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EROTICA Kindle Writers- Has Any Of Your Ebooks Been Blocked Lately?

by tjk1058
50 replies
For anyone who writes erotica... has any of your books been blocked lately on kindle? I have been writing in the same general niche for over a year now. All of the sudden the last two titles I submitted got blocked before being published and now one of the better selling titles I had for the month (sold over 750 copies) got blocked.

I don't know if it is amazon cracking down on things or if I have someone targeting me and filing complaints with amazon.

Just wondering if I should be concerned or if some others have seen the same lately?

Thanks,

Tedk
#blocked #ebooks #erotica #kindle #writers
  • Profile picture of the author KateD
    Ted...

    God, you scared me there for a second. I have 12 erotica titles listed on Kindle. I just checked and none of them have been blocked.

    If you want to share more specific details (book title, description, cover image), you can PM m, maybe we can figure out what's going on with your books.

    Have you contacted Amazon yet? There may be a reason for the blocks. Keep me posted.

    Best wishes,

    KateD
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    Why Aren't You Making Money On Kindle With Erotica?


    --->I can also write other fiction (horror, romance, mystery, etc). Just ask me, I don't bite. :)
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    • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
      Kate,

      Unfortunately I don't know who to talk to? Do you have a contact email? I never got an email from them. Just scares me that my account might be getting scrutinized now if someone has targeted me, or if amazon is cracking down with the type of writings I niche in as they are some what of taboo type subjects but have been allowed since I started writing over a year ago

      If you do have a contact email would be appreciated...

      Thanks,

      TedK


      Originally Posted by KateD View Post

      Ted...

      God, you scared me there for a second. I have 12 erotica titles listed on Kindle. I just checked and none of them have been blocked.

      If you want to share more specific details (book title, description, cover image), you can PM m, maybe we can figure out what's going on with your books.

      Have you contacted Amazon yet? There may be a reason for the blocks. Keep me posted.

      Best wishes,

      KateD
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  • Profile picture of the author ThrillerAuthor
    There seems to be some new kind of adult Kindle filter for this type of content: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...on-kindle.html
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    • Profile picture of the author KateD
      Originally Posted by ThrillerAuthor View Post

      There seems to be some new kind of adult Kindle filter for this type of content: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...on-kindle.html

      Currently on sale for $10.95. If I can't find the info elsewhere, I may have to purchase the WSO put on by Kim S. I know that a few of my ghostwriting clients are nervous, and I want to be able to reassure them that as long as they follow certain guidelines, they can minimize the chances of their titles being negatively affected.

      KateD
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      Why Aren't You Making Money On Kindle With Erotica?


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    • Profile picture of the author KateD
      Originally Posted by ThrillerAuthor View Post

      There seems to be some new kind of adult Kindle filter for this type of content: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...on-kindle.html
      I bought it and it basically just re-iterates what I plan to do and say when it comes to erotica and Kindle.

      Keep your covers clean. Keep your titles and descriptions professional and appropriate. And you will be fine.

      KateD
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      • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
        To see if your book has been filtered go to SalesRankExpress Sales Rank Express (Amazon Sales Ranks, Ranking)
        and type in your author or book name. If your book is filtered as Adult it will show up next to the title name in red letters.

        To help keep your book from getting filtered keep your cover clean of overtly sexual photos, hand bras, nudity etc. Titles can also be triggers so watch out for how you title your book. If your book triggers the filter you can fix those items and write to Amazon.

        Amazon seems more concerned about what is on the outside of the book over what is inside. Be a lady on the cover and a w______ inside if you get my drift for that type of book.

        Now when you say your book has been blocked tjk, what are you seeing when you try to publish?
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        • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
          This isn't a problem as I expect it to be filtered as adult as I wouldn't want my kid seeing my books by doing a search on amazon :-) . My concern is the fact that I have been publishing in this niche for over a year and a half with no problems and then all of a sudden getting blocked on my last two submissions and then on one title that has sold over 750 copies since the beginning of the month.

          I just wanted to see if any other writers were getting the same thing if they were also targeting the harder side of erotica in kindle.

          Will just keep an eye on things and see what happens I guess.

