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Active Ink Slinger
Gav got the Reader of the Month feature up and running very quickly (thanks, Gav!), so our first winner is Huyla for her encouraging comments throughout the month of May.
Congratulations, Hulya, and thank you for your efforts.
The next winner will be announced on July 1st.
Congratulations, Hulya, and thank you for your efforts.
The next winner will be announced on July 1st.
Active Ink Slinger
Hi everyone,
I'd like to let you know about a new feature we'll be adding to the SS home page. Each month we'll be announcing a Reader of the Month winner, which will be awarded to the commenter who we believe has contributed the most helpful/constructive feedback and encouragement to the writers here. Their avatar and a Reader of the Month title will stay in the top right hand corner of the home page (where that blank space is at the moment) for the entire month. The winner will also get a badge added to their profile.
All members are eligible, whether they're here to read or they write as well. The same person won't be eligible to win two months in a row to make it fairer to everyone. You don't need to be a part of the critique forum, you just need to comment on the stories themselves to take part.
Happy reading everybody!
I'd like to let you know about a new feature we'll be adding to the SS home page. Each month we'll be announcing a Reader of the Month winner, which will be awarded to the commenter who we believe has contributed the most helpful/constructive feedback and encouragement to the writers here. Their avatar and a Reader of the Month title will stay in the top right hand corner of the home page (where that blank space is at the moment) for the entire month. The winner will also get a badge added to their profile.
All members are eligible, whether they're here to read or they write as well. The same person won't be eligible to win two months in a row to make it fairer to everyone. You don't need to be a part of the critique forum, you just need to comment on the stories themselves to take part.
Happy reading everybody!
Active Ink Slinger
This thread was inspired by Maggie Rascal's post in the Promoting Your Writing thread. If you'd like fellow SS members to connect with you elsewhere, please let us know where to find you by linking to your Facebook profile/page, Twitter account, LinkedIn profile, blog etc. It's an easy way to gather more "likers" and "followers". 
(For new members, you need have made twenty forum posts to be able to post links.)
(For new members, you need have made twenty forum posts to be able to post links.)
Active Ink Slinger
Thanks, Larry! I agree with you all. I don't think the whole promotion thing is something that comes naturally to a lot of writers. I know it doesn't for me. I'd rather let people find my work on their own. If writers want to get their stories noticed and have the goal of becoming published, though, it's unfortunately all part of the process.
Active Ink Slinger
There have been a few members asking how to generate more interest in their work, so I’ve put together a list of suggestions to help increase reads/votes/comments. If anyone has any other tips to offer, you’re welcome to add them!
Stories Space
Being an online community, the more you put into Stories Space the more you’ll get out of it. Several ways to create interest in your writing here are:
1. Get to know fellow members. If you add friends and become active in the forums and chat room, your work is more likely to be read because members will be more familiar with you and your writing.
2. Think about what it is that makes you pick up a novel for a closer look in a book store. Does it have a catchy or intriguing title? Do you read the first few lines to decide whether or not it's a book you want to read from cover to cover? Writers need to make their work irresistible to readers. You only have the title and the opening line to catch their interest. Try to draw them in and make them want to stay once they start reading.
3. Add a link to your latest story (or several of your stories) in your forum signature. This can be done by going to “account” in the menu bar, followed by “settings”, then “customize profile”. In the list of options at the top of the page, choose “edit forum signature” to add links. You can also tap into your creative side and make a banner for your latest story by visiting a site such as Mybannermaker.com.
4. Read and comment on the work of others. Most writers I know are avid readers. If you help other members by reading and giving constructive comments on their work, they’re more likely to return the favour when it comes to your writing.
5. Post an update on the mini-blog in your profile letting people know when you have a new submission up. The more members on your friends list, the more people your message will reach.
6. Fill out all of the areas on your profile so people know more about you. This is also a good place to mention what kind of feedback you’d like to receive on your work.
7. Make sure you have an avatar. The featured members section on the home page only showcases members who have their own avatars, so if you’ve kept the default silhouette avatar, you’re missing out!
8. Join our critique forum. It was created as a place for writers to receive in-depth critiques on their work. There's been some really helpful feedback given in there so far, but new members are always welcome.
Twitter
Each new story posts automatically on the Stories Space Twitter account with a link back to your submission here. It’s also a good idea to open your own account and announce your stories, give updates on your writing progress, or request feedback.
There are plenty of publishers on Twitter so if you follow them you’ll be able to keep track of their calls for submissions. (If that’s the direction you want to head in.)
