Book that would be banned under Lulu's new decency rule

In some cultures, 13-year old girls are almost old maids. That would be normal and acceptable.
Who is to judge? Lulu employees' sensitivities?
Not Lulu's job. Just print the books.

Miss Maggie,

I've seen a lot of people get really uncomfortable about age differences in relationships [even when the individuals involved are legally married, in a healthy relationship, no coercion or abuse involved], and some of those people feel really free to make inflammatory comments.

Last time I checked, in Argentina as long as the 25-year-old wasn't in a position of authority over the 13-year-old it wouldn't be considered a big deal.

In the US state of Mississippi the age of consent [as in unlimited contact] is 16, while the age of majority and the age of marriage is 21 [the exceptions on marriage, females aged 15 to just under 21 and males aged 17 to just under 21 can marry with parental consent].

The subject matter including its context and a thoroughly impartial objective analysis thereof is the only way to determine the book's relative decency and intent.

Yes, and that would entail reading it, and even then be subject to Lulu employees' sensibilities.

To answer your question: "So what is one to do if their own story is indecent, and yet they want to tell it?"

Well, a lot depends on how a story is told. Look at Lolita, for instance.


There would certainly be a big difference between a book that did nothing but dwell with lasciviously clinical detail on the sex and one that used those situations artfully and to a purpose.


There are lots of options other than Lulu. For instance, there are countless small presses and one may take your story. And there are a large number of publishers that specialize in erotica, pornography and subjects other publishers may consider "fringe."

By the way, I notice that "All the Ugly and Wonderful Things" was published by a traditional publisher, so that is certainly one way.