General Submission Statement

We are open for submissions in "forbidden" romance genres, particularly ménage, BDSM, male/male and capture/abduction stories from authors who are passionate about erotic romance. Sex scenes must sizzle, be explicit, use adult language and leaving nothing to the imagination. Books can be set in contemporary, historical, paranormal/fantasy worlds, etc. All books MUST possess a strong, romance-oriented plot and have a happily-ever-after or happy-for-now ending. We are NOT interested in books that are strictly sexfests. Our goal is to cultivate authors with vivid, passionate voices and the ability to deliver well-crafted characters and relationships. We're most interested in books of 40,000 to 60,000 words, but will consider works as short as 20,000 and as long as 80,000. Nothing under 20,000 words will be considered at this time.

Submission Guidelines

Send submissions to submissions@forbiddenpassionpress.com and attach:

A detailed synopsis (2 to 5 pages describing setting and main characters and outlining full plot, including resolution).
Your complete manuscript (doc or rtf format).
The subject line of the email should say SUBMISSION: your name and the title of your book.

We are an electronic publisher, so we accept only electronic submissions. Please do not attempt to send us printed submissions via snail mail. They will not be considered.

Thoroughly self-edit your submission. Clean type and grammatically error-free manuscripts receive more consideration. We have no required format for your manuscript, but suggest using one-inch margins and a variable-space, easy-to-read font (such as Times Roman, Arial, Book Antigua).

Previously published authors: We will consider your out-of-print books if you hold exclusive rights.

We are not interested in books with multiple females in the same sexual relationship at this time. These books do not typically sell well to female readers.

Here are elements that cross the line from "forbidden" to distasteful:

NO pedophilia.
NO incest.
NO sex with a minor.
NO violent rape as titillation. Rape may be used as part of the plot, especially as backstory supporting character development. Actual violence against a character should not be graphically depicted. Scenes with dubious consent may be considered if it's clear that all parties are enjoying the experience.
NO bodily functions (e.g., "golden showers").
NO necrophilia.
NO weapons used for sexual purposes and/or shoved into orifices.
NO bestiality. This rule refers to actual animals; this does not apply to shape-shifting protagonists and "otherworldly" beings in animal form.
No manuscript will be considered that is in any way demeaning to an individual or group of people.

Submission Tips

Professional cover email, clean from errors or awkward writing.
Clear synopsis. Thoroughly explain the story in a straightforward manner, from beginning to end. Do not indicate that if we want to know the ending of the book, we must acquire it first. We won't.

We strongly encourage:

Writing books you would actually read and buy to read for yourself.
Creating believable and likeable characters that evoke the reader's emotions.
Developing an emotional connection between characters, with the sensuality worked into the development of the romantic relationship.
Structuring your plot with goals, motivations and conflicts strong enough to carry the length of the story. We like to see well developed internal AND external conflicts. There should be a reason the protagonists can't be together that has everything to do with their personalities and/or their dreams, hopes, or deeply-held beliefs, as well as a reason they can't be together that pertains to forces outside their relationship.
Using a good blend of dialogue, narrative and action.
Constructing an intriguing, believable plot, without major holes. No "miracle" resolutions.
Utilizing your originality. We prefer not the same plot elements and character types everyone has already read a hundred times. Write in your voice, from your perspective.
Ensuring you write from a clear point of view, without "head hopping." Keep POV changes within a scene minimal.
Avoiding first person. We will consider it on a limited basis, but it must be VERY compelling.
Building your world (especially in paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi) that doesn't overshadow the characters and/or relationship.
Choosing character or other proper names that aren't difficult to pronounce

Miscellaneous Facts

You do not need a literary agent. However, if you have one, we will happily work with him/her.
40% Royalties are paid monthly, beginning between 30 - 60 days after release.
Payments for authors living in the U.S. will be sent via PayPal or check through U.S. Mail. For authors living outside the U.S., payments will be PayPal only

Send submissions to submissions@forbiddenpassionpress.com

Please be sure you've thoroughly read the guidelines.