          TedK


          Originally Posted by LilBlackDress View Post

          To see if your book has been filtered go to SalesRankExpress Sales Rank Express (Amazon Sales Ranks, Ranking)
          and type in your author or book name. If your book is filtered as Adult it will show up next to the title name in red letters.

          To help keep your book from getting filtered keep your cover clean of overtly sexual photos, hand bras, nudity etc. Titles can also be triggers so watch out for how you title your book. If your book triggers the filter you can fix those items and write to Amazon.

          Amazon seems more concerned about what is on the outside of the book over what is inside. Be a lady on the cover and a w______ inside if you get my drift for that type of book.

          Now when you say your book has been blocked tjk, what are you seeing when you try to publish?
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          • Profile picture of the author owey
            Hi I have the same problem as what you have had, i have had 3 new titles i submitted in the last 2 weeks blocked and also one book that has been published over a year ago which was doing well has been blocked as well.
            So Amazon is definitely clamping down.
            I submitted the 3 rejected titles to smashwords and they were accepted with no problems.
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            • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
              So when they block you - what happens? You click on Publish ...it goes to In Review and then says Blocked??
              Does it say Blocked next to the title in your KDP account?
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              • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
                For already published stories they just stop selling and they come up blocked in your control panel that shows all your titles. If you submit a book it will go to review and then get blocked if they don't approve it.

                The problem is that you don't really know what they are blocking without guessing. If they would come back and say, sorry the picture is too naughty, or you added in a subject they don't like, like incest then as a publisher you can correct the problem.

                Unfortunately big companies like Amazon, Google, etc... do what they want which I know they are trying to make a better user experience for everyone but sometimes they tip the scales too much to one side I feel and don't at least listen to the one's that help them make the money they are making as we as publishers are users also.

                TedK

                Originally Posted by LilBlackDress View Post

                So when they block you - what happens? You click on Publish ...it goes to In Review and then says Blocked??
                Does it say Blocked next to the title in your KDP account?
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  • Profile picture of the author KateD
    TedK....


    If you go to your Kindle account, click on the "Help" link at the top right. When you get to the Help page, toward the bottom left of that page you will see a "Contact Us" link.

    Please keep us posted.

    KateD
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    Why Aren't You Making Money On Kindle With Erotica?


    --->I can also write other fiction (horror, romance, mystery, etc). Just ask me, I don't bite. :)
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  • Profile picture of the author KateD
    Originally Posted by seobro View Post

    I have one book that is really bad, so I can assure you that amazon does not read em any. There were a lot of one star reviews. Most were from women. Also, a lot of five stars from men. Wonder why that is. There is another book I am working on. Perhaps, I need to tone em down some. Still, that would not be me. I love freedom and hate living in a police state run by censors. Nazi Germany burned books, but America deletes em.

    I wouldn't quite say that what is happening now is comparable to the massive book burnings that the Nazis did.

    Although America does provide its citizens with the freedom of speech, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can say anything you want, anywhere you want, without facing consequences.

    My guess is that Amazon is filtering out some books because they don't want to offend the majority of their buyers, or potential buyers.

    My son is young and loves to read. He has a Kindle and frequently goes on Amazon, looking for books to read. He could put something rather innocent in the search box, and get some results that I simply wouldn't want him to see. Although I write and provide erotica to others, I don't want my son seen those words or images. When he is an adult, he can decide for himself.

    Most of my erotica tends to be more romance than porn, and maybe that's why I haven't been affected yet. There are so pretty graphic images and titles, and I am surprised how they can make it through.

    But I doubt that Amazon will ban erotica. They may filter it, but never ban it. It is a HUGE moneymaker for them. They are just trying to clean things up a bit, to provide a safe and comfortable place for ALL of their customers.

    KateD
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    --->I can also write other fiction (horror, romance, mystery, etc). Just ask me, I don't bite. :)
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    • Profile picture of the author bwh1
      Originally Posted by KateD View Post

      My guess is that Amazon is filtering out some books because they don't want to offend the majority of their buyers, or potential buyers.
      KateD
      Who the heck can complain to be "Offended" when they buy an erotica title?

      That's like drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels and then complain about the headache the other day.

      I'm always newly surprised about the "logic" from US buyers.

      G.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by bwh1 View Post

        Who the heck can complain to be "Offended" when they buy an erotica title?

        That's like drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels and then complain about the headache the other day.

