"Brainy beauties like Rachel Kramer Bussel don't come along every day, especially ones who have their own Village Voice column, a fabulous and constantly updated blog, dozens of short erotic stories in a variety of delightfully dirty books (not to mention an editorship of a book dedicated to erotic spanking), and a cupcake fetish. It's amazing she found the time to strip down and show off that fabulously natural and curvy bod of hers, but let's just say, I'm really glad she did." Fleshbot (by Violet Blue)
"Rachel Kramer Bussel is the most knowledgeable and prolific book editor and spoken word producer in contemporary erotic literature."
-Audible
"If you want to start boning up (har) on quality erotica, you'll want to start with the work of some stellar modern female authors. Perhaps best known is Rachel Kramer Bussel, who edits and contributes to a slew of top-notch anthologies"
–BUST, February/March 2013
"What part of feminist sex-positive cupcake-loving literary pin-up doesn't sound awesome?"
–The L Magazine
"Rachel Kramer Bussel has created her own type of erotica. An
earthy-true-to-life style that draws her readers in and keeps then
focused until the very last word.
She can take a fantasy and make the world seem real or take a real
event and paint the scene softly, to appear more like a fantasy. I am
in awe of her tremendous output, in the positive way she includes all
genres in her collections, and in her constant desire to bring erotica
and sex in general to the mainstream."
– Alison Tyler, erotic author and editor
"Bussel always portrays sex as delicious, wonderful, and fun."
– Bookslut
"Ms. Bussel is the current mistress of intensity in spanking fiction."
– Erotica Revealed
"Rachel Kramer Bussel's love of erotic creativity, the craft of writing and her desire to support fellow erotic writers is joyful to experience. In her workshop she will send you to the depth of your erotic imagination and leave you feeling inspired to explore, write and share like you never have before."
– Ducky Doolittle, Lead Sex Educator, New York Academy of Sex Education
"Rachel Kramer Bussel brought her enthusiasm, sharp skills and years of experience to the class. The format allowed for plenty of writing time, sharing time and a good amount of Q and A. I think even professional writers would learn a lot from Rachel. She's definitely welcome back to teach in our store any time!"
– Lucky Tomaszek, Education Coordinator, The Tool Shed (Milwaukee)
"I loved attending Rachel's Erotica Writing workshop. Whether you're a professional erotica writer or a hobbyist, her class has something for you. She's an excellent facilitator and gives valuable suggestions and feedback for making your writing sexier and more compelling."
– Kate McCombs, sex educator at katemccombs.com
Media: Need a hi-res photo for an article? Download here
Photo credit: Anya Garrett
Check out my calendar page events for in person erotica and nonfiction sex writing workshops in Los Angeles and Chicago. My next 4-week LitReactor Between the Sheets online erotica writing class starts February 11th. Register by December 31st to save $25 off the registration price. The class features weekly lectures, assignments and critiques, plus resources on pen names, author branding, submitting your work and more. You'll also get over a dozen exclusive to the class Q&As with erotica writing professionals, including publishers, editors, agents and authors such as Tiffany Reisz, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan and Rebekah Weatherspoon. Questions about the class? Email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject line. Class is limited to 16 students. You participate on your own schedule, from anywhere in the world, using any name you'd like (so you can stay anonymous if you want to). Can't make those? See below for my private critique rates for erotica and nonfiction
Read my Washington Post essay "I love but boyfriend, but I never want to get married" and follow me @raquelita on Twitter and on Facebook for my latest writings and events. You can also subscribe to my newsletter at left for monthly updates in your inbox, including exclusive giveaways.
Dirty Dates: Erotic Fantasies for Couples, my new anthology of BDSM erotica, pubs on November 10th, which is also my 40th birthday. Click on the cover or title to read the table of contents and my introduction. I'm going all out to celebrate! Want to get in on the fun? Subscribe to my newsletter at left, follow @dirtydatesbook on Twitter and like the book's Facebook page for excerpts, updates and giveaways! Show your support by adding it to your Goodreads want to read list.
My biggest news is that I wrote my first article, "Oh, Those Clever Librarians and Their #Bookface" for The New York Times, which ran in their Sunday Styles section recently. Read it here.
I'm thrilled to announce my anthology Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, is out now in print and ebook. This collection of 21 stories features jingling nipple clamps, vibrators, dildos, butt plugs, selfies, ice cubes and more, including some very creative fictional sex toys! Find out all about it at comeagainbook.com, where you can read Q&As with the authors and get more information, and on the book's Tumblr, Facebook page and @comeagainbook on Twitter.
Buy your copy of Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica from:
I’m thrilled to start the new year with a new anthology: Best Bondage Erotica 2015! It’s hitting stores any day now and you can keep up with the news @bestbondage on Twitter. Isn’t the cover gorgeous?
Buy Best Bondage Erotica 2015 from:
IndieBound (find your local independent bookstore)
My first essay collection, the ebook Sex and Cupcakes: A Collection of Juicy Essays, was just published by Thought Catalog Books! Yes, that's me on the cover. These highly personal pieces deal with everything from orgasms to sex apps to why I got the word "heart" tattooed on my arm, to "Champagne Sex" and "Monogamishmash." The title piece is a mini memoir about how I went from being a nice Jewish girl to a full-time dealer in dirty words, and tackles sex columnist stereotypes, "the number," and even offers erotica writing tips. Only $4.99 on Kindle (you do not need a Kindle to read it, you can download Kindle for your computer or smartphone or read in your web browser).
