Bringing Readers In
1. Set up a free page on SmutLib
Put at least three complete free stories on SmutLib. Complete, not excerpts: readers bond with finished work. This is your top of funnel: a place anyone can be linked to from anywhere.
2. Link your Maliven page from your SmutLib profile
Use your tracked link (source tag smutlib), not a plain URL. That’s how you’ll know the funnel is working. Readers who loved the free stories click through to the paid catalog.
3. On AO3, link only to SmutLib
Never mention Maliven, buying, or supporting you on AO3. AO3 prohibits commercial promotion and enforcement is real. Link only to your SmutLib page (free content is fine), and let SmutLib carry the pointer to Maliven. Two hops keeps every platform’s rules happy.
4. On Reddit, post where the sub allows links
Starting subs: r/erotica, r/eroticliterature, r/sexystories, r/NSFWstories, r/GoneWildStories, r/SexStories, r/DirtyWritingPrompts. Check each sidebar first: rules on self-promotion vary and mods remember. Then find the smaller subs for your specific tags and tropes; a 20k-member niche sub that matches your kink outsells a 2M general one. Use a tracked link with source reddit.
5. Chapters free, complete editions on Maliven only
Post chapters or serials free wherever your readers are. Keep the complete edition (plus bonus chapters, bundles, sequels) exclusive to Maliven. Free chapters advertise; the finished book converts. Listing a free title here also unlocks your 75% royalty tier.
6. Watch the numbers, drop what doesn't produce
Your tracked-link stats show clicks, follows, and sales per source over 30 days. Give a channel a few weeks; if it produces clicks but no follows or sales, change the pitch. If it produces nothing, drop it and spend the time writing. The numbers end arguments.