PublishDrive is an ebook aggregator that simplifies global distribution for authors. If you’re an erotica or NSFW (Not Safe For Work) author looking to reach a wider audience across multiple platforms without the hassle of individual uploads, PublishDrive can be an invaluable tool. They distribute to hundreds of retailers, libraries, and subscription services, making it a powerful “set it and forget it” solution.
However, navigating the specifics for erotica requires attention to detail. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding their content policies to optimizing your book for maximum reach.
Disclaimer: While this guide is thorough, always refer to PublishDrive’s official content policies and FAQs for the most up-to-date information.
Ready to get started? Sign up for PublishDrive here!
Why Choose PublishDrive for Erotica?
- Global Reach: Access over 400 stores, 240,000 libraries, and numerous subscription services worldwide. This means less time uploading and more time writing.
- Simplified Compliance: While you still need to follow content policies, PublishDrive helps you navigate the varying requirements of different retailers (like Amazon, Apple, Google, Kobo, etc.) from one dashboard.
- Advanced Analytics: Track your sales across all platforms in one place, providing valuable insights into performance.
- Marketing Tools: Access promotional features to help boost your book’s visibility.
PublishDrive’s General Content Policy & Erotica
PublishDrive aims to distribute content broadly, but they must comply with the policies of their retail partners. This means that while erotica is generally accepted, certain restrictions apply, primarily concerning “extreme” content and cover art.
What is Generally Allowed:
- Explicit Erotica: Stories with graphic sexual content between consenting adults are generally accepted.
- Diverse Tropes & Kinks: BDSM, polyamory, LGBTQ+ erotica, and many other specific niches are usually fine, provided they adhere to legality and consent.
What is Strictly Prohibited (Across most Retailers):
- Illegal Content: Any depiction of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), bestiality, necrophilia, or non-consensual sexual acts. This is a universal prohibition and will lead to immediate removal and potential reporting.
- Hate Speech/Discrimination: Content promoting hatred or discrimination.
- Copyright Infringement: You must own the rights to your content.
Key Considerations for Erotica with PublishDrive:
- Cover Art: This is the biggest hurdle for erotica authors. To ensure maximum distribution, your cover must be “safe for work” (SFW). This means no visible nudity, no overtly suggestive poses, and no graphic depictions of sexual acts.
- Metadata (Title, Description, Keywords): Your metadata should be professional and not overly gratuitous or vulgar. Use keywords that accurately describe your book but avoid shocking language that could get your listing flagged.
- Mature Content Flagging: You must properly categorize your book and select the appropriate mature content flags within the PublishDrive dashboard.
Publishing Your Erotica Ebook on PublishDrive
1. Sign Up for PublishDrive If you haven’t already, head over to PublishDrive and create your account. You’ll need to choose a pricing plan.
2. Author & Payment Information Set up your author profile (including your pen name) and provide your bank and tax info for royalty payouts.
3. Add Your Book From your dashboard, click on “Add New Book.”
4. Upload Your Manuscript PublishDrive strongly recommends EPUB. Ensure your manuscript is professionally edited and formatted.
5. Upload Your Cover Art Use a high-quality JPEG or PNG. Remember the SFW policy to maximize distribution.
6. Enter Book Metadata (Crucial for Erotica)
- Description/Blurb: Write a compelling blurb that accurately reflects the content and indicates the heat level.
- Categories/Genres: This is vital. Select relevant erotica subgenres using BISAC codes (e.g., FICTION / Erotica / General).
- Keywords: Use strong keywords relevant to your niche (e.g., “dark romance,” “vampire erotica,” “omegaverse”).
- Age Rating/Maturity Flag: This is extremely important. Look for an option to mark the book as “Explicit,” “Mature,” or “Adult Content” and select it.
7. Set Your Price & DRM Set your retail price in various currencies and decide whether to apply DRM.
8. Select Distribution Channels Choose which retailers you want to distribute to. If your cover is SFW, you can select all major retailers. Uncheck any you want to handle directly (like Amazon KDP).
9. Review and Publish Review everything carefully, then hit publish. It can take a few days to several weeks for books to appear on all platforms.
Pointers and Best Practices
- Professionalism Matters: A professional cover, well-edited manuscript, and clean formatting signal quality.
- SFW Covers are Non-Negotiable: If you want wide distribution, your cover MUST be SFW.
- Accurate Categorization: Don’t try to sneak your erotica into “clean” categories. Embrace the erotica categories!
- Track Your Sales: Use PublishDrive’s analytics to see where your book is performing best.
- Start Early for Pre-orders: If you plan a pre-order, upload your book well in advance to give retailers time to process it.
Ready to go wide and share your erotica with the world? Start your publishing journey with PublishDrive today!
PublishDrive Erotica FAQ
Q: Will PublishDrive automatically reject my erotica if the cover isn’t SFW?
A: PublishDrive itself might warn you that the cover will limit distribution, but the individual retailers (like Amazon, Apple, and Kobo) are the ones who will almost certainly reject the book based on their own strict policies.
Q: What if a specific retailer rejects my book through PublishDrive?
A: PublishDrive will notify you of the rejection and the reason. You can then correct the issue (e.g., change the cover) and resubmit, or simply uncheck that retailer from your distribution list.
Q: Can I use PublishDrive if I’m already on Amazon KDP?
A: Yes! Many authors use PublishDrive to go “wide” to all other platforms while keeping their books directly on Amazon KDP. Just make sure to uncheck Amazon from your PublishDrive distribution list to avoid duplication.
Q: How long does it take for my book to go live after publishing?
A: PublishDrive typically processes your book within 1-3 business days. After that, it depends on each retailer. Major stores can take a few days to a week. Overall, allow 1-3 weeks for full distribution to all selected platforms.
Q: What are the royalty rates like with PublishDrive?
A: PublishDrive offers different models. With revenue share, they typically take a small percentage (e.g., 10%) of the royalties *after* the retailer takes their cut. Their subscription plans can offer higher net royalties. Always check their current pricing plans for the most accurate figures.
Q: Can I publish audiobooks or print books through PublishDrive?
A: Yes! PublishDrive supports distribution for ebooks, audiobooks, and print-on-demand. The same content and SFW cover policies will apply, especially for print covers, where rules can be even stricter.
Q: How do I handle pre-orders for erotica through PublishDrive?
A: PublishDrive fully supports pre-orders. When setting up your book, simply set a future release date. You’ll need to upload your cover and metadata at the time of setup, and the final manuscript file can be uploaded closer to the release date.
Q: What if I have a very niche or extreme sub-genre of erotica?
A: For niche sub-genres, it’s crucial to ensure it falls within legal and consensual boundaries. While PublishDrive aims for broad distribution, some specific retailers might have issues. Always ensure explicit flagging and a very SFW cover to maximize your chances of acceptance.
