Fanfiction Names and Ideas

How to Attract Readers

Titles

Having an interesting title is really important! It should be captivating, since it's like one of the first things the readers see. Don't make it too long, and make it kind of memorable, I guess. 

Hashtags

If you're writing on Wattpad, you can use lots of hashtags, so when readers look one of them up, your story appears on search. It's just kind of an easy way to get a few extra reads :)

Covers

Covers are also super important, because if you have one that's really interesting, it will catch the reader's eye and make them want to click on your story as opposed to others. It should be pretty and well made, since it is also kind of a demonstration of what your writing will be like. (If you put a lot of thought and effort into it or not)

Descriptions/Bios

If your bio explains literally nothing about your story, it makes people want to read it less. Don't say stuff like "WiLl ShE sUrViVe?" as your bio bc that's just not captivating and honestly so cliché. You can use a really cool quote that connects to your plot, or even quotes/scenes of your fanfic that you think is very telling of the story.

Good Grammar

For me, personally, if I open the first chapter of a fanfic and the grammar is really poor, or there are loads of spelling mistakes, I will close it right away. It's just not enjoyable to read something where every single word is spelled wrong. And punctuation is also something you should take into account.

Making it Original

If you're writing a fanfic as a sort of spinoff on another series (Harry Potter, Marvel, Twilight, etc.) then don't use too much of the dialogue from the original books/movies. I've seen some where it's copied word for word for the majority of the book, and it was as though I was reading the original series again. It makes it much more captivating to put your own spin on the story, and also put in the original dialogue in a few scenes. 

Slowburn

Slowburn can be really fun to read, but don't make it too tedious. I've read some where it's almost the same thing every chapter and I lost my motivation to read that specific one. So just make sure you hook the reader's attention to make them want to keep on reading, but also put in some plot twists here and there. 

Sticking to the Characters

It is literally SO annoying when I see people writing characters, and not keeping their personalities fit to the original books or films. I don't want to see one more Draco fic where he is really caring and loving from the beginning like NO. That's called ✨character development✨ and it's not fun to read when there isn't any AND IT DOESNT HAPPEN RIGHT AWAY. Like let's be honest Draco was a complete asshole in the books, and I don't think he is going to be super protective and kind towards a person right away that's just not how it works lmao. 

A Reasonable Amount of Characters

It makes sense to write something and use all of the characters that were in the original franchise, but don't add too many of your own OC's, because it's just too hard to remember all of them. I mean don't add like 12 new characters and give them all different backstories with long names or physical traits and expect people to remember them all. 

A Good OC

I think having a really cool OC makes the story so much more entertaining. I think the best one I've seen yet is honestly Wren Inkwood from "Potter?" by Seselina GO CHECK IT OUT ITS AMAZING!!! Put a lot of thought about what you want their personality to be like, as well as their mannerisms and you could even throw in some character development! It all makes for a better read. 

I know these aren't all ways to get new readers, and more just about how to make your fic better, but trust me it helps. It makes it so much less boring and will definitely get you a few votes and follows :)