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.