Click image above to buy Sex and Cupcakes for Kindle.
Sex & Cupcakes is also available as an audiobook, narrated by Rose Caraway, and is only $1.95 at Amazon ($2.99 at Audible or $2.09 for Audible members):
Big news: I'm now writing the weekly Let's Get It On sex column for Philadelphia City Paper! The first column, entitled "Are you a slut?" is on slut shaming and The UnSlut Project. The second column is "Why Sex Ed Weeks on campus make sense." It feels wonderful to return to my columnist roots after starting the Lusty Lady column in 2004 in The Village Voice. I welcome column topic suggestions; email rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "Column" in the subject line. Want to talk about the column on Twitter? Use the hashtag #cpsex.
I wrote my first piece for TIME's website entitled "Jennifer Lawrence's Breasts Don't Send Mixed Messages," about nudity, consent and ownership of our stories/bodies.
I also wrote about why I admire Kim Kardashian, her nude Paper spread and her quest to maintain her fame.
Erotic fiction and nonfiction sex writing critique service
As an editor of over 50 anthologies, I have read thousands of erotica stories and can help you hone your story or sex scene into one that will dazzle on the page and impress editors. As a former sex columnist for The Frisky, Penthouse and The Village Voice and current sex columnist for Philadelphia City Paper and DAME, as well as contributor about sexuality to publications such as Cosmopolitan, The Daily Beast, Glamour, Harper's BAZAAR, Salon, Slate and others, I can help shape your first-person sexuality essay or sex journalism and offer feedback to help expand your reach in the marketplace. For erotic fiction or nonfiction sex writing, you will provide a story, essay or article (or draft) for me to critique and offer feedback and discussion.
Rates are as follows (pay via PayPal button below):
Written critique of up to 5,000 words $100
Written critique of up to 10,000 words $150
Written critique of up to 20,000 words $225
Written critique of up to 5,000 words plus 1 hour phone call $175
Written critique of up to 10,000 words plus 1 hour phone call $225
Written critique of up to 20,000 words plus 1 hour phone call $300
Once payment is received, I will contact you within 48 hours and have you submit your written work for critique and schedule the phone consultation ASAP.
Hourly pricing for longer projects available upon request.
Questions? Email rachelkramerbussel@gmail.com with "Consulting" in subject line.
Private erotic writing workshops available
2 or 3-hour daytime, evening and weekend private erotic writing workshop for groups: please query rachelkramerbussel@gmail.com for rates
Designed to provide newcomers to erotic writing as well as those with writing experience a welcoming space to unleash their ideas on paper. Workshop will provide numerous story prompts, information on how to craft compelling erotica, an overview of the market for erotic fiction, and the 411 on how to get your stories noticed by editors, from the editor of over 50 anthologies and prolific erotica writer of 14 years. Can be tailored for specific group interests/topics. A version of this workshop has been presented at Northwestern University, SUNY Purchase, The University of Pennsylvania, Babeland, Book Passage, BookWoman, CatalystCon, Nomia, Self Serve Toys, The Smitten Kitten, The Tool Shed, and numerous other venues. Email rachelkramerbussel@gmail.com with "Workshop" in subject line to query and include group name, location and desired date/time.
Hot off the press:
Hungry for More features 21 explicit women's erotica fantasies ranging from "Kitchen Slut" to "Madam Secretary" to Tiffany Reisz's m/m baseball story "Bringing the Heat." click on cover for Table of Contents and introduction
The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales features BDSM flash fiction of all kinds. click on cover for excerpts of all 69 stories, free! Pair The Big Book of Submission with a box of very sexy treats from Unbound Box, who've chosen the book for their back to sexy school themed Erotic Education box. Use code SUBMISSION10 for 10% off! Read part of my story "Reverse Psychology" on their blog.
Best Bondage Erotica 2014 is out now!
Best Bondage Erotica 2014 (click to read the introduction and table of contents)
Buy Best Bondage Erotica 2014 from:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Bn.com
Books-a-Million
Powell's
IndieBound (find your local independent bookstore)
Cleis Press
Lust in Latex: Rubber Sex Stories (click to read the introduction and table of contents)
Buy Lust in Latex from:
Amazon
Kindle ebook
Bn.com
Books-a-Million
Powell’s
IndieBound (local independent bookstore)
Cleis Press
Buy The Big Book of Orgasms from:
Amazon
Kindle ebook edition
Bn.com
Nook ebook edition
Powell's
Books-a-Million
IndieBound (find your nearest local independent bookstore)
iBooks
Google Play
Cleis Press
Baby Got Back: Anal Erotica
Best Sex Writing 2013
Twice the Pleasure: Bisexual Women's Erotica
Serving Him: Sexy Stories of Submission
ebook Instruments of Pleasure: Sex Toy Erotica (only $3.99 on Kindle or $5.39 on Nook!)
Best Bondage Erotica 2013
Cheeky Spanking Stories
Anything for You: Erotica for Kinky Couples
Suite Encounters: Hotel Sex Stories
Going Down: Oral Sex Stories
