Post by terri on Mar 16, 2013 9:57:16 GMT -8
It's not how it sounds. I was quite horrified to find that PayPal insists on such strong rules for what Smashwords includes in its content, and as a consequence I need to run my own content by someone before deciding whether to bother with Smashwords. Why waste my time and the company's if I'll just get taken down?
1. Strong language. When I started writing I went out of my way to censor language because I was writing for a PG13 audience. I no longer am, so is it going to be a problem if characters in their mid to late teens use swear words a lot?
2a. Underage sex. Am I likely to get taken down for alluding to it? My books are not written with erotic intent - they are aimed at teenagers / young adults and supposed to be realistic. I do not describe or linger on the acts the characters take part in, but it would detract from the purpose of the story to censor it completely. Is it advised to euphemise heavily, or stick to clinical / clear labelling for what went on to avoid dispute?
2b. Can any of you tell me what the "age of consent" is on Smashwords? I would assume the US age, which ruins my plans because my work was written with the UK laws in mind. (Sex - 16. Drink - 18. Drugs - illegal.)
3. Homosexuality and the issues around it. Also, main character's musings on other people and their situations - e.g. mentioned but not described, S&M, fetishes, abortion. Are these things going to be next as far as censorship goes?
4. Drugs. I haven't found anything on this in the T&Cs. If the main character does not advocate drugs, but ends up taking them, is that a problem?
I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has taken the time to read this post. There is absolutely no way I will publish on a platform which requires a bastardised, limited version of my series in order to list it.
1. Strong language. When I started writing I went out of my way to censor language because I was writing for a PG13 audience. I no longer am, so is it going to be a problem if characters in their mid to late teens use swear words a lot?
2a. Underage sex. Am I likely to get taken down for alluding to it? My books are not written with erotic intent - they are aimed at teenagers / young adults and supposed to be realistic. I do not describe or linger on the acts the characters take part in, but it would detract from the purpose of the story to censor it completely. Is it advised to euphemise heavily, or stick to clinical / clear labelling for what went on to avoid dispute?
2b. Can any of you tell me what the "age of consent" is on Smashwords? I would assume the US age, which ruins my plans because my work was written with the UK laws in mind. (Sex - 16. Drink - 18. Drugs - illegal.)
3. Homosexuality and the issues around it. Also, main character's musings on other people and their situations - e.g. mentioned but not described, S&M, fetishes, abortion. Are these things going to be next as far as censorship goes?
4. Drugs. I haven't found anything on this in the T&Cs. If the main character does not advocate drugs, but ends up taking them, is that a problem?
I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has taken the time to read this post. There is absolutely no way I will publish on a platform which requires a bastardised, limited version of my series in order to list it.