Questions for veteran Lit authors

[OliviaSparkles]

Hey guys, I'm rather new here. I've published two stories on the site and awaiting the moderator's approval for a third. Just for some background, I'm a longtime writer with some small successes (under a different pen name) but I wanted to try something different.

Anyway, I'm brand new to erotica and wanted to cut my teeth here. Because I'm not fully accustomed to how things go here, I was hoping for some insights.

Since I'm not trying to ramble on any longer, I'll just list the questions I have. If anyone is nice enough to answer, I'll love you forever!

-- For someone attempting to establish an audience, should I put more value in ratings, having my stories favorited, or followers? My gut says the latter two. And on that note...

-- Is it worth actively engaging with followers to boost ratings? Or is that frowned upon? (I honestly like chatting with people who enjoy my stuff, but I'm not sure if that's poor form here.)

-- Is it better to write standalone stories, or is it worth it to create a series? (I'm currently writing an autobiographical series about the relationships I had in my early-twenties with my step brothers, also detailing a self-hypnotizing/meditation technique I've used over the years.) Or is it all just a crapshoot?

-- Finally, do authors here tend to rate/follow each other? I have commented and rated stories anonymously here, just to avoid any conflict of interest. In my non-erotic work, I've always avoided any kind of reciprocal relationships with other authors aside from honest editing help. (Specifically anything resembling review-swaps.) Since I'm new, I'd rather just ask this flat-out rather than get yelled later

Anyway, that's all for now! If anyone has any answers to these questions or any that I haven't thought of yet, thanks in advance!

 

[ElectricBlue]

-- For someone attempting to establish an audience, should I put more value in ratings, having my stories favorited, or followers? My gut says the latter two. And on that note...

Ratings get the readers in the door. A Red H (>4.5 with more than ten scores) is a (highly debated) filter or "quality" indicator, that will get more views. Many people use Stories Favourited as a book mark, and will un-favourite the story once it's read, so don't use that too much as an indicator. Favourite Author means they will get a notification in their home page everytime you publish something new. Favourite Author means they like your work.

-- Is it worth actively engaging with followers to boost ratings? Or is that frowned upon? (I honestly like chatting with people who enjoy my stuff, but I'm not sure if that's poor form here.)

There has been an ugly history on Lit of organised follower brigades voting other writers work down, so be mindful of that. Sure, engage with readers (it can be tumble-weeds out there, readers are mostly a shy and retiring lot) - different writers use different strategies but do they work? Who knows.

-- Is it better to write standalone stories, or is it worth it to create a series? (I'm currently writing an autobiographical series about the relationships I had in my early-twenties with my step brothers, also detailing a self-hypnotizing/meditation technique I've used over the years.) Or is it all just a crapshoot?

Both. Standalone to get you started, I would say. And if you do a series, get it all written first, before you publish, and tell people that up front. Readers do NOT like unfinished series.

Be very aware that Incest readers don't consider step-brothers to be the real deal. That'll be one big low vote, right from the get go.

-- Finally, do authors here tend to rate/follow each other? I have commented and rated stories anonymously here, just to avoid any conflict of interest. In my non-erotic work, I've always avoided any kind of reciprocal relationships with other authors aside from honest editing help. (Specifically anything resembling review-swaps.) Since I'm new, I'd rather just ask this flat-out rather than get yelled later

Yes, they do. I, for example will drop a non-anon comment on another writer's work; but not every time. Not a "review" though, just a few words, sentences at most.

I follow those whose work I like (a select few). You'll find many writers declaring they don't read much on Lit, because they'd rather spend their time writing. Writers generally don't get much feedback, even when they seek it, so over time, little support groups form. Here on AH, you can usually figure out who's talking to who.

If you actively want feedback on a story, start a thread here:

http://forum.literotica.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1

 

[My I]

Just write what you like. Write what makes you feel good. Some people will like it. Some people won't. The ratings are fickle, as are the readers. Don't trust either of them. If you keep writing what you like, the readers that like the same things will follow you. I would much rather have followers that really enjoy my work than a bunch of braindead groupies that follow me because I had good ratings and don't really get my stories.