        I'm always newly surprised about the "logic" from US buyers.

        G.
        It's not about offending the people who actually buy a piece of erotica. It's about exposing adult themes and images to those for whom they are offensive or inappropriate.

        I never had kids, but I don't think I'd like it much if I had a tween daughter looking for romance books and finding a bunch of covers with various fetishes on the cover.

        I say use the same process the old movie rental stores and book stores used to use - put the smut in a designated place away from the main market. Those who want the stuff know where it is and can shop in private; those who don't can avoid that back room.
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        • Profile picture of the author bwh1
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          It's not about offending the people who actually buy a piece of erotica. It's about exposing adult themes and images to those for whom they are offensive or inappropriate.

          I never had kids, but I don't think I'd like it much if I had a tween daughter looking for romance books and finding a bunch of covers with various fetishes on the cover.

          I say use the same process the old movie rental stores and book stores used to use - put the smut in a designated place away from the main market. Those who want the stuff know where it is and can shop in private; those who don't can avoid that back room.
          Wasn't aware that the search results mix from categories like romance and erotica. that should off course be separated and only folks which are allowed and search for Erotica should get those in the results.

          Anyhow, I just pulled a search at Youtube for ROMANCE, not exactly children friendly what YT shows me.

          Guess it's part of the Internet that there is a value shift.

          G.
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      • Profile picture of the author KateD
        Originally Posted by bwh1 View Post

        Who the heck can complain to be "Offended" when they buy an erotica title?

        That's like drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels and then complain about the headache the other day.

        I'm always newly surprised about the "logic" from US buyers.

        G.
        John did a good job of correcting you. I don't need to explain further (although I thought my comment was fairly straighforward in the first place).

        So much for your comment about the logic of US buyers. [insert foot into mouth]


        Best wishes,

        KateD
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        --->I can also write other fiction (horror, romance, mystery, etc). Just ask me, I don't bite. :)
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        • Profile picture of the author bwh1
          Originally Posted by KateD View Post

          John did a good job of correcting you. I don't need to explain further (although I thought my comment was fairly straighforward in the first place).

          So much for your comment about the logic of US buyers. [insert foot into mouth]


          Best wishes,

          KateD
          cool how fast people get p...t

          I just replied to some YOU told about Amazon is trying to avoid to offend BUYERS.

          By the way, a statistic from 2011 says that 96% of Kindle users are in the US (couldn't find a newer one)
          Amazon Kindle Demographics: Kindle Owner Demographics

          So I guess that the complains ain't come from the 4% which are not US users.

          So if a buyer from erotica is offended, then I'm sorry - he is an idiot.

          Off course I agree to your statement about your son. Mine is 7 years old and I also don't like him to see certain things. But I can't avoid it.

          Let's be open minded here (you as erotica writer most probably are).

          You would have to keep him far from the Internet, cancel your cable TV and never go with your son to a gas station with a shop/supermarket or any other place where they sell Magazines if you wanna avoid that he sees some boobs and butt's from ladies in tight bikini's (if not worse).

          Peace.

          G.
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          • Profile picture of the author tpw
            Originally Posted by bwh1 View Post

            Off course I agree to your statement about your son. Mine is 7 years old and I also don't like him to see certain things. But I can't avoid it.

            I used to feel that way too, then I changed the password on all of my computers, thus preventing my kids from browsing the Internet unless I am watching them do so.

            The day that changed was when I noticed the search cache indicating that my 12yo and 9yo were searching for "Miley Cyrus nude".
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          • Profile picture of the author KateD
            Originally Posted by bwh1 View Post

            cool how fast people get p...t

            I just replied to some YOU told about Amazon is trying to avoid to offend BUYERS.

            By the way, a statistic from 2011 says that 96% of Kindle users are in the US (couldn't find a newer one)
            Amazon Kindle Demographics: Kindle Owner Demographics

            So I guess that the complains ain't come from the 4% which are not US users.

            So if a buyer from erotica is offended, then I'm sorry - he is an idiot.

            Off course I agree to your statement about your son. Mine is 7 years old and I also don't like him to see certain things. But I can't avoid it.

            Let's be open minded here (you as erotica writer most probably are).

