1 So, tell us a little bit about Xcite…
Xcite was founded in 2007 by Hazel Cushion, Managing Director of Accent Press. She felt there was a shortage of quality erotic fiction that was empowering and positive for women whatever their sexual fantasies and kinks may be. The company originally started with short story collections but now also publish novels and some ‘How To’ books.
2. How do you define ‘erotica’ as opposed to ‘porn’?
Erotica explores an array of senses and emotions where as porn tends to be more one dimensional.
3. What audience are you aiming for? How do you choose/edit stories in order to reach this audience?
Our books are aimed especially at women but are enjoyed by many men and couples too. Our writers guidelines are very specific and we like to celebrate female sexuality it all its forms. For example, many women love being submissive, spanked, tied up etc – all of these things make for a great diversity in our storylines but it must be made clear that this is ultimately her choice.
The length of stories is also important, our research has shown that most readers prefer shorter, diverse story collections to longer novel formats. A short story is perfect for helping people switch from ‘day’ to ‘play’ mode and for this reason our books are recommended by many sex therapists.
4. Were you worried about what your family would say?
I have children and I try and keep my Xcite work fairly private but I’m very proud of what we publish. I know from customer feedback that we help add ideas and excitement into people’s relationships. Good, happy sex is the glue for most long term relationships and if our books help aid that and enable people to discover and explore their sexuality then I think we are doing a great job!
5. As an editor, what is your dream would-be writer like?
Thankfully we already work with a fantastic bunch of international writers but what makes my life easier is writers with new, varied plotlines who can engage the reader within the first few lines. Stories also need a beginning, middle and end and characters that feel they have a life outside the bedroom.
6. What are the three things you’ve seen in submissions that drive you mad or make you laugh/wince?
That plot line where you think she’s having an affair but it turns out, in the final paragraph, to be her husband – it’s be done and done and done!
Writers who believe an erotic short story is just an excuse to recant an experience or fantasy.
The long and rambling road of a story – if it’s erotica we need some action, you can always fill in the back story later but you need a good hook and fairly immediate sexual tension.
7. What’s your ideal read/what authors do you adore (not necessarily erotica writers)?
I love books that take you on a journey or play mind games with you – may favourite non-erotic book is The Magus by John Fowles. As far as erotica goes I think my interest was sparked by reading DH Laurence but I remember being hugely disappointed by The Story of O which really didn’t celebrate her submissiveness at all.
8. Finally, tell us some random/quirky things about Xcite!
Spanking is our most popular genre for books but in ebooks (especially on iTunes) it’s our Lesbian Love series. Ebooks are clearly going to be important for us as we have seen a fourfold growth is sales since December. Interestingly, over 60% of our website customers read eBooks directly on their PC’s or laptops – there clearly isn’t a need to invest in new technology to enjoy this format.
