentence in this format:
Rachel Kramer Bussel (rachelkramerbussel.com) writes fiction and non-fiction.
All stories must have a title and author name included at the top of the first page with the submission (no untitled stories). Indent half an inch at the start of each paragraph. Use only double spacing for the entire file; do not add extra lines between paragraphs or use any other irregular spacing. If you cannot use Word, submit as both an RTF and include the full submission in the body of an email, including title, story text, bio, name and pseudonym (if applicable), mailing address and phone number. MAKE SURE TO THOROUGHLY PROOFREAD YOUR STORY BEFORE SUBMITTING IT. All stories that are between 2,000-5,000 words and submitted by June 1, 2019 will be considered.
I will confirm that I have received your submission within one week. I will respond to all submissions by August 1, 2020 (yes, 2020) at the latest. If I can respond sooner, I will. If you have not heard back from me by August 2, 2020 feel free to follow up at that time. Payment: $100 and 2 copies of the book on publication. Payment will be made only via Paypal (strongly preferred) or U.S check (only for U.S. addresses).
Questions: bestbondageseries@gmail.com (make sure to read the guidelines in full before emailing to make sure your question hasn’t already been addressed)
CONTRIBUTOR PUBLISHING AGREEMENT
Agreement dated , 2019, between LEGAL NAME (”Contributor”), writing as PEN NAME, whose address is _____________________________________________________________________________ and RKB Enterprises, Inc. (“Editor”), whose address is 632 London Court II, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 for publication of “STORY TITLE” (the “Work”) in Best Bondage Erotica of the Year, Volume 2 (the "Book"), an anthology to be published by Cleis Press./Viva Editions (the “Publisher”). The parties agree as follows:
1. GRANT OF RIGHTS
(a) Contributor hereby grants and licenses to the Editor, during the full term of copyright in the Work, and any renewals thereof, the following rights in and to the Work, exclusively until one (1) year from the date of publication of the Book and non-exclusively thereafter: the right to reproduce, print, publish, transmit, distribute, license, sublicense, sell and otherwise exploit the Work as part of the Book in all forms and media now known or hereafter developed in all languages throughout the world, including without limitation the right to license and sublicense the Work as part of the Book inanthologies, magazines, book club editions and reprints; Braille editions; audio, computer disk, all electronic/cyber rights, CD-ROM and microfiche editions; first and second serial rights; dramatic productions of any kind (including without limitation film, television, video and audio productions); commercial and merchandising versions of the Book; and, the right to use all or parts of the Work for advertising, publicity or promotional purposes.
(b) The Contributor grants to the Editor and the Publisher the right to use Contributor’s name and likeness and/or biographical data in advertising, publicity and promotion for the Book.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF MANUSCRIPTS AND CHANGES
(a) Contributor agrees to make editorial revisions to the Work as reasonably required by the Editor and/or Publisher. The title of the Work may be changed only by mutual consent of the Contributor, Editor and Publisher. The final content of the Work must be acceptable to the Editor and the Publisher.
(b) The completed manuscript shall be deemed satisfactory in content to the Editor and Publisher unless within five (5) business days of its receipt by the Editor, Publisher or Editor gives Contributor written notice of the respects in which the manuscript is unsatisfactory. Contributor shall have five (5) business days from receipt of that notice to make and submit such changes.
(c) Editor has no obligation to include the Work in the Book for any reason. In such event, this Agreement shall terminate, all rights shall revert to Contributor, and Editor shall not owe Contributor any payment.
3. COMPENSATION: Provided the Editor accepts the Work for inclusion in the Book, the Editor shall pay to Contributor a fee of $100.00 on or before November 30, 2020.
4. WARRANTIES AND INDEMNITIES
(a) Contributor represents and warrants that Contributor is the sole author of the Work and sole and exclusive owner of the rights conveyed in this Agreement; that Contributor has not previously assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered those rights; that the Work is original; that the Work has never before been published or licensed for publication in whole or in part in any form except as otherwise expressly disclosed to Editor in writing; that the Work does not infringe upon any copyright, contains no matter that is libelous or defamatory, or that violates any right of privacy or other personal or property right whatsoever, or is harmful to the user or any third party so as to subject the Editor to liability, or is otherwise contrary to law; that the Work is not in the public domain in any country; that all permissions for any third party materials contained in the Work shall have been cleared and all permissions fees have been paid before publication of the Work; and that Contributor has full power to enter into this Agreement and to make the grants contained herein.
(b) Contributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Editor and the Publisher and their respective officers, directors, employees, licensees, successors, agents and assigns, against any and all claims, demands, costs, expenses, and judgments, including reasonable attorney fees arising out of any proceeding alleging a violation of Contributor’s warranties and representations hereunder.