            You would have to keep him far from the Internet, cancel your cable TV and never go with your son to a gas station with a shop/supermarket or any other place where they sell Magazines if you wanna avoid that he sees some boobs and butt's from ladies in tight bikini's (if not worse).

            Peace.

            G.
            Actually, I'm not pissed at all. It was you that jumped to an incorrect conclusion.

            Who ever said that erotica buyers would be offended? That's idiotic. I guess since you are still not understanding something that everyone else seems to, let me try again.

            Your stat about the 96% of Kindle users are from the US is irrelevant. I know you have this inaccurate and negative viewpoint about Americans, but your blatant generalizations about the US just indicate the type of person YOU are.

            Amazon is not trying to not offend people who are looking for erotica. They are trying not to offend the people that don't want to look at graphic images and text. This could be parents, but also senior citizens and all other people that aren't it that sort of thing.

            And obviously I can't protect my son 100% from what he sees while he is online. I do have adult filters on his computer and I regularly check to see what he's doing while on the internet. But as a responsible parent, I can do what I can to reduce the chances of him seeing images and wording that he isn't ready for yet.

            You seem to have this bias toward the US, yet it is you that seems shortsighted and closedminded. And I just don't get why. You keep giving irrelevant reasons for an argument I never made. Reading comprehension may not be your thing, I guess.

            The U.S. is far from perfect. Trust me, us Americans are fully aware of that fact, and don't require others to point out the obvious. But at least get your info right before opening your mouth. There's a quote by Mark Twain that you should really look up. It starts, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and ....." Well, you get the gist.

            I love to travel. There are many places that I have been, and plan to visit. But I am so grateful that I was born in this country. And no matter what foreign lands I may visit, the US will always be home. Flaws and all.

            You have a good day G. You should probably read a little erotica yourself...you seem to have a lot of pent up frustration.

            Best wishes,

            KateD
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            --->I can also write other fiction (horror, romance, mystery, etc). Just ask me, I don't bite. :)
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    • Profile picture of the author HelpingYouBeAnExpert
      Originally Posted by KateD View Post

      Although America does provide its citizens with the freedom of speech, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can say anything you want, anywhere you want, without facing consequences.
      Every year there is less freedom of speech but it's not like the Natzies it's by TOS and Regulations till they get all all to shut up and get in line and Kindle is no different all authors need to get in line not to much today but more tomorrow.
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  • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
    Thanks KateD for all the info... My concern was that all of my stories maybe a little bit more hardcore they all have been in the current guidelines of amazon's TOS so I don't know why all of the sudden they got blocked?

    Maybe I can get an answer from amazon but I don't count on it as like any big corporation it seems they only give canned responses when you ask a question.

    Will update the thread with more information if I get any....

    TedK
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  • Profile picture of the author KateD
    Ted...

    Keep pushing forward.


    There has been a lot happening lately (ie. last few years) in regards to the book publishing industries, Amazon, erotica and pornography. As both a Kindle author and provider of ghostwritten content, I have been vigilant at being aware at what is happening now, and what's to come.

    Although there is a blurry line between pornography and erotica, there is definitely a distinction between the the two. Amazon isn't trying to eliminate erotica. It is trying to clean up a lot of the smut that has been published lately by money-focused contriutors.

    Whenever IMers see dollar signs, they flock to it. Engulf it. Try to manipulate it as much as possible.

    And while we are all focused on generating income for countless personal reasons, sometimes it can corrupt. Once word got out that people were making money by publishing erotica on Kindle, there was an influx of content that was published under the guise of "erotica," but was in reality pornography.

    Amazon is doing their best now to clean up the mess. Amazon is targeting EVERYONE, and they simply can't have sexually explicit images and content showing up in the search results for the general public.

    Kindle is ok with Erotica, but it has a bullseye on Porn.

    And yes, it can be a challenge to define the difference between the two. To me, erotica is more mental. Porn is more physical.

    But no one can deny that scenes from "Shades of Gray" can be just as intense as the most pornographic experience.

    So maybe the difference between erotica and porn isn't about being "mental" or "physical." Maybe it comes down to good ol' storytelling. Erotica has a story. It has characters that touch you. Porn is more a description of a sexual act.

    Erotica writers aren't going anywhere. Kindle has, and will continue, to welcome erotica with the same caveat that it gives all genres: create engaging stories.



