Archive of Our Own (AO3) Vs. Other Platforms

I'm in pain so forgive me if this blog sounds unusual. 

I will say this I'm happily and in love with Archive of Our Own. I didn't think I'd ever fall in love with another platform over another as I'm one to stay where I'm at. The major difference is being able to write without covers or anything extra to make a story stand out and their is no rules or restriction to get me banned like it can be for certain platforms. 

You see I've been with Wattpad, Inkitt, GetInkspired, aJoara, GoodNovel, Dreame (StaryWriting) and many, many, many other places including Booknet that was also a favorite of mine. Sadly, I can't translate my books from English to Spanish not unless someone wants to spend hours doing so. I wish they kept the English platform but I understand that it wasn't in the right cards. 

I will say this I love making my own bookcovers or have someone else do it. It's part of the journey to grow as an Writer and Author. But, over the years being a Sapphic Romance Author it isn't that easy or affordable or hell, finding an Artist that isn't against my idea for my books or even homophobic. Don't get me wrong I can use simple and basic covers it's still a consideration. Issue is they don't sell well. I know this as I have many, many, many books to my name. 

No, I don't sell my books through writing platforms that isn't what I do. I use them for free reads and to gain traction. Big issue: That isn't happening on my normal platforms. I don't have the audience that I used too. I don't have the favoritism like it used to be. And, it's not cause I keep removing my books off and on of platforms, no, writers do that all the time. It's the fact that the algorithms have changed on each platforms these days to where no one can really be seen. 

I know the next question is: Will I still be applying my books to them? 

And, this is where I'm not going to lie to anyone on as much as I love the platforms and grown to them. Most likely not. My newer books haven't taken off and they aren't seeing the traction that they do on AO3. Yeah, that's a huge difference. It's not that I don't love the platforms, I do, especially Wattpad and Inkitt, they have been my home bases for many years. But, honestly, it's the same with Publishing. 

Why am I in the spotlight? Why am I doing this?

It's because I'm an avid reader too and finding books like mine is hard in this world. I don't write like everyone else either. I have my own style. I have my own taste. But, in time you have to let things go including the platforms. If something isn't working then don't push it any further. 

So, to end this post. I will be removing and deleting accounts that I no longer need. You can find my books on WeInk App, Amazon, and AO3 but everything else is going. Will I miss out on good books? Nah, most I own or would rather wait on the writer to either Publish or stay on a platform. 

This will including not using ebooklingo as much since they don't have AO3 to use for Promotions. I'm secluding myself. I am literally making this decision for me. If you don't have AO3, it is fine. I don't expect every person to follow me or hunt me down. This decision is for me. This decision is to stop listening to others and listen to myself. 

If you want to find me. My username for AO3 is LesbianJuliet 

Otherwise, this is it. This is me not wasting anyone's time. 

Thank you!

Amber <3