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Have you recently moved from Wattpad to Archive of our Own, or are planning to? Here's an informational thread for new writers and readers
(Feel free to add below)
(Feel free to add below)
1. Comment etiquette.
Dos:
- Compliment the work
- Share your favorite quotes/lines
- Leave literary analysis
Don'ts:
- Compare to other works
- Fetishize, infantilize, sexualize non-smut fics
- Leave criticism/critique (unless requested)
- Ask for updates
Dos:
- Compliment the work
- Share your favorite quotes/lines
- Leave literary analysis
Don'ts:
- Compare to other works
- Fetishize, infantilize, sexualize non-smut fics
- Leave criticism/critique (unless requested)
- Ask for updates
2. Work tags. Here's some things to remember:
- Repetitive tags: for example, avoid "Swearing" AND "Explicit Language"
- Joke tags/comment tags: Don't clutter additional tags and make it difficult for the reader to see what's important.
- Tag categories: They exist for a reason.
- Repetitive tags: for example, avoid "Swearing" AND "Explicit Language"
- Joke tags/comment tags: Don't clutter additional tags and make it difficult for the reader to see what's important.
- Tag categories: They exist for a reason.
3. Fandom tags. Don't add unnecessary fandom tags. Especially in MCYT, many fandom tags redirect to Video Blogging RPF anyway. Here's an example of what many ao3 users consider a red flag to avoid a fic:
4. Relationship tags. Small but important:
"/" indicates a romantic relationship. Usually unnecessary to use "&" too, unless there is a significant emphasis on the platonic relationship as well.
"&" indicates a platonic relationship. Nothing more.
PLEASE learn the difference.
"/" indicates a romantic relationship. Usually unnecessary to use "&" too, unless there is a significant emphasis on the platonic relationship as well.
"&" indicates a platonic relationship. Nothing more.
PLEASE learn the difference.
5. Authors Note vs Summary.
Summary: Gives a description of what the story will be, sets the tone, usually the first thing that draws the readers attention.
Author's note: Used to communicate to the reader before or after the fic, link social media, or give outside information.
Summary: Gives a description of what the story will be, sets the tone, usually the first thing that draws the readers attention.
Author's note: Used to communicate to the reader before or after the fic, link social media, or give outside information.
6. Searching works. There are two main methods to search works, here is how to use either.
- Work Search: Can find extremely specific works, and allows you to manually type in each tag category. This is the method I use use the most, because it's user friendly and I'm picky.
- Work Search: Can find extremely specific works, and allows you to manually type in each tag category. This is the method I use use the most, because it's user friendly and I'm picky.
- Tag Search: Used to search a general tag, and filter to include/exclude what you don't want. Wonky on mobile, but good for filtering out what you don't want to see. You can also favorite any tag to add it to your homepage for easy access.
SMALL NITPICKS:
Things that flag you as being from Wattpad to native Ao3 users:
- Using the word "book." Fanfics on ao3 typically referred to as "works" or simply "fics."
- Putting the relationship in the title
- Low WC. Most Ao3 users put multiple drabbles in one work/series.
Things that flag you as being from Wattpad to native Ao3 users:
- Using the word "book." Fanfics on ao3 typically referred to as "works" or simply "fics."
- Putting the relationship in the title
- Low WC. Most Ao3 users put multiple drabbles in one work/series.
Closing remark: Don't be intimidated by the complexity/culture of the site. Archive of our Own is a wonderful community of talented authors! (If I missed anything, please add it below)
