They were writing erotic fictions, mostly female college students writing for a women/queer centric audience. There is no need for imprisonment (the law allows for up to 10 years or life imprisonment).

Actual, exploitative porn materials are dime in a dozen across Chinese internet despite the crackdowns. Maybe the law enforcement should get their priorities straight and focus on those instead.

This has actually spurred a large discussion among Chinese netizens recently on topics on morality, legal rights, the extent of punishment etc.