Whether you're just starting as a writer or looking for additional tips on the craft, Writing Is Hard serves as a collection of advice and tricks learned while writing here on Wattpad. Everything from reads to general grammar tips, this novel will h...
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HOW TO GET READS ON WATTPAD
Brace yourselves folks, it's...THE POST ABOUT READS.
The amazing part about our lovely Wattpad platform is it allows you to get your story out there. But hitting that uber-frightening publish button is step one on our epic journey.
Our next step? Trying to get the story out there and, you know, read.
So now we've put our story out there, but...then what? On a site inundated with story upon story, how do we rise above the pack and pull in those readers?
Update, Update, Update!
It's no secret that in order to get readers focused on your work you have to have chapters for them to read. Which is a battle in itself (hell guys, as the title suggests, writing is HARD). Once you have a few chapters under your belt, you'll notice a trend of readers coming and going. Depending on the amount, readers usually start to investigate around anywhere from 5-10+ chapters. This is because readers don't want to get too invested, only to have to stop after three chapters. Once your chapter numbers start to climb, you'll notice more readers getting curious and stopping in to see what you have to offer.
Update, Update, Update — Second Edition
Some of you may say, "I've got a whole book completed and ready to publish. Do I post it all at once?"
My answer would be, "well, you sure can." But, you'll find episodic writing—writing done in episodes or segments—works best. Here on Wattpad, it benefits you as the author to post in spaced out sections or chapters rather than throwing them the whole project in one swoop. Not only does it encourage your readers to keep coming back at a regular time each week, but a steady release of chapters, much like a cable program on TV, will keep your audience coming back to hear more. It's just enough to keep them invested, but not enough to keep them satiated.
Interact With Your Readers. Start Forming Your Community!
While you'll find a lot of comments on Wattpad to be a series of emoji's or "same" written under a sentence, that's not the case all around. When your readers investigate your work, they may drop a comment or two. Don't be afraid to engage with them! Respond to their comments. Show them you are present and listening. Spark conversations. Ask them questions. It is within these comment sections you build your own little community. Build on this community by interacting with your readers, even if it is simply another emoji in response--every emoji gets you that much closer to loyal readers.
Ask Questions to Spark Conversations.
Having a hard time getting readers to comment? Don't be afraid to encourage them to engage further. Ask them questions at the end of the chapter: How do they feel the chapter went? Who is their favorite character? Which character would they most like to skydive with? Which character makes them want to scream endlessly into the void? Use these questions to bring out your readers, then encourage them further by opening a discussion. Any and every interaction is helpful towards your goal of loyal readership.