5. AUTHOR'S COPIES
Editor will give to Contributor two (2) free copies of the Book.
6. MISCELLANEOUS
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties, and supersedes all previous discussions, representations, and understandings related to the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a partnership or joint venture between the parties. If either party believes the other has breached the Agreement it shall notify the other that such breach must be cured within thirty (30) days of such notification, or action may be taken by the non-breaching party. In the event of any breach of this Agreement by Editor, Contributor agrees that Contributor’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be an action at law for damages, and in no event shall Contributor be entitled to interfere with, enjoin, or otherwise restrain Editor’s or Publisher’s rights to use, license, distribute, publish and sell the Book or the Work as contemplated herein. No modifications of this Agreement shall be binding on either party unless set forth in writing and signed by both parties. No waiver of any portion of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing. The failure of either party at any time to require performance by the other of any provision shall in no way affect the right to enforce that or any other provision of this Agreement. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws, and in the state and federal courts of the State of New York. Each party consents to the exclusive personal jurisdiction, and waives any objections to the venue, of such courts. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any of its provisions are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain binding and enforceable. Contributor may not assign this Agreement without Editor’s prior written consent. This Agreement shall apply and inure to the benefit of each party’s successors, affiliates, heirs, and permitted assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
RKB Enterprises, Inc.
By: ________________________________
Date Signed: _________________________
Contributor
_________________________________
Date Signed: _________________________
Call for Submissions
Best Bondage Erotica of the Year, Volume 2
Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
To be published by Cleis Press in late 2020 or early 2021
Deadline: June 1, 2019 (earlier submissions strongly encouraged)
For Best Bondage Erotica of the Year, Volume 2, Rachel Kramer Bussel is looking for your hottest, most creative unpublished 2,000-5,000 word bondage erotica stories (no poetry). Authors whose stories are accepted for publication will receive $100 and two copies of the print edition of the book on publication. Authors who’ve never published in any of Rachel’s anthologies before are especially encouraged to submit to this anthology. Please make sure to read and follow the guidelines in full before submitting. If you would not be willing to sign the contract terms listed below should your story be selected, do not submit to this anthology. Stories submitted that don’t contain bondage, are received after the June 1, 2019 deadline or fall outside the word count will be rejected..
This anthology will include characters of different races, ages, sexual orientations, locations, occupations, backgrounds and bondage experience levels. The book will also include a wide array of motivations, techniques, implements, and scenarios, though all will include at least one bondage or restraint scenario at some point in the story. Ownvoices stories, in which the story’s protagonist and author share a marginalized identity, are especially welcome; for more information on the definition of ownvoices, click here. I want characters ranging from newbies to seasoned bondage players and everything in between. I want first person, second person and third person stories. I want bondage in bedrooms, at play parties, at offices, in public, in secret. Bondage should be a central focus of the erotic element of the story but the plot does not have to hinge on bondage. I especially welcome stories were the motivations for engaging in bondage are unusual, and settings outside of dungeons, play parties and traditionally kinky settings. Stories do not have to contain a specific amount of sexual activity, but must be erotic in nature and be intended to arouse the reader. For an idea of the types of stories I prefer, see Best Bondage Erotica 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Stories that do not contain any form of bondage or restraint will not be considered.
The final book will include stories focused on both the physical and mental aspects of bondage. Stories featuring bondage plus other elements of BDSM or sexual erotica activity is welcome (spanking, tickling, exhibitionism, voyeurism, intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, sex toys, nipple play, fetishes, kissing, teasing, etc.). The more creative the bondage in the story, the better, but any type of bondage will work as long as the storyline and writing are compelling. I gravitate toward stories that draw me in from the first word and keeps me riveted. The main reason I reject stories for a themed anthology such as this one is that they are too similar to one I’ve already selected, so avoid clichéd plotlines and dialogue. Characters of all genders/sexual orientations welcome. No poetry. All characters must be over 18 for the entirety of the story. No incest or bestiality. Note that I won’t be able to give final answers to submissions until August 1, 2020 at the latest (if I can reply sooner, I will). If you need a response sooner than August 1, 2020, please do not submit to this anthology.
All stories should have a compelling beginning, middle and end. Make every word count and advance the story you want to tell. Consider each sentence and as: Does it serve a purpose? Is it advancing your story? If not, cut it. Make me care about your characters and get invested in their passions.
Only unpublished stories will be accepted; this means no part of the story can have been published or posted previously anywhere, in print, online, on blogs, on bulletin boards or private groups, in newsletters, via email or anywhere else and cannot be published or posted in any form prior to the book’s publication.
