One thing I would highly recommend to new authors, especially those seeking a publisher, is construction of a "promotional sheet."
This is a small document (generally under 10 pages) that summarizes --- and SELLS --- your novel. It contains detailed character sketches (background, motivations) and a detailed plot synopsis --- something many publishers will require since it demonstrates that your work has something of a "story arc" and isn't just a series of randomly strung together sex/torture scenes. The synopsis also gives the publisher a better idea of the "buttons" you wish to push with your target audience. Helpful, since many publishers market exclusively to niche audiences.
Writing a promo sheet can also be a very effective "workbook" for you, the writer, as well. It forces you to really explore your character's inner workings and their relationships to each other. I will often stop and write a promo sheet mid-novel just to get the creative juices flowing. It's a great method for routing writer's block.
If you are interested in seeing an example of a promo sheet, I would be glad to share the one I constructed for "Loser's Bluff," a novel that I had published by A1AdultEBooks after the first draft was available on BDSM Lib for a short time last spring. Just click on my name to send me email.
Thanks, and best wishes to all the fine writers out in BDSM land....
GD