I have been publishing original works on archive of our own (ao3). I found that I am very productive and can churn out 1700-2000 words in a day, and I get 50-200 hits on the stories I update. I would like some advice if I should create a pateron or kofi? I have linked this in my bio on ao3 via twitter because according to ao3 rules they don't let you link patreons directly there.

I am also planning to take a big story off ao3 and either traditionally or self publish it, and would appreciate advice in that as well!

  • cumslutlenin [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    Definitely do a Patreon or kofi if you have an established audience on ao3/twitter for original work, because (in my experience at least) it's rare for non-fandom stuff to get any traction on ao3, so you're doing well. Get an email list going so you can communicate directly with your best sickos, and send them advance review copies and giveaways and so on. Set aside money for a cover artist and a copy-editor if you want to self-publish, and an ad budget wouldn't hurt either.

    Idk anything about traditionally publishing ao3 stuff other than to be upfront about it when querying. You can find editors/agents who seem open to that stuff by trawling through the MSWL: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/

    Congrats on your productivity! :meow-bounce:

    • Rosriel [she/her]
      ·
      3 years ago

      I have taken a gander over on patreon and it seems like people are posting on royalroad, which then links to patreon. I've linked to my twitter on ao3 but so far have only like... 5 followers. Not sure how to direct them to my twitter from ao3, aggressively write at the end of every chapter: hey if you'd like to support me please head over to my twitter?

      • cumslutlenin [he/him]
        ·
        3 years ago

        Yeah, just put a link to it in each chapter endnote, like "follow my twitter for updates and information about my work" or something. I know it feels like the kind of aggressive self-promotion that makes writers wince, but in reality readers do need regular reminders of where to find you and they take it in stride.

        • Rosriel [she/her]
          ·
          3 years ago

          True. I used to hate that when I read a story, but now that I'm writing an original story with decent grammar, world building and characterization, I'd like some reader engagement and support.

          • cumslutlenin [he/him]
            ·
            3 years ago

            Definitely, and storytellers deserve to have a few bucks thrown their way. Marketing is absolutely the worst part of writing imo but unfortunately we still gotta do it :agony-deep: