Few general questions + asking for writing tips

[GrotesqueHeaven]

Hello, after some time here, i got few questions that i would like to ask.

1) What are the differences between smut, adult and ecchi genres? All i know is that ecchi is more light version of smut.

2) What is considered good or normal conversion of page viewers to readers? I have 1,342 page views and 244 first chapter readers. Is is good or bad? It's around 18%. Also what percentage dropoff is normal between chapters? I mean second chapter has 152 reads, which is around 62% and again, is it good or bad?

And the last thing. I will (probably) write some smut scenes sooner or later. I will have to read some popular novels to see how it's done, but still ask for any tips you can give me.

 

[LilRora]

1) Generally speaking, smut means explicit sexual content as a theme or main part of the story (if it's a few chapters in an otherwise normal story, you don't use that genre), then ecchi roughly means very suggestive, used mainly for stories without explicit sexual content, and adult is a much broader category, it can include sexual stuff but refers to any content that is only suitable for adult audiences.

2) There are some general trends, but it isn't really possible to answer any of this straight. All three are going to depend on a huge number of factors, mainly how long the story has been on the site, how many chapters you have, what the main themes are, how popular your story is (getting to Trending can significantly affect those numbers), the quality of your story, and probably fifteen more I haven't listed. What you have is normal for a fresh story.

 

[beast_regards]

1) What are the differences between smut, adult and ecchi genres? All i know is that ecchi is more light version of smut.

The "smut" is roughly equal to "porn", which in turn implies the explicit sex scenes.

The "ecchi" is the Japanese term describing the erotic fiction. Erotic in the suggestive way, but also, at the same time, nothing interesting ever happens. It's the juvenile "OMG I seen her in the swimsuit!" kind of thing.

The "adult" is ... lot of things, but it either is a polite way of saying the "smut" or "porn", or alternatively, a writing exploring mature themes which have nothing to do with sex at all. Violence is considered "adult" too, as in, intended for adult audiences. It makes it a little confusing as no one could agree on what the "adult" themed story even means (and you could apply the tag in the equally vague matter as well, as there isn't any strict guideline for it)

2) What is considered good or normal conversion of page viewers to readers? I have 1,342 page views and 244 first chapter readers. Is is good or bad? It's around 18%. Also what percentage dropoff is normal between chapters? I mean second chapter has 152 reads, which is around 62% and again, is it good or bad?

We couldn't know for sure.

As far as I found out, the page views, or views in general, are important in getting the story to trending list on the SH, but the exact formula is secret in order to prevent the abuse. We don't know if there is a threshold value, or whether more complex calculation are in effect.

Considering we don't know how exactly stats affect things, and the environment isn't nearly as hostile as the Royal Road, there is no way of telling what is good. Their algorithm, however, works differently than the Scribble Hub's. It's less grow based.

I suppose you could measure yourself against the other stories, as I think you could see the number of readers (followers) they got.

The drop off in views is natural though, and every story experiences it.

And the last thing. I will (probably) write some smut scenes sooner or later. I will have to read some popular novels to see how it's done, but still ask for any tips you can give me.

Do your own things.

I am certain the other authors would appreciate the views and attention (as well as praise), but you aren't under any obligation to mimic their style in any way.

 

[Arch9CivilReactor]

1) Smut is usually the taboo side of porn. You look for smut, then you ain’t finding any pretty story about love and companionship. Maybe a twisted version or one that tries to justify the existence of the smutty elements (which are usually self-unaware of what genre they cater to).

Adult is having sex in it. That’s the only difference between an ‘adult’ novel and a ‘teen’ novel. A bit reductive like how people call anything with porn ‘adult’, but that’s just how it goes. Some things only for adults.

Ecchi is panty shots and boobies but not explicit sex. Usually more in the fun of being open with eroticism of the body than outright ‘adult’ scenes or being taboo. A good way to draw an audience who doesn’t want the realism of actual sex. They are completely fine with just the thought of hotness. Not the baggage of realistic relations.

They cater to different audiences.

2) Just keep writing. Only worry about that if your readers reach zero. Anything other than that is a good enough story. If they aren’t making a fuss then it’s good. If they are then it’s interesting enough for them to say something about it.

We got no J.K. Rowling here so be happy with what you get.

My tips for writing sex: Make it about two people and progress the story using it. Use big flowery words if it is erotica. If not, then don’t drag it out more than necessary and make sure the character shines through more than the actions.

Reading and writing a sex scene is less dynamic than visual stuff. Make it worth their while with whatever you got. Don’t think too much. Continue the story you’re telling and focus on what you want to convey. Don’t take too much inspiration from places and make a soulless copy that you yourself don’t even respect.

That’s all the advice I got for you.