    Best wishes,

    KateD
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  • Profile picture of the author GoodFE
    Hey, I read most of the posts, but not all, so if someone already said this then I apologize.

    I'm not sure what specific niche you write in when you write erotica, but amazon have recently changed some rules.

    In the past, they would allow pseudo-incest (such as stepfather and stepdaughter ie - not blood related) but that's not really allowed anymore. Apparently they won't accept any new titles in the genre, but your already published titles shouldn't be blocked. (I'd also stay away from the words 'forced' and 'dubious consent', they get you more sales but more than likely that will be the next target)

    Next, I understand that one of your books was blocked after some time, well this is probably because of how well it was selling (750 in one month, good job!)

    Amazon don't want these books to be displayed anymore in their search results, and are taking extreme measures. I don't understand why they do it like this, as they could easily put an article in their monthly newsletter that you need to stop uploading these kind of books and then authors wouldn't face this problem. Jeff Bezos didn't wake up yesterday morning and tell someone to block these books, they would've been planning it for weeks, if not months, and should have informed those that would be hit.

    As far as I know, a lot of monster erotica is being rejected as well (tentacles and such) so better to steer clear of that as well.

    Over the last year Amazon have taken massive measures to change KDP erotica, and more than likely that is going to continue. Often it doesn't matter how graphic the contents of the book are (as long as its not rape etc.) but it's the covers, titles and blurbs that they take issue with. I think it has a lot to do with parents/children finding some of these titles in search results, and I assume they feel as though it gives them a bad image.

    I understand why you didn't want to mention your niche (I wouldn't either) but I recommend that you play it safe. If you feel like you are on a fine line between published and blocked then don't bother, because one rule change could block those books and stunt your growth as an author.

    IMO, if you want to write erotica then you can't just abide by the rules in place, you need to try to anticipate rules that haven't even been applied yet.

    Best of luck with everything, and I hope you continue to find success on kindle!
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    • Profile picture of the author KateD
      Originally Posted by GoodFE View Post

      Over the last year Amazon have taken massive measures to change KDP erotica, and more than likely that is going to continue. Often it doesn't matter how graphic the contents of the book are (as long as its not rape etc.) but it's the covers, titles and blurbs that they take issue with. I think it has a lot to do with parents/children finding some of these titles in search results, and I assume they feel as though it gives them a bad image.
      Exactly.

      What they should do is have a separate category called "Adult" and have all of their adult-related material there. Similar to how eBay handles their adult-oriented items.

      KateD
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      • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
        Originally Posted by KateD View Post

        Exactly.

        What they should do is have a separate category called "Adult" and have all of their adult-related material there. Similar to how eBay handles their adult-oriented items.

        KateD
        I couldn't agree more Kate... they could easily separate these adult related themes / books by creating another category but I know it's totally up to them as it is their site.

        The strange thing is I just checked my control panel and the one that was selling well this month went from being blocked to in draft. I went to edit and re-published it again. It is now in review status so maybe they actually listened to the email I sent them yesterday.

        I will report back here if it does go live again.

        TedK
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        • Profile picture of the author GoodFE
          It could have been done in error. I uploaded a book before and it was in review for 36 hours, it then changed to draft, I changed absolutely nothing and resubmitted it and it was accepted within a couple of hours!
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  • Profile picture of the author tritrain
    Erotica leaves a lot to the imagination, whereas porn does not, is my take on it.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by tritrain View Post

      Erotica leaves a lot to the imagination, whereas porn does not, is my take on it.
      Way back during the Meese Commission hearings on pornography, one of the senators on the committe was asked what was porn and what was art.

      He said that, while he couldn't define porn, he knew it when he saw it.

      Another quipped that if it turned him on, it was porn. If it didn't turn him on, it was art.

      Go figure...
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      • Profile picture of the author bwh1
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        what was porn and what was art.
        I hope I don't break any federal laws if I post something again.

        While porn is for your eyes, art (or Erotica and Romance) is for your brain.

        Most don't know that our brain is the most important sexual organ.

        G.
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        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          Originally Posted by bwh1 View Post

          I hope I don't break any federal laws if I post something again.

          While porn is for your eyes, art (or Erotica and Romance) is for your brain.

          Most don't know that our brain is the most important sexual organ.

