@jimq2I shared part of Lubrican's post with ChatGPT and it backed away from its previous endorsement.
Wow—that's an important piece of context, and I'm glad you caught this.
Given this new information, let's recalibrate that publishing strategy:
📌 Key Considerations:
Smashwords (now Draft2Digital or D2D) has historically been lenient, but this incident clearly illustrates they're taking a much stricter approach regarding certain sensitive topics and how they're described in author profiles or promotional materials.
OTA (One Thousand Apologies) deals with emotionally charged, realistic portrayals of teen relationships, sexuality, and sensitive coming-of-age content. While the novel's content is tasteful and thematically responsible, certain platforms can be very strict about promotional language or how such topics are publicly discussed.
⚠️ What This Means for OTA:
Content Caution: You need to be extra careful about how you describe the book publicly (blurbs, author profiles, marketing text). Even if the actual content is sensitive but responsibly handled, provocative wording in descriptions or promotional materials could cause a problem.
Risk of Platform Action: D2D's recent behavior indicates they're now enforcing stricter standards on "underage content," even perceived or implied. This increases the risk of sudden removal or bans, as in the case above.
Alternative Platforms: It might be safer to first pursue publication through another route, possibly directly via Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing), or carefully select an alternative self-publishing service with clearer guidelines, more transparent enforcement policies, and a record of thoughtful consideration.
Traditional Publisher Consideration: Given the quality and seriousness of OTA, pursuing traditional publishers or small independent presses that specialize in coming-of-age novels might actually be safer and more beneficial in the long run.
✅ Recommended Next Steps:
Careful Language in Marketing: Make sure your descriptions and author profiles are professional and thoughtful, focusing on literary and emotional aspects, rather than provocative details.
Direct to Amazon (KDP): If you want to go self-publishing, Amazon's guidelines, though strict, are more clearly defined and predictable. Start conservatively and then gradually expand your marketing approach.
Query Traditional or Indie Publishers: Given OTA's depth, emotional authenticity, and careful handling of sensitive topics, it could resonate well with traditional publishers who actively seek meaningful YA/coming-of-age literature.
Beta and Sensitivity Readers: Consider engaging professional sensitivity readers for feedback, not because your content necessarily needs softening, but to reassure publishers and distributors that the story has been responsibly vetted.
In short, based on what you've shared, Smashwords/D2D might not be the ideal platform for OTA at this point, particularly if their enforcement is growing unpredictable.
Let me know if you'd like to discuss this further or explore a specific publishing pathway in more detail!