Remember: Writing is an art, not a competition. Write for the art, not the trophies.

 

[8letters]

-- For someone attempting to establish an audience, should I put more value in ratings, having my stories favorited, or followers? My gut says the latter two. And on that note...

All of them are correlated, so I wouldn't worry about one over the other.

-- Is it worth actively engaging with followers to boost ratings? Or is that frowned upon? (I honestly like chatting with people who enjoy my stuff, but I'm not sure if that's poor form here.)

Bad news - most of your readers aren't interested in being engaged with. I respond to all of my PM's, but rarely does someone reply back. Some authors reply to comments on a story. I prefer to leave the comments to the readers and only post one comment after a day thanking people for leaving the comments.

-- Is it better to write standalone stories, or is it worth it to create a series? (I'm currently writing an autobiographical series about the relationships I had in my early-twenties with my step brothers, also detailing a self-hypnotizing/meditation technique I've used over the years.) Or is it all just a crapshoot?

Depends on the category. For incest, standalone stories are best. I think a lot of incest readers skip over chapter stories. Your audience will shrink with every new chapter (but your rating should get higher!)

-- Finally, do authors here tend to rate/follow each other? I have commented and rated stories anonymously here, just to avoid any conflict of interest. In my non-erotic work, I've always avoided any kind of reciprocal relationships with other authors aside from honest editing help. (Specifically anything resembling review-swaps.) Since I'm new, I'd rather just ask this flat-out rather than get yelled later

Most authors just publish their stories and don't come to the forums. The AH is used primarily for chatting about being an author on LitE. Given the wide range of kinks on LitE, not many authors are going to want to read a different author's stories. The Story Feedback forum is where you can post a request for feedback on your stories. The amount of feedback is highly dependent on the category. As your stories are Incest, I'd provide you feedback.

 

[lovecraft68]

The answer to your questions:

Just write what you want

Just write what you want

repeat as many times as you'd like.

Whatever it is you write your audience will find you. So write what you enjoy and want to write, don't pander to readers preferences, don't worry about your score and don't engage with readers on comments, if they send private feedback to your e-mail that's different at that point they're looking for a response, on comments not really and its a waste of time there.

I guess the short of it is do your own thing. Put it out there and they will come(pun intended)

 

[8letters]

Be very aware that Incest readers don't consider step-brothers to be the real deal. That'll be one big low vote, right from the get go.

I beg to differ. What matters is that they are considered family. It's the taboo aspect of the relationship that matters.

 

[OliviaSparkles]

Thanks everyone. Just trying to learn the ropes. Very much appreciated.

 

[My I]

Thanks everyone. Just trying to learn the ropes. Very much appreciated.

That would be the BDSM category.

 

[SolarRay]

Welcome Olivia!

As far as score is concerned, the red [H] (> 4.50) is really the goal if you're looking to increase readership, as that will get it the most attention. I used to place the most value on the score, but over time I've shifted toward placing the most value on overall favorites. (electricblue66's note about bookmarking is actually news to me, but I suppose that volatility will be erased over the long term if they add it and then remove?) Once you get into a groove, I have found that I receive the most followers when I post a submission for a contest, because of the increased exposure, so that might be something to look into.

All that said, don't spend too much time worrying about what your readers think! Just write because you love to write, and enjoy the experience. It's nice to have a positive response to your work from readers, but it should come naturally because you're enjoying what you do, not because you're trying to please someone else. That doesn't always end up well, as I have learned.

Everyone engages (or not) with readers differently. I periodically respond to some of the more positive comments in bulk, and ignore the negative ones, especially the outright trolls who are not worth engaging. You can delete those comments if they're especially bad -- everyone gets them. It's up to you. I wouldn't engage them to boost ratings, though. Just do it if you enjoy it. I'll bet a lot of readers are just leaving their immediate impressions and probably don't even see your replies later.

