Law of diminishing returns?

[GodBlessTexas]

I have published only two stories on Lit, actually two chapters of the same story. The third should hit Lit tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone else has had similar reads/votes experience to mine.

Within its first week, my first chapter had well over 20,000 reads and 200 votes. I was ecstatic about those numbers.

My second chapter hit Lit the next week, and even now, two weeks later, it only has around 11,000 reads and 60 votes.

My question is, would you say that the difference is mostly due to me being a new author, and people wanted to see what I had to say in my first story? Or is it due more to people reading the first chapter and not being interested in the story line, so they skipped the next one?

I'm just curious. The fact that anyone would want to read my stuff is, of course, most flattering. I just found it strange for there to be that much of a gap in the numbers.

Has anybody else had similar experience with multi-part stories? I'd love to hear your input.

 

[oggbashan]

I only wish I had a quarter of the reads and votes you have for the second part.

Yes, second chapters do produce lower rates of reading. Those who looked at the first one and didn't find it to their taste won't come back for part 2.

Part 2 onwards is likely to generate more quality reads because the readers are interested in what you have written.

Og

 

[Mysteryjj]

I wouldn't let votes and viewing figures rule you Texas, or worry about them too much, they are all distorted and misleading. I've yet to publish here, but I have friends who have, no two chapters of any story seem to get anywhere near to each other on figures.

 

[GodBlessTexas]

I wouldn't say I let the numbers rule me, but I won't lie and say I don't enjoy seeing them. I obviously get a thrill from writing my stories, and I get that warm, fuzzy feeling to think about others getting a thrill from reading them.

 

[mcfbridge]

I have to kind of agree with what's been said before. Certainly, don't be upset by the dropoff in reads after the first chapter.

I honestly don't think its due to your being a new writer. It probably happens with any new story. The first chapter gets read by anyone remotely curious about your title or subject.

After that, the remaining chapters only get read by people who enjoyed the first one. Please believe that the fact that everyone didn't love your first chapter is NOT a surprise or an indication that your story wasn't good.

You can't please everyone, and the fact is that different people read a story with different expectations. Those people who expected something different than what you've written, probably won't read the remaining chapters.

Personally, I read several first chapters out of sheer curiousity. I probably read less than 1/4 of the followups to these. It's not that I don't think the authors are talented writers, it simply that the story is not about something that holds my interest.

What I do think you will notice is that after the first chapter or two, your number of readers and votes will not drop off much.

The main thing I have noticed actually, is that the number of comments will drop off dramatically as you continue your story. After 3 or 4 chapters, it will be unusual for you to get more than 1 comment, if indeed you get any at all. I believe this is because people feel that they have said their piece earlier and don't feel that they should say anything else. I have to admit that this is the only thing that I find disappointing, but I do understand it.

Anyway, I've gone on for a while, but the main thing is keep writing as long as you enjoy it. If you're enjoying it, it will come across in your stories.

I have to admit that as of this posting, I have not read your work. However, as soon as I leave here I will go read your story. I promise I will both vote and leave a comment.

 

[GodBlessTexas]

I have to admit that as of this posting, I have not read your work. However, as soon as I leave here I will go read your story. I promise I will both vote and leave a comment.

I see that you did, and I truly appreciate it! I will return the favor, but it may be awhile. I'm spending every spare minute (which are precious few to come by) writing, so it's been awhile since I've enjoyed reading anything new.

Thanks again!