Golden Flogger Awards definition of BDSM Light, BDSM Advanced and BDSM Dark Erotica

Though others may have their opinion of what constitutes Light, Advanced or dark erotica, for the purpose of our prestigious Golden Flogger Award, below is our definition

BDSM Romance Light
These books are typically BDSM 101 books where the D/s is light and the focus is more about spicing up the relationship as opposed to being the core foundation of one. Characters may have already embraced dominance and submission, however, the emphasis is more on the psychology of the interactions and lighter, more comfortable scenarios. No edginess to it.

BDSM Romance Advanced
These books start with the premise that both characters know their D/s orientation and the relationship proceeds within a BDSM context. The D/s scenes are more intense and even edgier and deal with more advance levels of BDSM and sadomasochism. These books may involve strong psychological and physical play, and characters may dabble in the consensual non-consensuality arena because the relationship is advanced enough to withstand this type of play.

BDSM Dark Erotica
These books follow along the path of BDSM Romance Advanced; however, a happy ending or romantic relationship is less important as the focus is on the power exchange itself, and how it manifests itself. These are books where the submissive chooses to enter into a slave contract for growth or desire. These books tend to have more edge play or extreme scenes and consensual  non-consensuality  scenes are common. The emphasis here is on the sadomasochism play/interactions and not on having a romantic relationship or happily ever after, though love can develop afterward.