In regards to standalone stories vs. series -- again, that's a matter of your preference. I personally like both and go back and forth between the two. However, I would suggest that you read more about the pitfalls of series in this thread: http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=1469175 before you get started with one. There's some good advice.

Absolutely, some writers follow each other, comment, and provide support through direct messages and on the forum. I have enjoyed being part of a community here in that regard. Some authors actually see feedback from other authors as even more desirable than readers' comments. Even if you don't follow them in order to see their notices on your dashboard (admittedly, I often forget to do this myself because I scan the categories I like so often), I would encourage you to favorite/like/comment on stories you like to show them support and give them the same feedback you might like to receive. I have developed some friendships via private messages with other authors that have been greatly rewarding in terms of feedback and insights into my own work, and it has been a very rewarding experience.

 

[8letters]

If you're interested in getting better results with incest stories, I recommend reading Lovecraft68's Write Incest like a Mother Fucker. If you PM me, I'll send you a How To I'm working on.

 

[lovecraft68]

f you PM me, I'll send you a How To I'm working on.

I'll look forward to reading yours when its out.

 

[yukonnights]

Hey guys, I'm rather new here. I've published two stories on the site and awaiting the moderator's approval for a third. Just for some background, I'm a longtime writer with some small successes (under a different pen name) but I wanted to try something different.

Anyway, I'm brand new to erotica and wanted to cut my teeth here. Because I'm not fully accustomed to how things go here, I was hoping for some insights.

Since I'm not trying to ramble on any longer, I'll just list the questions I have. If anyone is nice enough to answer, I'll love you forever!

-- For someone attempting to establish an audience, should I put more value in ratings, having my stories favorited, or followers? My gut says the latter two. And on that note...

-- Is it worth actively engaging with followers to boost ratings? Or is that frowned upon? (I honestly like chatting with people who enjoy my stuff, but I'm not sure if that's poor form here.)

-- Is it better to write standalone stories, or is it worth it to create a series? (I'm currently writing an autobiographical series about the relationships I had in my early-twenties with my step brothers, also detailing a self-hypnotizing/meditation technique I've used over the years.) Or is it all just a crapshoot?

-- Finally, do authors here tend to rate/follow each other? I have commented and rated stories anonymously here, just to avoid any conflict of interest. In my non-erotic work, I've always avoided any kind of reciprocal relationships with other authors aside from honest editing help. (Specifically anything resembling review-swaps.) Since I'm new, I'd rather just ask this flat-out rather than get yelled later

Anyway, that's all for now! If anyone has any answers to these questions or any that I haven't thought of yet, thanks in advance!

Hi, and welcome.

I just finished reading your first story submission. In my opinion, I think you have all the technical skills to do the autobiographical series you mentioned.

1. For building an audience; Personally I believe all three of the things you mentioned are important. But most important is quality story telling. This is related to, but not the same as, quality writing. I think if you can tell a good story that holds a reader, the other things will follow.

2. As far as chatting with followers; You said you enjoy it, so I would encourage you to do it. I often reply to comments I get on a story. It's very rare that a person will see that and make any further contact. But rare isn't the same as never, and I've made a few friends that way. The scale of the size and numbers of people who read on Lit is hard for me to wrap my head around...it's staggering, and we're all just a little fish in the pool. So actively trying to build an audience can be more difficult than it seems. Time, quality work and productivity seem to be keys.

3. Since this is an "autobiographical series", I would personally do it as a series. There's a benefit to this in my opinion; You can write as you would a longer 'book'. You can cover the background once and thoroughly, then not have to do it again five stand alone stories later. I think this affords more freedom to really go all in on each chapter w/o worrying about making sure a new reader needs some background info.

4. In regard to openly supporting another author; It's obviously a personal preference, as shown by the answers of others. Personally, I like to offer encouragement to those I've come to care for. One can have it both ways too; sometimes you can leave a comment openly, and others it may seem better to post a comment anonymously. Personally, I wouldn't worry about the appearance of a conflict of interest...the majority of the views, ratings and comments come from the mass horde of readers in the background of the rest of what Lit offers (like this forum).

