Authors, in your experience, what is the most important factor in attracting readers? By that I mean, getting them interested initially in reading your story. Is it the tags, the one-liner, the title, the category, the narrative voice (first versus third, female versus male, etc.), the first paragraph, or something else?
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What is the most important factor in attracting readers?
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Active Ink Slinger
I think you need to make an intriguing first impression.
Stories start to blend into each other and look similar after perusing the list for any length of time. What makes one stand out from the rest is a good title and an intriguing first line. Otherwise, what you've posted blends into the rest. It takes practice... (I'm still practicing for all I'm worth
)
As a personal rule, I skip any story that has a generic title when I'm the reader. I don't want to read a generic story, I want to be engaged in something unique and interesting. If the story has an interesting and unique title, or at least just interesting, I'm more tempted to read the first line. The first line will determine whether or not I actually click on the story to read it.
That's my opinion though. I know there's many factors for pulling different types of readers in.
Stories start to blend into each other and look similar after perusing the list for any length of time. What makes one stand out from the rest is a good title and an intriguing first line. Otherwise, what you've posted blends into the rest. It takes practice... (I'm still practicing for all I'm worth
)As a personal rule, I skip any story that has a generic title when I'm the reader. I don't want to read a generic story, I want to be engaged in something unique and interesting. If the story has an interesting and unique title, or at least just interesting, I'm more tempted to read the first line. The first line will determine whether or not I actually click on the story to read it.
That's my opinion though. I know there's many factors for pulling different types of readers in.
intriguing first impression and hook them by continuing in and then thinking outside the box and writing in a visual poetic style as most on here blends together and don't write in parts like a serial. As that tends to be reheated or rewarmed with same sounding theme and idea and becomes generic as hell. and once the first line or two does it's job be able to expand from there
Constant Gardener
Quote by Torquatus
Authors, in your experience, what is the most important factor in attracting readers? By that I mean, getting them interested initially in reading your story. Is it the tags, the one-liner, the title, the category, the narrative voice (first versus third, female versus male, etc.), the first paragraph, or something else?
The most important factor? You've already accomplished that much. You should locate the most popular, most reader and author friendly...erotic story website with which to showcase your library of well written, intriguing tales.
Mission accomplished? Not quite, but this is the most important step after writing a story which sucks your audience in and leaves them wanting more.
The same GQP demanding we move on from January 6th, 2021 is still doing audits of the November 3rd, 2020 election.
Purveyor of Poetry & Porn
Quote by WellMadeMale
Mission accomplished? Not quite, but this is the most important step after writing a story which sucks
Yeah Jeff...writing a story which sucks always helps...
I think as far as attracting readers, stuff like POV, narrative voice, first paragraph and all that crap don't matter nearly as much as category...I think, well I know, the topic has been discussed before in the forum, but if you can move a story out of categories like "straight sex" or "love story" and into a category like "anal" or "first time" right away you'll get five times as many views...
And if you can move it into the " " category? At least ten times the number of views...
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Quote by LittleMissBitch
having a hot ass as your av pic??
(sorry, feeling facetious tonight)
Lol...that's the other option that always works...
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Constant Gardener
Quote by DirtyMartiniQuote by WellMadeMale
Mission accomplished? Not quite, but this is the most important step after writing a story which sucks
Yeah Jeff...writing a story which sucks always helps...
I think you could use a shotgun, man. Here, put your mouth on this...
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The same GQP demanding we move on from January 6th, 2021 is still doing audits of the November 3rd, 2020 election.
How many other stories are published the day yours is and how quickly it gets pushed off the front page.
Other than that it seems somewhat random in my experience. Although the story of mine that has gotten the most views was outside of the straight sex and love story categories and it did have the most tags.
Also publishing a lot of high quality work has gotten a few authors around here a built in audience for their work.
Other than that it seems somewhat random in my experience. Although the story of mine that has gotten the most views was outside of the straight sex and love story categories and it did have the most tags.
Also publishing a lot of high quality work has gotten a few authors around here a built in audience for their work.
Active Ink Slinger
You're talking about this site, not the bookstore or Amazon, right?
Mr. Dirty M said most of it. Also put all the frequently searched keywords in your keyword list (Mother, Sister, Brother etc..). In fact, have the whole extended family participate a mass orgy at a reunion. That might get some views. Title: Family Reunion. Hmmm..probably has already been done.
I wouldn't worry about getting high numbers of views here. Getting feedback and comments from members you respect is more important.
When I browse in a bookstore/Amazon and I'm not looking for a particular author, I read part of the first chapter and look for the qualities Ms. Jingle suggested. I also like arresting cover art and endorsements from other authors I respect, or from professional critics, Publishers Weekly, Booklist etc.
