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Leather Literature: A BDSM Buyer's Guide to New Titles
by Debra Hyde
02/04/03
If your local bookstore stocks its shelves with BDSM erotica,
it's probably with mass-market paperbacks from such big time
publishers as Blue Moon, Nexus, and Black Lace. However, in all
likelihood you aren't seeing the books that are really making waves
among the BDSM/leather/fetish aficionados. Why? Because they're
small press titles that either rarely make it into mass distribution
or, as mail order-only titles, aren't intended for bookstores in the
first place. With that mind, let me walk you through the best of
these esoteric titles and point you to the best places to buy
them.
Greenery Press, best known for their kinky how-to
books, is taking orders for an upcoming anthology entitled
Dreaming in Color. The book features the creative writing of
many of its illustrious authors -- works that will remain exclusive
to this edition for three years -- as well as cover art that
features a previously unpublished Charles Gatewood photo. Limited to
500 copies, this hardcover collector's edition is bound to sell out
quickly. Best way to buy it? Direct from the
publisher.
(A word about pre-publication orders: Although
new to erotica, pre-publication orders have long been a small press
procedure in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. I
wouldn't let its newness to the erotica genre let it stand in your
way.)
Some time ago, noted leather author/activist David
Stein wrote a hot gay leathersex novel. Unfortunately, the scheduled
publisher, Daedalus Publishing, ran into cash flow problems and, as
Daedalus sought a solution to its dilemma, the anticipated release
of the novel turned into an exercise in saintly patience. The wait's
over now with the recent release of Carried Away: An SM
Romance, Stein's New York City tale of hardcore bondage,
ferocious leathersex, enslavement, and, ultimately, love. Other
recent releases from the same publisher: Slavecraft by Guy
Baldwin and Chainmale 3SM by Don Bastian. Best places to buy
the books: Kinkybooks.com or straight
from the new owner/publisher, JT's
Stockroom.
Heterosexual BDSM couples seem hot on the
trail for books about making D/s relationships work these days and
if you're among them, you might want to check out two self-published
books from Australia. Subspace and Owned, the
brainchildren of Toya, are quietly making waves here in the States.
They detail a whole host of topics: lush, erotic BDSM scenes,
discoveries and missteps, and maintaining a D/s relationship with
children underfoot, earning it kudos among the kink crowd.
Prometheus Magazine called it "a highly rewarding read,
packed with thoughtful insights, practical advice, and amusing
anecdotes that transform D/s from an abstract ritual to a vital,
well-integrated facet of everyday life." Visit Toya's website for the
fun of it but for fast ordering, buy the books domestically from Diversified
Services.
Pink Flamingo Publications might well be the
web's best-kept secret when it comes to BDSM and spanking titles not
available in any stores. Mail order only, Pink Flamingo markets
several titles a year -- on par with the big publishers, really.
Publishing both paperbacks and ebooks, current titles include all of
Lizbeth Dusseau's works, as well as those of Carole Remy, Don
Winslow, Elsie Why, Paul Moore, and a host of other erotic writers.
Me, I'm itching to read Auntie Eva's Boarder by Mako Allen,
but check out Pink Flamingo's website for
an extensive list of their new releases. FYI: For easier access,
Pink Flamingo recently spiked out its spanking titles to a
separate website.
Probably the most anticipated S/M novel
of the year comes from publisher Mystic Rose Books. Best known for
its celebrated Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns how-to
book, Mystic Rose undertook the task of re-releasing all of Laura
Antoniou's Marketplace novels, which disappeared from print after
Masquerade Books's demise several years ago. To its credit, Mystic
Rose has reprinted all of the three original works, plus a fourth
title, The Academy. Now Marketplace fans have a fifth title
to celebrate: The Reunion, which
brings Robin (of The Slave fame) to a "slaves only" vacation
where she finds herself reunited with her trainer, Chris Parker
(whom all fans lust after). Because The Slave has
consistently been the best seller of the Marketplace volumes,
everyone's been waiting for this reunion of prized characters with
bated breath.
If that sounds like fandom talking, it is. More
than any other S/M title, the Marketplace books have a fan following
akin to what you'd find in science fiction/fantasy or comic book
circles and book pre-orders have reportedly exceeded expectations.
According to Kin Attica, manager of the Iron Rose online bookstore,
"Pre-orders were incredible, with many people ordering a year in
advance or more. Based on the average first print run for Laura's
books, we sold 6% in pre-orders. The rush since we announced that
the book is published has kept us at Iron Rose hopping. The orders
are coming in almost faster than we can keep up. The excited emails
we're receiving make it all worthwhile!" Still, don't expect to find
The Reunion hitting bookstores quickly or at Amazon.com right away.
The best places to buy the book are at Iron Rose and at Fetish
Auctioneer. That's where all the fans go and where you should
too.
There you have it: the latest in leather lit. Who knows
what might be coming down the pike in BDSM books, but one thing's
certain: You've got plenty to choose from while you
wait.
This article previously appeared at the now-defunct Yes Portal website as part of its news and entertainment coverage.
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