Alt. Sex. Stories Text Repository (ASSTR) , once a massive archive for erotic literature, has largely been non-functional for several years due to major server failures and the decline of the moderated newsgroup it supported.
After near-shutdowns in 2021 and 2023, the ASSTR community rallied to keep the servers running. The domain is now managed by a collective, and donations are accepted. For new authors, the risk is minimal: ASSTR has become a static archive more than an active CMS. That is a feature, not a bug.
Many ASSTR authors are active in the Usenet community. Engaging with other writers can provide valuable feedback and help grow your readership. asstr.org new authors
For new authors, this means several things:
: Often cited as a primary destination for erotic fiction writers following ASSTR's decline. Archive of Our Own (AO3) After near-shutdowns in 2021 and 2023, the ASSTR
SmutLib is described as a "modern erotica and taboo fiction platform designed from the ground up for both readers and authors". Unlike the aging giants, SmutLib prioritizes a clean, user-friendly interface, aiming to solve many of the usability problems found on older sites.
Utilizing the submission portal directly on the ASSTR Website. That is a feature, not a bug
Widely considered the ultimate successor to old text repositories, AO3 is run by the Organization for Transformative Works. It allows both fanfiction and original fiction.
Another challenge faced by new authors is the need to develop a thick skin and learn to handle constructive criticism. With a large and diverse user base, asstr.org receives a high volume of submissions, and not all of them will be well-received. New authors must be prepared to receive feedback that may be negative or unhelpful, and learn to use it as an opportunity to grow and improve their craft.
If you are ready to join the ranks of ASSTR, here is your 30-minute launch plan:
: Stories generally had to be submitted as plain text (.txt) files or HTML. Automated Uploads