Mr. Dirty M said most of it. Also put all the frequently searched keywords in your keyword list (Mother, Sister, Brother etc..). In fact, have the whole extended family participate a mass orgy at a reunion. That might get some views. Title: Family Reunion. Hmmm..probably has already been done.
I wouldn't worry about getting high numbers of views here. Getting feedback and comments from members you respect is more important.
When I browse in a bookstore/Amazon and I'm not looking for a particular author, I read part of the first chapter and look for the qualities Ms. Jingle suggested. I also like arresting cover art and endorsements from other authors I respect, or from professional critics, Publishers Weekly, Booklist etc.
An old favorite story of mine: The Chaise Lounge
Active Ink Slinger
When a story appears on the home page, only the first paragraph or so can be seen, so that's all the space you have to hook someone. The number one biggest mistake authors make on this site is to fill those initial line with notes like:
- repeating the title
- asking for feedback
- asking people to go easy on you with their feedback ("This is my first story so...")
- explaining where you got the idea
etc etc.
BIG turn off. Your opening lines need to hook the reader and make them click the "read more" button.
Other helpful factors are a decent title and a good selection of appropriate tags.
But we all know the easiest way to get more readers, right? Write something in the category ;)
- repeating the title
- asking for feedback
- asking people to go easy on you with their feedback ("This is my first story so...")
- explaining where you got the idea
etc etc.
BIG turn off. Your opening lines need to hook the reader and make them click the "read more" button.
Other helpful factors are a decent title and a good selection of appropriate tags.
But we all know the easiest way to get more readers, right? Write something in the category ;)
What Mistress of Words said is good advice. I'll add, try not to start a story with:
"I was sitting in my room staring at the four walls..."
Kind of cliche. I did something like that in my last silly story and it annoys me. My title also stunk:
Keira and Mila. Sounds like it's going to be a boring Russian love story or something. It should have been Keira and Mila Go Crazy or Keira and Mila Get Wild and Naked.
I was glad that story didn't get views though, I just wanted to write something without a War & Peace sized build up for a change.
edit: when I say it didn't get views, I mean for an story ;)
"I was sitting in my room staring at the four walls..."
Kind of cliche. I did something like that in my last silly story and it annoys me. My title also stunk:
Keira and Mila. Sounds like it's going to be a boring Russian love story or something. It should have been Keira and Mila Go Crazy or Keira and Mila Get Wild and Naked.
I was glad that story didn't get views though, I just wanted to write something without a War & Peace sized build up for a change.
edit: when I say it didn't get views, I mean for an story ;)
Active Ink Slinger
What do you want: big numbers or big returns?
Big numbers? Get an av of a big tit, round arse, beach babe and open with "My dad and I had an understanding..."
Big comments? write something from the heart that resonates with people you know. something that will get their friends clicking on it and reacting too.
For my money - always option two
Big numbers? Get an av of a big tit, round arse, beach babe and open with "My dad and I had an understanding..."
Big comments? write something from the heart that resonates with people you know. something that will get their friends clicking on it and reacting too.
For my money - always option two
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Why not read some stories instead
NEW! Want a quick read for your coffee break? Why not try this... Flash Erotica: Scrubber
Why not read some stories instead
NEW! Want a quick read for your coffee break? Why not try this... Flash Erotica: Scrubber
The Right Rev of Lush
Not much to add to all the first-rate replies. I'm a big proponent of strong opening hooks. Someplace around here is a semi-literate piece I did on the subject titled, 'How To Be A Happy Hooker.'
One other thought: skim over a story list. Notice which ones grab your attention, especially in categories that don't interest you.
And in conclusion, I agree what others have said about categories. However, while the views in cats such as Love Stories are usually much smaller than, say, , they also tend to me more thoughtful and helpful. You pays your money, you take your pick.
One other thought: skim over a story list. Notice which ones grab your attention, especially in categories that don't interest you.
And in conclusion, I agree what others have said about categories. However, while the views in cats such as Love Stories are usually much smaller than, say, , they also tend to me more thoughtful and helpful. You pays your money, you take your pick.
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Quote by CharlotteRusse1
Mr. Dirty M said most of it. Also put all the frequently searched keywords in your keyword list (Mother, Sister, Brother etc..). In fact, have the whole extended family participate a mass orgy at a reunion. That might get some views. Title: Family Reunion. Hmmm..probably has already been done.
Lol...don't laugh, I have a story called A Family Reunion...and although the whole family doesn't quite participate in a mass orgy (damn, I knew I forgot something)...I do have the brother screw his sister in church during their cousin's wedding...
That reminds me, I really should add "church" to the tags...that should be good for a few more views...
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Clumeleon
Reputation. If you can write something that will get you in Top Authors for a while or, even better, an Editor's Pick then everything you've written will benefit. Now I'm becoming a little bit better-known on the site, all of my stories have been getting more views, more votes and more comments. So I guess if you keep at it and write good stories then the readers will follow.
