Slightly confused over guidelines

[guymark]

Hello.

I have read the Smashwords formatting guide and taken note of what is permitted and what is not - but I am struggling to work out exactly where the line is.

For example, the guidelines make it clear that sadism is not permitted - but do not then clarify what this means - presumably a friendly wallop to the behind from one partner to the other would not be an issue - but what about a gentle thwack with a riding crop. and if that is ok....

I have uploaded some books to another online retailer and the general rule appears to be, providing the book could be legally sold in the High Street, it can be sold online. (Eg: things of a similar theme to 50 shades of grey). Is that the general philosophy of Smashwords too?

I do not wish to be banned as soon as I start uploading - but likewise do not want to leave books unpublished if they would have been permitted. Is there a slightly clearer set of guidelines as to the sort of marterial that would be permitted - and that which would not.

Failing this, is there an option to voluntarily submit a book for evaluation, highlighting paragraphs / pages of concern to see if Smashwords will approve / ban a book rather than banning an account.

I have read several "Read me Firsts" but if I have missed one which gave the answer I do apologise. I really have tried to find out for myself but I'm struggling.

Some feedback would be welcome, thank you.
Mark

[Ted]

Is your work published on Amazon? If so, it's likely you could publish it on Smashwords.

[guymark]

Hi Ted.

Thank you for getting back to me with your thoughts.

Yes that is where I publish at the moment without any problems, I was just concerned as the "one strike and you're out" with Smashwords combined with a slightly "open to interpretation" rule on what was permitted, concerned me.

To be topical, "50 shades of Gray" is sold on Amazon, if the author had chosen to publish on Smashwords, do you think that book would be permitted? If so, I don't think I have any problems.

Thank you again for your thoughts.
Mark

[Ted]

From the Smashwords FAQ's: "What is your publishing policy regarding sexually explicit scenes, profanity or other material?

Smashwords allows the publishing of written depictions of sexually explicit scenes, but we do not allow pornographic images within the books, and we do not allow erotica that depicts minors engaged (willingly or unwillingly) in sexual acts. Fictional scenes of rape, sadism or pedophilia are strongly discouraged, and they're strictly prohibited if their purpose in the book is to arouse the reader. We also prohibit the publishing of material that contains hate speech, or material that advocates violence against other people; or material that promotes racism, homophobia or xenophobia; or written materials that advocate destructive or illegal activities. For all matter of an adult nature intended for mature audiences only, all characters depicted should clearly be adults age 18 or over, and the author should designate during the publishing process on the Publish page that the work is intended for adults only. Authors are also well-advised to include such warnings at the beginning of the book so customers are notified before reading further. For more information, please see the Smashwords Terms of Service agreement."

That clarifies everything. If you're work is on Amazon then it likely would be allowed on Smashwords, if they were identical works.

I'm not sure what you mean by "one strike and you're out" and "open to interpretation". Please provide links to Smashwords where these are mentioned so I can understand the context.

[guymark]

Thank you Ted

To answer your query re:links, the part which suggests a single breach of the TOS = account deletion is here, specifically last sentence.

Author’s Warranties. The warranties and representations contained in this Agreement extend to Author and its licensees and successors and assigns. By uploading content to Smashwords, you agree that any violation of the warranties below may result in immediate deletion of your account and the forfeiture of accrued earnings.

Combine that with: Fictional scenes of sadism are forbidden if they are meant to arouse the reader (50 shades of Grey has multiple examples of this, albeit consensual of course), then this SEEMS to mean that a book where consensual BDSM occurs is grounds for immediate account deletion - the "one strike and you're out" comment I made.

This is why I am confused. 50 Shades of Grey as an example IS on Amazon, does contain sadism WITH the clear intention to arouse and according to the Smashwords TOC this would be grounds to remove the book AND the publishers account.

I would understand if it was non-consentual sadism that was banned but it does not make this distinction.

Mark

[Ted]

I'll leave this to someone better qualified to answer.

[guymark]

Oooh look. Tumbleweed