One final thought not on your list; If you enjoy participating in some of the Threads on this Forum. I noticed, and copied, the idea of putting a link to my stories in my signature. If you spend much time commenting, it's one more small way of advertising your stories. I hope you find all you hope for here ~

 

[8letters]

I'll look forward to reading yours when its out.

It's likely to sit on my hard drive for a very long time. I've done a re-write of my first two submissions - Heather & Michael Ch 01 and Ch 02 (Which is really one story). The How To is how I did the re-write.

But I don't want to publish the re-write until I have the sequel done and that's a low priority for me.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Write what you want or like to read. That's what I do, write stuff I would like to read. I ignore comment, good or bad, and although votes sometimes matter, eventually I really don't give a crap and turn them off most of the time, especially on a Loving Wives story.

 

[SimonDoom]

I generally agree with those who say you should write what you want and write to satisfy your own personal aesthetic goals and purposes. But there's nothing wrong with wanting to build a following and increase the number of people who read your stories. That's something I've wanted from the beginning of my publishing here (16 stories so far, in 13 months). And I've done O.K. at that. My thoughts:

1. Understand what the story categories are and what readers in categories are looking for. There are good articles on this subject. Literotica has a lot of very dedicated readers, and many, many of them know what they are looking for. If you can figure out how to match your own writing wishes with the desires of readers, and get through to them, you will gain more followers.

2. Standalone stories get more views -- a lot more. But chapter stories get higher scores, after the first chapter, because the readers who don't like your story self-select themselves out. My view is that you should write a standalone story unless you have a good reason to break it into separately published chapters. Readers here are surprisingly tolerant of long stories.

3. If you really, really want to get lots of views and lots of followers, write a standalone incest story. Seriously. Make it 2-6 Lit pages (3750 words per page). Mom-son is best, followed by sister-brother and father-daughter. Many people here think this is really icky, but if you want to get lots of people following you, this is the way to go. It worked for me. I would guess that 30% or more of my followers have followed me as the result of a single mom-son story I wrote last May.

4. High scores are useful in two ways. A story with a red H (4.5 or above) is more likely to be read. And if the score is high enough to appear on top lists, or on the hall of fame for a category, or to win or place in a contest, you will get more readers and favorites. But beyond these considerations, scores don't matter that much. Some of the most-viewed and most-favorited stories don't have the highest scores. My most-viewed story is only in the middle of the pack of my stories score-wise.

5. Lit readers are not overly demanding about grammar, spelling, and prose style, but if you want to maximize your followers and positive votes, you might as well take the steps needed to maximize its appeal. Do the following: 1) proofread carefully; 2) know how to handle dialogue; 3) avoid inconsistent tense; 4) avoid inconsistent POV. If you are weak on spelling, get an editor.

6. You can find highly viewed, highly scored stories of virtually every type here, but if you really want to maximize your odds of getting positive reader response, do this with your stories:

a) Have well-drawn characters that will interest the readers. An erotic story is more erotic when you are interested in the character. This doesn't require tons of background. It requires just enough detail to make the reader interested in finding out what is going to happen to the character. The character should have a need -- something that drives the character's motivation throughout the story, and something the reader can relate to.

b) Buildup is important. Lit readers are tolerant, but they'll reward you if you take at least small steps to explain how the crazy sex happens. "I saw my sister in skimpy gym shorts, and next minute I was having sex with her" is not enough. You need something to explain convincingly how the gym shorts come off.

c) Don't skimp on the sex scene. "Sex" doesn't have to be sex, per se. In an exhibitionism story, it might just be where the character gets naked. Erotica readers are looking for the payoff, so to speak. So don't skimp on this part of the story.


7. I don't think interaction with readers is that important. Others might have a different experience with that, but that's my impression. I've sometimes responded appreciatively to kind comments I've received, but in most cases the readers do not respond.

8. Every single thing I wrote above should be taken with a grain of salt, and there are authors more experienced than I am who can cite examples of stories that don't follow the guidelines I've stated. But if you want to connect with readers, in addition to just writing stories that you like, I think these are good general things to keep in mind.