I've never purposely gone for gripping openers or one-liners but I have agonised for hours over titles before - I aim for original and non-obvious i.e. don't call a First Time story 'My First Time'. Try to make people think, "Hmm, I wonder what that's about." Good titles are important for me (although some of mine were dire, in retrospect).
In terms of category, I like to mix it up a lot so I'm reaching a larger proportion of members. I've written , Gay Male, Straight Sex, Love Poems and loads more and it definitely helps to get your name out there. If someone who mainly reads Anal stories, for example, reads a really good one, they might be tempted to see what else that author has done in other categories which they might not otherwise have perused. Alternatively, you could try to establish yourself in one or two categories and develop a faithful following of readers.
Having many friends who will read your stuff won't hurt either.
I've never purposely gone for gripping openers or one-liners but I have agonised for hours over titles before - I aim for original and non-obvious i.e. don't call a First Time story 'My First Time'. Try to make people think, "Hmm, I wonder what that's about." Good titles are important for me (although some of mine were dire, in retrospect).
In terms of category, I like to mix it up a lot so I'm reaching a larger proportion of members. I've written , Gay Male, Straight Sex, Love Poems and loads more and it definitely helps to get your name out there. If someone who mainly reads Anal stories, for example, reads a really good one, they might be tempted to see what else that author has done in other categories which they might not otherwise have perused. Alternatively, you could try to establish yourself in one or two categories and develop a faithful following of readers.
Having many friends who will read your stuff won't hurt either.
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Quote by LittleMissBitch
having a hot ass as your av pic??
(sorry, feeling facetious tonight)
I think that is probably the #1 selling point.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser. Socrates
Author
The answers given are all right to the point, but you do need to question which readers you are aiming for.
"Most Popular" is always 95 percent , but they don't generate the highest votes.
Not every story is boy meets girl, then hard sex. Pick a unique subject matter, I have several now that I am doing research on for future stories.
Some of the best stories I have read here had mild fantasy, magic or related things going on. I prefer reading first person narrative, but it is difficult to fully express a story that way.
My last story has many hits, but only 9 votes and 4 comments. The votes are high, and the comments are all good so I think I did attract the readers I wanted.
What would I change? I wouldn't submit a story two days before a site outage. I would improve the title.
Maybe add an animal in the first lines (I know, no ) but the truth is, I don't think a "hook" will work if it isn't an integral part of the story.
"Most Popular" is always 95 percent , but they don't generate the highest votes.
Not every story is boy meets girl, then hard sex. Pick a unique subject matter, I have several now that I am doing research on for future stories.
Some of the best stories I have read here had mild fantasy, magic or related things going on. I prefer reading first person narrative, but it is difficult to fully express a story that way.
My last story has many hits, but only 9 votes and 4 comments. The votes are high, and the comments are all good so I think I did attract the readers I wanted.
What would I change? I wouldn't submit a story two days before a site outage. I would improve the title.
Maybe add an animal in the first lines (I know, no ) but the truth is, I don't think a "hook" will work if it isn't an integral part of the story.
Gingerbread Lover
I don't actually think about starting off my stories to make people want to read them. I write the beginning of the story because it's the beginning of the story - a prelude, I hope, to where it will go. I submit every time and then think, dammit it, should have read that first! 
And I don't call my my story something I think will attract readers, I call it something to do with the story.
And I tag the story with stuff that I think the story has, or something I like within the story.
The one time I did write and tag a story with the readers in mind, I hated what came out of it, and it was hardly my most popular work anyway. I believe, unless the story has "first time", "virgin", or "orgasm" in the title (and blimey, those stories get hits!), nearly all my stuff gets read because a friend told a friend.
When I am choosing a story to read, it is usually because a friend has told me they think I will like it, and mostly, because it has very few views or comments. I tend to think outside the box a little, and I am always curious as to why some stories aren't getting read. Sometimes it's very clear, and other times, I find an absolute stunner.
So I would say, build up a little fan base, people who liked what you first wrote, listen to their opinions, and believe me, if they like your work, the word will spread. It is the comments and PMs I receive that mean the most to me, because people have actually taken the time to tell me what they thought, or what they enjoyed, or identified with. That's more priceless to me than a million good scores (although they are very exciting!) - it's easy to click one button, but more meaningful to express to the writer how they made you feel. My stories are there if people want to read them. And if one person liked it enough to tell me that, I'm proper chuffed. It was worth it just for them.
And I don't call my my story something I think will attract readers, I call it something to do with the story.
And I tag the story with stuff that I think the story has, or something I like within the story.
The one time I did write and tag a story with the readers in mind, I hated what came out of it, and it was hardly my most popular work anyway. I believe, unless the story has "first time", "virgin", or "orgasm" in the title (and blimey, those stories get hits!), nearly all my stuff gets read because a friend told a friend.