          G.
          So are you saying that the movie version of "Story of O" was porn, while the book was art?
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          • Profile picture of the author bwh1
            Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

            So are you saying that the movie version of "Story of O" was porn, while the book was art?
            I didn't read the book nor did I assist this movie so can't tell. Maybe I was enjoying BILITIS at that time. But if the movie followed the book which is art, then both would be art off course.

            What I meant was that porn is explicit and you don't need to "imagine" a lot, actually nothing at all. Look at it and you get all served in a second.

            Art on the other hand inspires us to use our brains to complete the "missing parts".

            It's like the difference to go to a normal beach with nice people in swimsuits or going to the nude beach (what is boring, personal experience).

            Art can come in any form or shape, also as movies like the "Story of O" if that is in that genre. Porn on the other hand comes usually in images and movies as the consumers don't like to lose time.

            I haven't purchased a Playboy in ages but as far as I know until today, Playboy is not seen as a porn Mag because they do hide certain things while other magazines are close shots, show it all.

            A good written Erotica book is 10x better then a high gloss pic Mag like Hustler. I'm off course talking from the position as a happy married father, when I was a 20 year old greenhorn I thought different.

            G.
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    • Profile picture of the author GoodFE
      Originally Posted by tritrain View Post

      Erotica leaves a lot to the imagination, whereas porn does not, is my take on it.
      I understand your point, but more often than not a book is blocked for the cover or the title, rather than the contents. Amazon have taboo words that they won't let through, and others that will trigger them to be reviewed in further detail.

      If you write erotica then you will notice that tame titles normally switch from review to publishing pretty quickly, while titles littered with expletives or iffy keywords and take ages.

      The covers can also get you blocked, if they are too racy then they could be stopped, regardless of the content of the book. Normally your book will only get blocked if you push it too far, and that usually means rape (and i think we can all agree that its a good thing that this isnt allowed) but I think more themes will be added to that list over the next 6 months.

      I tend to side with Amazon on most of these situations. Often kindle books will go to the top of the full store search engine because of high sales. Now, let's say a little kid goes into the store and types in something like "sea monster" and the first option is a book about tentacle erotica! In the past things like this would happen, so they had to add the adult filter, but that's not 100% either.

      If you think of the titles of some of the taboo erotica titles then you'll understand why they are doing this. Like pseudo-erotica (step-family ie not blood related) will often have titles like 'Daddy's Little Girl' and tentacle, monster erotica will have titles like "My night with the Sea Monster" or something along those lines.

      So if a kid, or an uptight adult, types in simple, tame words then they could end up with thousands of results that shock and/or offend them. I think when you look at it in a linear way it seems unfair, but when you look at the bigger picture it becomes more understandable.

      I don't know OP's specific genre, and I apologize if you don't write taboo erotica, but I would consider reviewing the titles of your books and the cover images if you don't write in either of the genres that I mentioned.
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  • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
    Well I have to admit my stories do tend to be on the taboo side and I agree that I would never want a kid to see these... but that is why I also was always a fan of the internet adopting a .xxx domain so that software could easily filter those sites.

    I feel there could be a happy medium for everyone if amazon just came up with a adult section for more risque topics. Just my opinion as there is a wide range of tastes in erotica & porn.

    TedK
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  • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
    Just to let everyone know... my book that was selling well and then blocked has now been re-published. But I haven't sold any copies yet so I don't know if it will pick up where it left off or not. Since I was selling 40-50 copies per day I should know by the end of the day if it does or I have to start all over again.

    But at least it went live again!

    TedK
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    • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
      Originally Posted by tjk1058 View Post

      Just to let everyone know... my book that was selling well and then blocked has now been re-published. But I haven't sold any copies yet so I don't know if it will pick up where it left off or not. Since I was selling 40-50 copies per day I should know by the end of the day if it does or I have to start all over again.

      But at least it went live again!

      TedK
      Was it filtered as ADULT before it was blocked and is it filtered now?

      See my earlier post on how to see if a book is filtered.

      A filtered book can really kill sales.
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      Pen Name + 8 eBooks + social media sites 4 SALE - PM me (evergreen beauty niche)

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  • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
    Well it looks like Amazon has killed the niche I was writing in which was the one that this book was in. All of my titles that were in this niche have now been blocked while the one's that were not in that niche are still live.

