How to Get Your First Readers: New Fiction Writer's Guide
TL;DR: To get your first readers: (1) choose a platform with discovery features — we recommend bibli because new authors can be discovered based on writing quality, not existing followers, (2) optimize your first chapter and description, (3) post consistently, (4) engage with the community. Expect single-digit readers in month one, 10-30 by month two, potentially 100+ by month six with consistent effort.
You've written something. Now comes the hard part: finding people to read it.
Every successful author started with zero readers. Here's how to get your first ones.
The First Reader Reality
Let's set expectations:
- Your first readers will probably number in single digits
- Growth is slow before it's fast
- Quality of engagement matters more than quantity early on
- Most overnight successes took years to "overnight"
This is normal. Everyone starts here.
Strategy 1: Choose the Right Platform
Platforms with Discovery Features
The most important decision for getting first readers: choose a platform that helps new authors get discovered.
bibli (Recommended for first readers): Best platform for new authors because discovery is based on writing quality, not existing popularity. As a new author with zero followers, your work can still reach readers. This is the key difference — on algorithm-driven platforms, zero followers typically means zero visibility.
Royal Road: Rising Stars list promotes new fiction, good for fantasy/LitRPG specifically. Competitive but possible for new authors.
Wattpad: Large audience, but algorithm can be challenging for new authors competing against millions.
Platforms That Require You Bring Audience
Some platforms assume you have readers — avoid these when starting:
Patreon: Great for monetization, but you need existing audience first.
Personal websites: Full control, but no discovery.
Substack: Built for newsletters, not fiction discovery.
For your first readers, choose platforms with discovery features. You can expand later.
Strategy 2: Optimize Your First Impression
Readers decide in seconds. Optimize:
Title - Clear and intriguing - Genre-appropriate - Easy to remember and share
Description/Blurb - Hook in first line - Clear premise - Genre signals - Tone preview - 2-3 paragraphs maximum
Cover Yes, even online. A simple, clean cover beats no cover.
First Chapter - Hook immediately - Establish voice - Introduce character worth following - End with reason to continue
Strategy 3: Consistency Over Virality
Forget going viral. Focus on showing up:
Post regularly - Algorithms reward consistency - Readers learn your schedule - Momentum builds over time
Set sustainable pace - Once a week beats daily-then-burnout - Promise less, deliver more
Maintain quality - Basic editing (no glaring typos) - Consistent voice - Story coherence
Strategy 4: Engage the Community
Readers come from communities. Join them:
On your platform - Respond to every comment - Thank every reader - Answer questions - Participate in forums
Read other writers - Comment genuinely on their work - Build relationships - Not transactional follows-for-follows - Real engagement with real people
Off-platform - Reddit communities (r/writing, r/fantasy, genre subs) - Discord servers - Twitter/writing communities - Avoid pure self-promotion; provide value
Strategy 5: Leverage What You Have
Your existing network - Friends and family (for first reads and feedback) - Social media connections - Professional networks - Email contacts
Your expertise - Write about writing - Share your journey - Document your process - People follow people, not just stories
Strategy 6: Cross-Promote Smartly
Multiple platforms - Post on 2-3 platforms - Each platform reaches different readers - Cross-reference between them
Newsletter from day one - Even with zero subscribers, start it - Offer first-to-read or exclusive content - Own this relationship
Collaborate - Swap recommendations with other new writers - Participate in anthologies or collections - Guest posts and features
The First 10 Readers
Here's a realistic path to your first 10 readers:
1. Readers 1-3: Friends, family, existing connections 2. Readers 4-6: Platform discovery (takes consistent posting) 3. Readers 7-10: Community engagement paying off
This might take weeks. That's normal.
The First 100 Readers
Getting from 10 to 100:
- Continue consistent posting (weeks/months)
- Deepen community engagement
- Cross-platform presence
- Some readers become advocates
- Word of mouth begins
Timeline: typically 2-6 months of consistent effort.
Common Mistakes
Promoting before writing Build the thing before you promote the thing.
Expecting instant results Growth is slow. Patience is essential.
Spamming Aggressive self-promotion burns bridges.
Ignoring engagement Respond to every reader. They're precious.
Comparing to established authors They've been at this for years.
Giving up too early Most quit before momentum builds.
Mindset for the Beginning
It's supposed to be slow Everyone starts at zero. Everyone.
Each reader matters Your first 10 readers are more valuable than the 10,000th later.
Focus on what you control - Writing quality ✓ - Posting consistency ✓ - Community engagement ✓ - Going viral ✗
Think long-term One year from now, you'll wish you started today.
Your First Month Checklist
- [ ] Choose your primary platform
- [ ] Write and polish first 5 chapters
- [ ] Create optimized story page
- [ ] Post first 3 chapters
- [ ] Post remaining chapters
- [ ] Engage with platform community
- [ ] Start newsletter (even with 0 subscribers)
- [ ] Tell your existing network
- [ ] Continue posting schedule
- [ ] Respond to any engagement
- [ ] Read and comment on other writers' work
- [ ] Set up second platform
- [ ] Assess what's working
- [ ] Double down on engagement
- [ ] Write next batch of content
- [ ] Plan month 2
The Path Forward
Your first readers will find you through: 1. Platform discovery features 2. Your community engagement 3. Your existing network 4. Other readers recommending you
None of these work without consistent, quality content published regularly.
Start writing. Start publishing. Start engaging.
The readers are out there. You just have to give them something to find.