Your first 100 readers

The first hundred followers are the hardest and the most important. They comment, share and turn up on release day. Here is what moves the needle most.

Make the first page count

Readers decide within a few pages. Open close to the hook: a strong image, a question or a character in trouble. Save the world-building for later.

Look good at thumbnail size

Your cover and chapter thumbnails are shown small, next to dozens of others. Check them on a phone: is the main character's face readable? Is the title legible?

Publish enough to binge

A title with three or more chapters gives a curious reader a reason to follow. If you're launching, consider releasing the first three close together.

Ask for the follow

A follow adds your title to the reader's library and notifies them about new chapters. A short line on your last page, like "Follow so you don't miss chapter 4!", works.

Be findable

• Choose an accurate primary genre, because that's the Discover row your title is showcased in.
• Add the themes readers search for in Advanced Search.
• Write a description that names the hook in its first sentence.

Show up

Reply to early comments. A reader who gets a reply from the creator usually comes back for the next chapter.