Go the smut route or not?

[fan5writer]

Hi,
I am writing a simple isekai harem story, mostly for my escapism. But I am at point where I am wondering if I should go the smut route or not. All characters 18 + and I am tempted to.
Storywise - I prefer to keep sfw. Keep it whimsical and fun.
But for exposure, is it wiser to go the smut route?
I don't mind it, but I thought I would ask a few fellow authors before commiting

 

[Juia_Darkcrest]

/shrug

It all depends on what you want. If you're not really 'feeling' the smut, then don't smut... fade any of the scenes to black, or maybe gloss over it.

The only thing worse than fading to black is phoning it in. Poorly written smut ruins a book.

Enjoy writing the story for what it is. Your story.

 

[LuoirM]

!roll 1d2

 

[Th3Breadnought]

So keep in mind there's three options:

Fade to black

What I like to call "minimalist sans ambiguity"- the approach I will eventually use in my second novel- where the point isn't purple prose, erotica, titillation, or smut; but the actual interaction between the characters in context of their journey, emotions, and psychology without being squeamish or precious about the sexual acts occurring. While trying to limit reader suspension of disbelief.

What I'd call smut or erotica- the horny and hot stuff, and I'm not judging.

There's definitely a market for the 3rd, I believe a quieter undeserved market for the 2nd, and plenty who prefer the 1st.

You're never gonna make everyone happy, so do what you want to do, because that's what you'll feel best doing (and all that that implies ). If you just want dat reach and traffic though, probably smut.

 

[SouthernMaiden]

Just make it so that the readers are aware its coming, and that they can skip the sex scenes if theyd like