how do YOU attract readers?

[Monazwx]

be wary of Loving Wives until you know how it works in there!

Curious as to what you mean by that? How's it different from any other section?

 

[lovecraft68]

Curious as to what you mean by that? How's it different from any other section?

Other categories have a lot of readers and a few trolls

LW has a lot of trolls and a couple of actual readers.

 

[Monazwx]

Ok, thanks. Didn't know that. I'll be wary of that when I actually start writing again.

 

[Bramblethorn]

People read Literotica for a quick erotic hit; they're not looking for art, or subtle nuances, or slow character development. They've literally got the mouse in one hand, and their dick in the other. Write with that in mind. Simple plot lines, descriptive graphic sex, rapid development, short stories.

Write single, stand alone stories, not chapters; and keep the length at 10,000 words or less. Longer than that, the hand lotion dries out and friction sets in. Don't piss off the reader.

While that may well be true for certain categories and story lines, don't carve it in stone or live, breathe, and only write by it. There is more than a "small crowd" that comes to LIT to read much longer stories, novelettes, full novels, and multiple book series...all of which are easily found here.

Seconding this. I'm sure "quick erotic hit" is an effective approach but it's not the only viable option here. When I first posted on Lit I was worried that people were going to hate my stuff because it took too long to get to the sex, but 18 posts later I've learned that if you enjoy writing it, there's somebody here who'll enjoy reading it.

 

[Hypoxia]

How to attract readers: Write pandering tales in popular categories.
How to not attract readers: Write challenging stories, or any poetry.

Actually, that last isn't quite true. Yes, poetry goes unread. But my 'challenging' stories are among my most-read -- and most-hated, lowest-scored, nastiest-commented, etc. With a little planning, you too can write pieces that will attract many hateful readers, a loyal audience of trolls. If that's not your goal, if you want lots of views AND love, then pander. Read what's hot in your category and imitate it, just as art students copy works of the masters to learn how. No, don't plagiarize -- imitate. And throw out what doesn't work for you.