When I am choosing a story to read, it is usually because a friend has told me they think I will like it, and mostly, because it has very few views or comments. I tend to think outside the box a little, and I am always curious as to why some stories aren't getting read. Sometimes it's very clear, and other times, I find an absolute stunner.
So I would say, build up a little fan base, people who liked what you first wrote, listen to their opinions, and believe me, if they like your work, the word will spread. It is the comments and PMs I receive that mean the most to me, because people have actually taken the time to tell me what they thought, or what they enjoyed, or identified with. That's more priceless to me than a million good scores (although they are very exciting!) - it's easy to click one button, but more meaningful to express to the writer how they made you feel. My stories are there if people want to read them. And if one person liked it enough to tell me that, I'm proper chuffed. It was worth it just for them.
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Quote by Torquatus
Authors, in your experience, what is the most important factor in attracting readers? By that I mean, getting them interested initially in reading your story. Is it the tags, the one-liner, the title, the category, the narrative voice (first versus third, female versus male, etc.), the first paragraph, or something else?
Probably reputation - once you get a reader-following, they are usually willing to go down the rabbit hole with you no matter what you write as far as content/categories go.
Otherwise I would say it's the general vibe of the title and opening line.
People are into different styles of stories. Some prefer blantant titles and penthouse-letter style formatting like "I Fucked the Babysitter While my Wife Watched" and starting the story with something casual like, "My name is Bob and I'm 35 years old and have been married for ten years etc." It pretty much tells you what to expect from the story and even tips you off to the sex scene you will soon be reading if you happen to continue reading past the first line. It's kind of like fast-food ordering at McDonalds - nothing too fancy and what you see is what you get.
Other people want something a little more complex and like being led into a scene that they're not expecting. A story with a non-action-oriented title has a little more mystery to it. It tends to do the opposite of the first example I mentioned - it thrusts you right into a scene or action sequence in the first paragraph instead of giving you generalized descriptives like character details, relationships, height/weight etc. To me, this is a more complex story style and may attract readers that enjoy the feel of a novel or complex tale and aren't just looking for fast-food style word-porn to masturbate to where pretty much any writer/story will achieve the goal.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess. But the second example tends to be more interesting and memorable and will translate into a more loyal fan base for the author because they are likely to be bringing something unique to the table every time (ie. reputation!).
The opening paragraph, I think. You can usually tell where and how the story will go from the style and presentation, with a certain amount of surprising twist somewhere down in the rest of the tale. If that first paragraph makes you want to see what will happen next, I'll usually read the whole story, but if it seems just another cliched porno type "scene" I'll mostly likely pass. A unique title can at least get readers to check that first paragraph. I usually advise writers to start in the middle of some action as if the story has already progressed before you get to it and the momentum of that action leads to the next and so on to the end.
I agree that a good introduction and first paragraph is key to attracting a reader.
However as a reader sometimes, for me, it just depends on the mood that I am in. Right now I like to see how a story plays out to give the characters some depth, but I have read a few short stories on here (by the likes of Jaymal and Lisa) that stand out with just one part.
I think there are a lot of factors, but the ones I mentioned are the most important to me.
However as a reader sometimes, for me, it just depends on the mood that I am in. Right now I like to see how a story plays out to give the characters some depth, but I have read a few short stories on here (by the likes of Jaymal and Lisa) that stand out with just one part.
I think there are a lot of factors, but the ones I mentioned are the most important to me.
The Linebacker
A catchy title is very big factor in getting a lot of views.
The subject section is another. Some sections are more popular than others. rules them all. I have not nor do I plan to write an story, unless it is a comedic sexual tale.
Also fill out that tag line with as many sexual subject words that fit your story as possible.
The subject section is another. Some sections are more popular than others. rules them all. I have not nor do I plan to write an story, unless it is a comedic sexual tale.
Also fill out that tag line with as many sexual subject words that fit your story as possible.
Internet Philosopher
I've written in a number of categories and in my experiance subject matter is the largest factor unless you are as respected as much as Dancing Doll, Lady X and Jaymal are.
I do think that as most readers are male they tend to be drawn to 1st person stories from female writers. Hey, good for the ladies. One uses what one has.
At this point I write what inspires me at the time and if people like it great. If not, and I have a few stories with under 3000 reads, then at least I know I wrote something that I wanted to write. Writing is like any art. If you attempt to commercialize your work you are compromising your gift.
Write what you want and let the public choose whether or not to enjoy it.
I do think that as most readers are male they tend to be drawn to 1st person stories from female writers. Hey, good for the ladies. One uses what one has.
At this point I write what inspires me at the time and if people like it great. If not, and I have a few stories with under 3000 reads, then at least I know I wrote something that I wanted to write. Writing is like any art. If you attempt to commercialize your work you are compromising your gift.
Write what you want and let the public choose whether or not to enjoy it.