Rights: One-year exclusive rights. Authors will retain copyright to their stories. See contract terms below. If you would not be willing to sign the contract terms below, do not submit to this anthology.
ONLY SUBMIT ONE FINAL, THOROUGHLY PROOFREAD, GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT VERSION OF EACH STORY. Since I will be reading and considering stories as they come in, only the initial story submission will be considered; subsequent versions of the same story will NOT be considered, so please keep this in mind and make sure the submission you send contains exactly the story title, author name and text you would like to see published in the book. If I am interested in a revised version of your story, I will contact you.
How to submit: I will consider a maximum of two stories per author. Submit each story as a separate attachment using an email address that you check regularly. Submit only 2,000-5,000 original, unpublished stories that are not being considered elsewhere. Stories under 2,000 words or over 5,000 words will be automatically rejected. I want only original work that has never been published in whole or in part in any format, including online and print. Must use U.S. grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.). Submit to bestbondageseries@gmail.com by attaching a Word .doc or .docx file, double spaced, Times New Roman Black font and titled BBE1 LastName StoryTitle. At the top of the first page, include legal name, pseudonym (if applicable), mailing address, phone number (only to be used for urgent communication about your story) and 50 word-or-under third person professional biography either on the first page of your story. This should be the exact bio you’d want published in the book. URLs in bios should be listed in the first sentence in this format:
Rachel Kramer Bussel (rachelkramerbussel.com) writes fiction and non-fiction.
All stories must have a title and author name included at the top of the first page with the submission (no untitled stories). Indent half an inch at the start of each paragraph. Use only double spacing for the entire file; do not add extra lines between paragraphs or use any other irregular spacing. If you cannot use Word, submit as both an RTF and include the full submission in the body of an email, including title, story text, bio, name and pseudonym (if applicable), mailing address and phone number. MAKE SURE TO THOROUGHLY PROOFREAD YOUR STORY BEFORE SUBMITTING IT. All stories that are between 2,000-5,000 words and submitted by June 1, 2019 will be considered.
I will confirm that I have received your submission within one week. I will respond to all submissions by August 1, 2020 (yes, 2020) at the latest. If I can respond sooner, I will. If you have not heard back from me by August 2, 2020 feel free to follow up at that time. Payment: $100 and 2 copies of the book on publication. Payment will be made only via Paypal (strongly preferred) or U.S check (only for U.S. addresses).
Questions: bestbondageseries@gmail.com (make sure to read the guidelines in full before emailing to make sure your question hasn’t already been addressed)
CONTRIBUTOR PUBLISHING AGREEMENT
Agreement dated , 2019, between LEGAL NAME (”Contributor”), writing as PEN NAME, whose address is _____________________________________________________________________________ and RKB Enterprises, Inc. (“Editor”), whose address is 632 London Court II, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 for publication of “STORY TITLE” (the “Work”) in Best Bondage Erotica of the Year, Volume 2 (the "Book"), an anthology to be published by Cleis Press./Viva Editions (the “Publisher”). The parties agree as follows:
1. GRANT OF RIGHTS
(a) Contributor hereby grants and licenses to the Editor, during the full term of copyright in the Work, and any renewals thereof, the following rights in and to the Work, exclusively until one (1) year from the date of publication of the Book and non-exclusively thereafter: the right to reproduce, print, publish, transmit, distribute, license, sublicense, sell and otherwise exploit the Work as part of the Book in all forms and media now known or hereafter developed in all languages throughout the world, including without limitation the right to license and sublicense the Work as part of the Book inanthologies, magazines, book club editions and reprints; Braille editions; audio, computer disk, all electronic/cyber rights, CD-ROM and microfiche editions; first and second serial rights; dramatic productions of any kind (including without limitation film, television, video and audio productions); commercial and merchandising versions of the Book; and, the right to use all or parts of the Work for advertising, publicity or promotional purposes.
(b) The Contributor grants to the Editor and the Publisher the right to use Contributor’s name and likeness and/or biographical data in advertising, publicity and promotion for the Book.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF MANUSCRIPTS AND CHANGES
(a) Contributor agrees to make editorial revisions to the Work as reasonably required by the Editor and/or Publisher. The title of the Work may be changed only by mutual consent of the Contributor, Editor and Publisher. The final content of the Work must be acceptable to the Editor and the Publisher.
(b) The completed manuscript shall be deemed satisfactory in content to the Editor and Publisher unless within five (5) business days of its receipt by the Editor, Publisher or Editor gives Contributor written notice of the respects in which the manuscript is unsatisfactory. Contributor shall have five (5) business days from receipt of that notice to make and submit such changes.
(c) Editor has no obligation to include the Work in the Book for any reason. In such event, this Agreement shall terminate, all rights shall revert to Contributor, and Editor shall not owe Contributor any payment.