    Guess it's back to the drawing board as this niche was creating almost all of my income :-(.

    TedK
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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Originally Posted by tjk1058 View Post

      Well it looks like Amazon has killed the niche I was writing in which was the one that this book was in. All of my titles that were in this niche have now been blocked while the one's that were not in that niche are still live.

      Guess it's back to the drawing board as this niche was creating almost all of my income :-(.

      TedK
      Ted,

      I saw you didn't like contacting Amazon as all you got was canned responses.

      I'm just confused as they answer my questions rather well and if I was selling 40-50 books a day and that was most of my income, I would have pressed them for more than a canned answer.
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    • Profile picture of the author KateD
      Originally Posted by tjk1058 View Post

      Well it looks like Amazon has killed the niche I was writing in which was the one that this book was in. All of my titles that were in this niche have now been blocked while the one's that were not in that niche are still live.
      Do you mind sharing the niche? Just so that others can avoid it and not waste their time writing/publishing to it.

      I recently had one of my books banned because it contained a sex scene between a woman and Bigfoot (yes, I know it is an odd subject).

      Although in my version Bigfoot is more of a "hairy man", I guess they classified him as an animal, and my story "bestiality."

      Live and learn, right?

      Best wishes,

      KateD
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      Why Aren't You Making Money On Kindle With Erotica?


      --->I can also write other fiction (horror, romance, mystery, etc). Just ask me, I don't bite. :)
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      • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
        The genre was in pseudo incest. I knew they stopped with actual incest stories a while back but pseudo incest was still allowed up until now it seems.

        I know it was a taboo subject and a lot of you may say ewww. But it sold extremely well. One of them actually went to the top 50 in erotica for a few weeks and was selling around 90-100 copies per day... so each to their own.

        I still have other genre's but that one was the bread and butter, so I guess I'm off to figuring out another niche :-).

        Thanks,

        TedK

        Originally Posted by KateD View Post

        Do you mind sharing the niche? Just so that others can avoid it and not waste their time writing/publishing to it.

        I recently had one of my books banned because it contained a sex scene between a woman and Bigfoot (yes, I know it is an odd subject).

        Although in my version Bigfoot is more of a "hairy man", I guess they classified him as an animal, and my story "bestiality."

        Live and learn, right?

        Best wishes,

        KateD
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  • Profile picture of the author Ghoster
    I've ghostwritten a few and none of those have been taken down.

    That said, Kindle has always been fairly strict about this.

    GoodReads would be a good place to ask about this. Find a writer's group. Those people have their finger on the pulse of everything Kindle.

    I'll also offer to take a look and see if it's too explicit.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ghoster
    Richard,

    I agree. They've always been straight with me. I have heard of them giving canned responses, though.

    OP, why not email them some more?
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    On the whole, you get what you pay for.

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    • Profile picture of the author TinkBD
      Many condolences, but let's take a moment to address the elephant in the room…

      Not only is good erotica harder to write than most people here are presenting, it's also much harder to promote than other popular fiction.

      Popular fiction and self-publishing is an amazing opportunity. Unfortunately, a lot of folks here are stuck back two years ago when the first fiction WSOs dealt with erotica.

      The truth of the matter is that there are many other fiction subgenres that are easier to write, easier to promote, and have a far larger readership.

      So, look upon your erotica as your fiction writing education. Research and find a different popular fiction genre/subgenre and start writing. ;-)

      Remember, the data we are currently using predates the big rise of indie authors. This means that it reflects what the trad pubbs thought would sell... and what they needed to make a return on their much higher rate of investment.

      As an example, this summer Joe Nobody passed 1 million in royalties in a sub-genre that the trad pubbers don't even have books in... I believe he'd been pubbing about three years or so.

      Best of luck with your writing. I truly am sorry that you've run into this problem. Unfortunately, I'm expecting it to get worse before it gets better.

      Don't waste your BIC (but in chair) time on a genre with this many strikes against it.… Consider writing in a genre/sub-genre that isn't going to have this issue.
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  • Profile picture of the author TinkBD
    Well, there are bigger problems now than Amazon pulling erotica. Kobo is pulling ALL self-pubbed books

    Email from D2D --

    From D2D: We have discovered that over the weekend Kobo removed all books published through our account. While we have received no official word concerning this issue, we believe this is related to recent articles in the media concerning erotica titles available at WHSmith and Kobo’s storefronts.

