Asstr.org New Authors Info
Welcome New Authors to ASSTR.org — A Practical Guide
ASSTR.org (the Alt.Sex.Stories Text Repository) is a long-running archive for erotic fiction contributed by a wide community of writers. If you’re a new author interested in sharing work there, this post walks you through what ASSTR is, what to expect, how to prepare submissions, how to format and upload, and best practices to protect yourself and reach readers.
5. Tips for Building an Audience as a "New Author"
Being "new" on ASSTR means you don't have a built-in following yet. Here is how to get noticed:
- Consistency: A single story rarely creates a following. If you release a series, or post stories regularly, readers are more likely to bookmark your page.
- The Title: Make your titles descriptive and interesting. "A Night at the Hotel" is vague; "The Stranger in Room 302" is more intriguing.
- Leverage the "New" List: When you upload a story, it appears in the site’s "New Uploads" section. This is your moment of highest visibility. Ensure your description is catchy to capture those browsing the feed.
- Proofread: ASSTR readers are generally forgiving, but poor grammar and spelling can turn readers away instantly. Use a spellchecker and read your work aloud before uploading.
Sources to Cite (for credibility)
- Internet Archive (Wayback Machine) snapshots of ASSTR.org from 2015–2019.
- Reddit threads (r/eroticauthors, r/ASSTR) discussing migration.
- Archive of Our Own’s 2022 transparency report on mature content.
- Literotica’s submission guidelines for new authors.
Welcome to ASSTR (Alt.Sex.Stories.Text.Repository), one of the oldest and most expansive archives for erotic literature on the web. If you're a new author looking to share your work, this guide will help you navigate the submission process and find your place in the community. Getting Started as an Author
The repository is primarily a text-based archive. To host your stories here, you’ll typically need to set up an account or submit through the automated systems.
Create an Account: Most new authors begin by requesting a personal directory. You can find detailed instructions on the ASSTR Registration Page.
Submission Formats: ASSTR prioritizes accessibility. Stick to plain text (.txt) or basic HTML. Avoid proprietary formats like .docx or .pdf to ensure your stories can be read across all platforms.
The New Authors Section: Work from first-time contributors often appears in the "New Authors" or "Incoming" directories before being sorted into permanent archives. Check the ASSTR New Authors Directory to see recently uploaded content. Community & Content Guidelines asstr.org new authors
As a community-driven archive, ASSTR relies on clear labeling and mutual respect.
Mandatory Headers: Every story should include a standard header. This includes the Title, Author, Date, and Codes.
Content Coding: ASSTR uses a specific coding system (e.g., [M/f], [NC], [Cons]) to help readers find what they like and avoid what they don’t. Review the ASSTR Coding FAQ before uploading.
Respect the Archive: ASSTR is a repository, not a social media site. Focus on high-quality storytelling and accurate tagging to help the community's longevity. Tips for Success
Read the FAQ: It’s a bit of a "time capsule," but the General ASSTR FAQ contains vital information on how the servers operate and how to contact administrators.
Join the Usenet Roots: Much of the content here originates from newsgroups like alt.sex.stories. Engaging with these communities can help you build a following. Welcome New Authors to ASSTR
Backup Your Work: While ASSTR is incredibly stable, it’s always wise to keep your own copies of everything you submit.
The sun was setting over the bustling streets of the city, casting a warm orange glow over the quaint little bookstore. The sign above the door read "New Beginnings," and it was a place where aspiring writers could come to share their work and receive feedback from fellow authors.
Lena, a young and ambitious writer, had just stumbled upon the bookstore while searching for a community of like-minded individuals. She had always been passionate about writing, but had never mustered the courage to share her work with others. As she pushed open the door, a bell above it rang out, and she was greeted by the friendly owner, Rachel.
Rachel, a published author herself, had a warm smile and an encouraging demeanor. She welcomed Lena to the store and introduced her to the group of new authors who were gathered in the back room. There was Emma, a romance writer with a flair for the dramatic; Jack, a sci-fi enthusiast with a passion for world-building; and Alex, a poet with a knack for capturing the beauty of the mundane.
As the evening began, each author took turns sharing their work, and Lena was amazed by the talent and creativity that surrounded her. She listened intently as Emma read from her latest romance novel, Jack shared his short story about a dystopian future, and Alex recited an evocative poem about the changing seasons.
When it was Lena's turn, she nervously cleared her throat and began to read from her own manuscript. Her story was a fantasy epic, full of magical creatures and ancient prophecies. As she read, she felt a sense of vulnerability wash over her, but to her surprise, the group listened with rapt attention, offering words of encouragement and constructive feedback. Consistency: A single story rarely creates a following
The evening flew by, and before Lena knew it, the store was closing. Rachel handed her a flyer for the next meeting, and Emma, Jack, and Alex all exchanged numbers, promising to stay in touch and support one another on their writing journeys.
As Lena walked home, she felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. She realized that she was not alone in her passion for writing, and that there were others out there who understood her struggles and shared her dreams. The city lights twinkled like stars, and she felt a sense of excitement and possibility, knowing that she was about to embark on a journey with a community of fellow authors who would help her grow and thrive.
4. Creating Your Author Page
Once you have your login credentials, you can build your "Author Page." This is your home base.
- The Bio: Write a short biography. Let readers know what kind of stories you write. Are you focusing on romance? Fetish? Sci-fi erotica?
- Contact Email: ASSTR allows readers to email authors. You can choose to anonymize this. New authors are encouraged to enable feedback. It is the best way to build confidence and understand what your audience enjoys.
- Links: If you have a blog, a Patreon, or a Twitter/X account, link it here.
4. Where New Authors Go Now (The Modern Replacements)
If you are researching current "new authors" in the same niche as ASSTR, they have moved to:
| Platform | Type | Best for New Authors | |----------|------|----------------------| | Literotica | Large archive, active moderation | Mainstream to intermediate kink | | Archive of Our Own (AO3) | Tag-heavy, inclusive, non-commercial | All genres, especially LGBTQ+ & fanfic crossovers | | SOL (Stories Online) | ASSTR-inspired clone | Former ASSTR users | | Reedsy / Medium (with mature flag) | Clean UI, indie author focus | Literary erotic fiction | | Reddit (r/eroticliterature, r/sexstories) | Instant feedback, upvote system | Short-form, experimental writing |