3. COMPENSATION: Provided the Editor accepts the Work for inclusion in the Book, the Editor shall pay to Contributor a fee of $100.00 on or before November 30, 2020.
4. WARRANTIES AND INDEMNITIES
(a) Contributor represents and warrants that Contributor is the sole author of the Work and sole and exclusive owner of the rights conveyed in this Agreement; that Contributor has not previously assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered those rights; that the Work is original; that the Work has never before been published or licensed for publication in whole or in part in any form except as otherwise expressly disclosed to Editor in writing; that the Work does not infringe upon any copyright, contains no matter that is libelous or defamatory, or that violates any right of privacy or other personal or property right whatsoever, or is harmful to the user or any third party so as to subject the Editor to liability, or is otherwise contrary to law; that the Work is not in the public domain in any country; that all permissions for any third party materials contained in the Work shall have been cleared and all permissions fees have been paid before publication of the Work; and that Contributor has full power to enter into this Agreement and to make the grants contained herein.
(b) Contributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Editor and the Publisher and their respective officers, directors, employees, licensees, successors, agents and assigns, against any and all claims, demands, costs, expenses, and judgments, including reasonable attorney fees arising out of any proceeding alleging a violation of Contributor’s warranties and representations hereunder.
5. AUTHOR'S COPIES
Editor will give to Contributor two (2) free copies of the Book.
6. MISCELLANEOUS
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties, and supersedes all previous discussions, representations, and understandings related to the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a partnership or joint venture between the parties. If either party believes the other has breached the Agreement it shall notify the other that such breach must be cured within thirty (30) days of such notification, or action may be taken by the non-breaching party. In the event of any breach of this Agreement by Editor, Contributor agrees that Contributor’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be an action at law for damages, and in no event shall Contributor be entitled to interfere with, enjoin, or otherwise restrain Editor’s or Publisher’s rights to use, license, distribute, publish and sell the Book or the Work as contemplated herein. No modifications of this Agreement shall be binding on either party unless set forth in writing and signed by both parties. No waiver of any portion of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing. The failure of either party at any time to require performance by the other of any provision shall in no way affect the right to enforce that or any other provision of this Agreement. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws, and in the state and federal courts of the State of New York. Each party consents to the exclusive personal jurisdiction, and waives any objections to the venue, of such courts. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any of its provisions are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain binding and enforceable. Contributor may not assign this Agreement without Editor’s prior written consent. This Agreement shall apply and inure to the benefit of each party’s successors, affiliates, heirs, and permitted assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
RKB Enterprises, Inc.
By: ________________________________
Date Signed: _________________________
Contributor
_________________________________
Date Signed: _________________________
January 3, 2019
My take on the new Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo
For InStyle, I wrote about how the new Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo inspired me as a hoarder.
January 2, 2019
Read my new Forbes article if you dream of opening a bookstore
In case it relates to your New Year's plans (or future business plans or retirement plans), I wrote about how to open an independent bookstore over at Forbes.com. I interviewed owners of four recently opened independent bookstores, including two going the popup store route, about their career paths, steps and advice.
Hope you find it useful (and if so, I'd love if you shared it). I have lots more articles in the works relevant to authors, such as a few about how to get book deals (here's one I already did about getting published based on your Instagram account), so stay tuned.
You can follow me at Forbes after you make an account there to receive an email when a new articles posts. I write 5-7 per month. This has been a wonderful addition to my freelance writing, especially since I started in November after a year in which I had very few other writing gigs. I get to learn from authors, editors, publishers and bookstore owners, and generally geek out about books. If you're an editor, publishers, publicist or literary agent with an idea for an article you'd like to pitch me, or a standout title and why it's newsworthy, email me at rachelkb at gmail.com with "Forbes" in the subject line. Note that I cover publishing news and trends, and generally not individual titles or series unless something about them makes them stand out, like you can draw on the covers.
Hope you find it useful (and if so, I'd love if you shared it). I have lots more articles in the works relevant to authors, such as a few about how to get book deals (here's one I already did about getting published based on your Instagram account), so stay tuned.
You can follow me at Forbes after you make an account there to receive an email when a new articles posts. I write 5-7 per month. This has been a wonderful addition to my freelance writing, especially since I started in November after a year in which I had very few other writing gigs. I get to learn from authors, editors, publishers and bookstore owners, and generally geek out about books. If you're an editor, publishers, publicist or literary agent with an idea for an article you'd like to pitch me, or a standout title and why it's newsworthy, email me at rachelkb at gmail.com with "Forbes" in the subject line. Note that I cover publishing news and trends, and generally not individual titles or series unless something about them makes them stand out, like you can draw on the covers.