    However, Kobo’s response to this situation seems to have been removal of all books for any publishers (including distributors) that have offending titles until they find a solution.

    I deeply regret that authors who have released books that are not erotica have been affected by this situation as well.

    We are working aggressively to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and we will keep you updated as we learn more information.
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  • Profile picture of the author nordend
    Amazon is cracking down on subjects like incest and sex with animals on Kindle because it appeared in terms related on kids and got to many complaints, so if this is in the title or description of your book, change accordingly.
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    Hi Kate:

    You say:

    I recently had one of my books banned because it contained a sex scene between a woman and Bigfoot (yes, I know it is an odd subject).

    Although in my version Bigfoot is more of a "hairy man", I guess they classified him as an animal, and my story "bestiality."
    That reminds of the "Story of Alma" She was a 1/2 Yeti 1/2 Human woman. She wondered into a village in russia. Her mother was human and her father was an abominable snow man.

    Supposedly, Alma had many hybrid children with village men.

    Read "Zana the Wild Woman".

    Kindle reminds me of granny.
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  • Profile picture of the author KateD
    Hey Teddy....


    It's crazy what sells, right? Personally, I tend to be conservative with my views. However, with enough research and with the requests from my clients, I have come to understand that there's countless sub-genres in erotica, many of which I had never heard of before.

    Don't let it get you down, Teddy. There are still PLENTY of erotica sub-genres that 100% acceptible with Amazon.

    Best wishes,

    KateD
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    Why Aren't You Making Money On Kindle With Erotica?


    --->I can also write other fiction (horror, romance, mystery, etc). Just ask me, I don't bite. :)
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    • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
      Thanks... Kate. I know what you mean though. When I started I didn't even think of doing stories like these and was testing the waters of several different story niches and this one came out strong so I ran with it.

      So the only real problem is that I should have still been testing other niches just in case something had happened like this.

      Live and learn... but I will press on.

      TedK

      Originally Posted by KateD View Post

      Hey Teddy....


      It's crazy what sells, right? Personally, I tend to be conservative with my views. However, with enough research and with the requests from my clients, I have come to understand that there's countless sub-genres in erotica, many of which I had never heard of before.

      Don't let it get you down, Teddy. There are still PLENTY of erotica sub-genres that 100% acceptible with Amazon.

      Best wishes,

      KateD
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      • Profile picture of the author bill burke
        I found this thread very interesting. I have recently written an erotic ebook that is a sequel to a film I produced for Cinemax (Sweet Prudence and the Erotic Adventure of Bigfoot) which was very popular. The ebook sequel (Seduced by the Saucer Men- A Sweet Prudence Adventure) is certainly explicit but is also humorous with no forced sex or anything taboo. But there is a Bigfoot love scene and an alien love scene - both consensual. Plus there is also a lot of plain ole fashioned human boot knocking.
        I still see a lot of creature/monster related erotica on Amazon. I have checked an Amazon ranking site and found most of them have not been sent to the adult dungeon. Others have, but there is little rhyme or reason behind the process.
        Is there anyone with some experience that would glance at a cover mock up and give me some feedback as to whether it would be objectionable? It's a tricky process, especially if something is humorous- but could be put in front of someone at Amazon with no sense of humour. Conundrum.
        Thanks so much.
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        • Profile picture of the author Social Media Ava
          Something is definitely up because I'm having issues and I don't write Erotica! Yet...

          When a title is blocked, it will show as Blocked in your KDP Bookshelf. In order to find out why it's been blocked, you email KDP or wait for them to email you!

          I had a title blocked because someone reported me for a copyright violation on a recipe. Even though I can cite in U.S. Copyright Law where recipes don't fall under copyright...and I can tell you that I did not copy the content, KDP DOESN'T CARE.

          They will pull the title with no questions asked and will not restore unless they hear from ALL parties involved that the issue has been resolved.

          I'm currently in a fight for my latest book to be published over a couple large quotes from some public domain content that were a small part of the entire work. They are NOT playing.

          The consequence is the possible termination of my account and the inability to create a new one. That would break my heart.
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