If you’re new to Twitter, an easy way to start out is to click on the members we’re following on the Stories Space account. They’re all writers, readers or publishers and the majority of them have followed back.
Facebook
As with Twitter, new submissions post automatically to the Stories Space Facebook page. There’s also the option of creating your own author’s page and inviting people to “like” it so that each time you post a new story, it’ll show up on their timeline. You’ll find the link to create one at the very bottom of the page.
Blogging
A blog is an easy way to create an independent site to showcase your work. You can promote your writing, meet other bloggers who share your interests and keep all your writing (regardless of genre, subject matter etc) all in one place.
As you can see, there are many ways to get your name out there and find readers for your writing. It does take a little work, but if you're willing to put the effort in, I'm positive you'll see the rewards!
Please add away if you have any further tips.
Stories Space
Being an online community, the more you put into Stories Space the more you’ll get out of it. Several ways to create interest in your writing here are:
1. Get to know fellow members. If you add friends and become active in the forums and chat room, your work is more likely to be read because members will be more familiar with you and your writing.
2. Think about what it is that makes you pick up a novel for a closer look in a book store. Does it have a catchy or intriguing title? Do you read the first few lines to decide whether or not it's a book you want to read from cover to cover? Writers need to make their work irresistible to readers. You only have the title and the opening line to catch their interest. Try to draw them in and make them want to stay once they start reading.
3. Add a link to your latest story (or several of your stories) in your forum signature. This can be done by going to “account” in the menu bar, followed by “settings”, then “customize profile”. In the list of options at the top of the page, choose “edit forum signature” to add links. You can also tap into your creative side and make a banner for your latest story by visiting a site such as Mybannermaker.com.
4. Read and comment on the work of others. Most writers I know are avid readers. If you help other members by reading and giving constructive comments on their work, they’re more likely to return the favour when it comes to your writing.
5. Post an update on the mini-blog in your profile letting people know when you have a new submission up. The more members on your friends list, the more people your message will reach.
6. Fill out all of the areas on your profile so people know more about you. This is also a good place to mention what kind of feedback you’d like to receive on your work.
7. Make sure you have an avatar. The featured members section on the home page only showcases members who have their own avatars, so if you’ve kept the default silhouette avatar, you’re missing out!
8. Join our critique forum. It was created as a place for writers to receive in-depth critiques on their work. There's been some really helpful feedback given in there so far, but new members are always welcome.
Each new story posts automatically on the Stories Space Twitter account with a link back to your submission here. It’s also a good idea to open your own account and announce your stories, give updates on your writing progress, or request feedback.
There are plenty of publishers on Twitter so if you follow them you’ll be able to keep track of their calls for submissions. (If that’s the direction you want to head in.)
If you’re new to Twitter, an easy way to start out is to click on the members we’re following on the Stories Space account. They’re all writers, readers or publishers and the majority of them have followed back.
As with Twitter, new submissions post automatically to the Stories Space Facebook page. There’s also the option of creating your own author’s page and inviting people to “like” it so that each time you post a new story, it’ll show up on their timeline. You’ll find the link to create one at the very bottom of the page.
Blogging
A blog is an easy way to create an independent site to showcase your work. You can promote your writing, meet other bloggers who share your interests and keep all your writing (regardless of genre, subject matter etc) all in one place.
As you can see, there are many ways to get your name out there and find readers for your writing. It does take a little work, but if you're willing to put the effort in, I'm positive you'll see the rewards!
Please add away if you have any further tips.
Active Ink Slinger
Hi, M! There are a few writers here who've had quite a lot of work published, so hopefully they'll be able to help point you in the right direction.
Which genre does the writing fall into that you're looking at getting published?
Have you thought about self-publishing at all?
Which genre does the writing fall into that you're looking at getting published?
Have you thought about self-publishing at all?
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by VanessaFinaughty
This is a great idea. Is everyone posting their work in a separate group, or should work be posted on this forum board?
I'd like to help out critiquing when I'm able (author and professional editor, at your service). I'm more likely to have time to read mostly flash fiction, and I can read more people's work if they're shorter pieces, so would you mind adding me to the flash fiction group? IF the flash fiction is split into categories, you can put me down for horror, thriller, sci fi, supernatural, fantasy and humour. If not, that's cool - I'll read almost anything.
Thanks a mill
Thank you, Vanessa. It'd be fantastic to have your input in the critique groups. I've added you to all of the groups so you can see what's going on. If there are any you'd like to be removed from, please let me know. Thanks again!
IM BACK!!