How do I get people to review my fanfiction?

Question

I've been working on this story for a while, and I've tried several different things to get people to review: asking questions at the end in author's notes, changing my summary to something more interesting, etc. Honestly, the writing is very good and the story is very intriguing! So, I guess I'm confused as to why not many people are reading my fic and why those who read it have not felt compelled to review. It only takes a minute. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, especially by other fanfic writers. If it helps, here's the link to my fic:

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1757644/

It's a Harry Potter fic, so it's a popular type of fanfiction. I'm sure that if you're also a writer, you understand my frustration. :) Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

After reading your summary, I would never read it myself.

Sorry.

Honestly, people who read HP Fan Fiction just aren't really interested in the lives of the fans. We want to see some HP action! We want to see a story line. We want to read an actual story, where the main characters are the protagonists and antagonists! Even some OC's aren't really appreciated in the HP fandom.

Well, that's what at least 95% of us, want.



I don't mean to be cruel, but I really don't see you getting very far with that story line.



Your summary itself isn't very interesting. Also, I would have turned away just because there are 4 chapters and only approx. 5, 500 words, including the A/N's per chapter.



Believe me; if you're a good writer, and you write an HP fan fic based off the actual HP characters, rather than some people we don't even know, you'll get good reviews.

Hell, there are BAD writers who get lots of reviews for sappy stories just because it's a fic about the characters, included with a sufficient story line.



I'm currently writing a HP fic called "expecting". It's a snape/harry MPREG story (yes, I said it: MPREG. In my fic, Harry Potter is pregnant with Snape's child.). I've only written three chapters so far, and I already have 45 reviews.



It's about how good you can write, about how well you portray the characters, and how great a story you can make.



If the story is good, people will eventually flock to it. Readers with communities will add your story to theirs if they think it's good. People subscribe to communities, and will be alerted if your story is added. If it's really good, they will even mention it in the forums. *Shrugs*



If you're really dead set upon getting some readers, I would suggest browsing the HP communities and searching for one where you can ask to add yours. They may reject you, though.



Good luck!



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"The Reviews Lounge Forum"

Here is an HP forum where you can add your story.

It's for authors who have stories they believe are should be recognized more than they are, and for readers who have read amazing stories, and wonder why it isn't as popular as it should be.



The people here usually read the new requests, too.



http://www.fanfiction.net/topic/51103/8850013/1/

Answer 2

Well, your summary doesn't really make people want to read it; it says out right what the story is and it doesn't leave a reader guessing as to what the plot is.

It's also not a very popular story concept. Not many people like reading about real people who enter a book or movie plot. The fact that the main characters are all OCs doesn't help much either; they're another thing that isn't very popular.

And the story genre is 'general'. Not a huge crowd for that. Romance or even adventure would draw a bigger crowd.

The things readers tend to look at most to find something to read is how many reviews a story has, or how many words it has. Maybe if you get a bit farther in your word count more readers will pop up.



Hey, I write fanfiction too and it can be a bit annoying when people don't review. But eventually someone will come up. There are readers for everything.

Answer 3

Things I have done: -Written a fanfiction with over 1000+ reviews -Written a fanfiction with 300+ reviews.... with only 4 chapters. -NEVER EVER written a fanfiction for Twilight. Ew. First of all, if your writing sucks, no one will review. I can tell from just skimming your work that it's amateurish and probably nothing new to the other annoying twilighters. Also, other little girls such as yourself write Twilight fics EVERY DAY... as in there is a HUGE selection and over done story-lines up the wazoo. The fact is, unless you come up with something INCREDIBLY original and WELL-WRITTEN (and trust me, you won't) your reviews won't get any higher. Try to end your chapters with a cliff-hanger... and say things like "REVIEWS KEEP ME MOTIVATED" or stupid stuff like that. Honestly, though, if your fic was worth the reviews it would be getting them. Why don't you try writing original fiction?

Answer 4

One word, three syllables: Fanfiction.



Why read a rip-off of someone else's work when you can read something original? If your writing was truly "very good" and "very intriguing" you'd not only have your own ideas, you'd have readers. Sorry to be harsh but it's true.



EDIT:



Like most respectable writers and readers I prefer original works. You may very well be a good (not great since I believe there are few great writers) writer but without it being your own original ideas, I am not apt to take it seriously.



Calm down Kimosabe. You're getting bent out of shape for no real reason. If you are a professional writer as you allege then don't get so easily riled up over one comment. I am just another person on this board with my own comments and thoughts. Get a thicker skin or stop asking questions.



EDIT 2:



You know something? I like you. Quick to get riled but a few comments turns it around. You and I are in the same profession so I can understand your frustration with the wannabes and hacks. Sucks doesn't it? Fiction is not something I am able to write so I do give credit to those who can but with fanfiction it's not exactly original.



I stick with what I know: Web content and journalism. It's worked well enough for me and that's what is the best course of action when seeking out gigs or full-time jobs.