 

[8letters]

SimonDoom, good stuff.

 

[yukonnights]

SimonDoom, good stuff.

Ditto, I read that with interest...actually I've read all of the repiies with interest. The point about doing an Incest story was a new one for me...I may have to lower my shield on that an try to prove SD's theory (perhaps a step??? relationship. But I think I've read that those can be hit or miss?)

 

[8letters]

Perhaps a step??? relationship. But I think I've read that those can be hit or miss?

Those can do fine. I'd say don't do it as a way of chickening out doing a brother-sister story - them becoming step-siblings should be a part of the story and the step-sibling relationship should be explored. The important thing is for the main character to feel guilt about having the hots for his/her step-sibling.

 

[SimonDoom]

Ditto, I read that with interest...actually I've read all of the repiies with interest. The point about doing an Incest story was a new one for me...I may have to lower my shield on that an try to prove SD's theory (perhaps a step??? relationship. But I think I've read that those can be hit or miss?)

Well, ask yourself: why a step brother/sister? What's the point, story-wise? Is it just to reflect your discomfort with the incest genre? If so, then why write a story for that genre at all?

My recommendation: jump in with both feet. If you are going to do it, don't hold back. Forget the step relationship. You'll grab more readers if you do. And your story probably will be more honest.

This is fantasy. It's not real life. Go for the gusto.

 

[yukonnights]

Well, ask yourself: why a step brother/sister? What's the point, story-wise? Is it just to reflect your discomfort with the incest genre? If so, then why write a story for that genre at all?

My recommendation: jump in with both feet. If you are going to do it, don't hold back. Forget the step relationship. You'll grab more readers if you do. And your story probably will be more honest.

This is fantasy. It's not real life. Go for the gusto.

Okay And yes, the "step" thing is a reflection of some discomfort. I'll have to ponder it and see if some erotic story blooms in my fantasy world. I suppose, if it doesn't then any story I tried would just be a forced failure anyway. Thanks for the push into the cold water...but both feet

 

[HeyAll]

The best way to build an audience is to consistently write great stories within a well-read category.

I find the sweet spot, in terms of length, to be 2-3 pages.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Okay And yes, the "step" thing is a reflection of some discomfort. I'll have to ponder it and see if some erotic story blooms in my fantasy world. I suppose, if it doesn't then any story I tried would just be a forced failure anyway. Thanks for the push into the cold water...but both feet

Yeah, I'm with Simon on this. "Step incest" just seems to me to be a puritan, half-baked approach to the kink. I'm sure in real life there's truck loads of it goes on, but somehow, if you're going to milk the genre, have the balls to go the whole hog. Step incest - it's like writing about your mom being half pregnant, where's the fun in that?

Mate, Yukon's cold, you should be used to it. Get in the water or sit by the fire where it's comfortable

 

[Soma99]

I gained three followers this afternoon after posting a personal and chatting with the people who responded. Now, this chat was in no way "High Minded Literature Discussion" but it sure was fun!

If you like chatting with people then go ahead and do it.

Also- You don't have to write what you want. If your competitive and want to get a story on the "top Stories" in every category, find out what scores well and do that.

It shouldn't be "Write what you want" It should be "Do what you want"

 

[yukonnights]

Yeah, I'm with Simon on this. "Step incest" just seems to me to be a puritan, half-baked approach to the kink. I'm sure in real life there's truck loads of it goes on, but somehow, if you're going to milk the genre, have the balls to go the whole hog. Step incest - it's like writing about your mom being half pregnant, where's the fun in that?

Mate, Yukon's cold, you should be used to it. Get in the water or sit by the fire where it's comfortable

I'm hearing all you guys are saying. I do think though, if I go this route I'll have to forego my usual "first hand experience" rule for writing good erotica (My half prego mom just wouldn't understand, I fear )

PS: I could do the Yukon River this time of year, even with my full weight on both feet, the ice would hold...still, that warm fire is tempting