If you have been following my journey, you know I have been in this business for nine years. I have written thousands of stories, but the early days were not glamorous. It took me three months to hit $10,500 a month on Amazon, and another five months to $3,700 on Draft2Digital, with roughly 80% of those sales coming through Smashwords.
Along the way, I learned that success depends on understanding the specific rules of each platform rather than relying on writing alone.
I have created comprehensive guides covering the three pillars of my business: Amazon Erotica, Amazon Romance, and the less restricted world of Draft2Digital. Here is a high-level look at the core concepts and how they can reshape your career self publishing smut.
1. Mastering the Amazon Algorithm for Erotica
Amazon is the industry giant, but it is also full of pitfalls. Erotica authors constantly balance visibility with the risk of the “Adult Dungeon.”
My Amazon KDP Erotica Guide explains how to stay safe while growing revenue.
- The Stall Point: A stall point happens when new releases stop increasing your income because older titles lose momentum. I show how to identify your number and break past it.
- Escaping the Dungeon: Amazon’s adult filter restricts search visibility. I provide a list of trigger terms that bury your book instantly, and how to avoid them.
- Niches vs. Kinks: Niches are broad; kinks and sub-kinks attract loyal readers. I teach how to layer them for maximum appeal.
- Keyword Strategy: Most authors rely on generic keywords. I explain how to find high-traffic keyword strings that separate you from the crowd.
2. The Taboo Erotica Strategy (Draft2Digital & Smashwords)
Smashwords through Draft2Digital allow content Amazon bans outright. For many authors, this becomes the highest-yield part of their business.
My Draft2Digital Quickstart Guide focuses on high-volume, high-return publishing.
- The Write-a-Day Method: I describe how writing one story a day will build a massive backlist.
- Whale Hunting: Smashwords readers are almost entirely men and are willing to spend big. One customer can spend $500+ worth of stories in a single order. These readers may even purchase custom stories worth thousands of dollars.
- Taboo Monetization: I outline the top-selling niches and kinks on Smashwords, including content that would be banned instantly on Amazon.
- Coupon Marketing: I break down how to use coupons to place your books in high-visibility homepage deal zones.
3. Mainstream Romance: The Art of Packaging
Mainstream romance depends heavily on signaling.
My Romance on Amazon KDP Guide focuses on professional packaging and reader expectations.
- Cover Signals: Romance covers must look like they belong in the Top 100 of their subgenre. I explain the color palettes, poses, and typography that define each category.
- The 3-Paragraph Blurb: I teach a simple formula: introduce the leads, present the conflict, then promise the stakes and the HEA.
- Kindle Unlimited Strategy: Romance readers binge. I show how to use Rapid Release and KU to maximize page-read income while still getting 5-star reviews.
- The 30-Day Cliff: Amazon gives you a 2-day and 30-day visibility boost. I explain exactly what to do once it fades.
4. The Cheat Sheet Checklists
I also created a set of print-friendly checklists designed to stay on your desk for quick reference.
These include:
- Pre-Launch Checklist: Everything you need to complete before uploading.
- Subgenre Cover Signals: A quick guide to colors and fonts.
- Blurb Formula: A short reference for hitting required tropes.
- Troubleshooting: Fast fixes for low sales or weak reviews.
The Right Tools
I recommend the tools that make my workflow efficient. I use Sudowrite for AI writing because it has no NSFW filter and includes an excellent Story Bible. I use GetImg.ai for copyright-safe cover art without risking bans.
Whether you want to climb the Romance charts or build a lucrative niche in the taboo smut market, these erotica how to guides outline exactly how to do it as efficiently as possible.
