— CHAPTER ONE —
❝ THAT FIC BE LOOKIN' FIIINE. ❞
STORY TITLE, STORY, PLOTS, TAGS, FOREWARD

   
THE STORY TITLE

Like all readers, the one thing I'm looking for in an applyfic is a good title. A good title that has a good sense
of what the applyfic is about, or something that has it's chances of lureing me in, based on whatever the tags
would tell me. Here's the thing with titles - I cringe at seeing ridiculous fonts and endless bits of icons in an
applyfic title. First of all, it's totally distracting and if anything it's a really big turn-off for me. I don't like
seeing a story that has three different fonts and 15 different icons all piled atop of each other. Basically,
stories that try to look creative, but sadly aren't. Like, I'm sorry but-- yeah, I really can't.

For example
Your title of the story is - I don't know - "Dreamgirl". Ok, the title is Dreamgirl.
And let's pretend it's a girlgroup applyfic, because frankly it's the best example and there are
far too many of those. So, taking said title, I'd usually see something like this:

♂♬DREAMG!RL♬♂ ☶ SM'S NEW GIRL GROUP!!! ☶ ☛ APPLY OPEN!! ☚

There's nothing wrong with the title written out like this. It's just sort of an eye sore and - I don't know,
doesn't make me want to apply. If you're going to use symbols, it might be better to use simpler icons.
Cuter ones, smaller ones. Ones that aren't all too in your face. And if you are to use them - lessen the
amount. Use ones that don't draw attention away, because I'd personally scroll past a story if it were
written like that. If I were to change it, I'd probably make it like this:

( dreamgirl ) → sm's new girlgroup ; apply open

I changed it to lowercases and actually, didn't use any emoticons at all. Having a simpler title like this
isn't eye-catching, but it gives the story a clean, organized sort of feel.

In which case:

✗ An OK Title.
♂♬DREAMG!RL♬♂ ☶ SM'S NEW GIRL GROUP!!! ☶ ☛ APPLY OPEN!! ☚

✓ A Better Title.
( dreamgirl ) → sm's new girlgroup ; apply open
 

THE STORY + PLOT

By then, if the title is good, an applier would normally check out the story to see whether or not they'd
even want to apply. This is what will probably want them appying, because hey, this is what makes an
applyfic, yo. As said before, there are waaaay too many girl-group applyfics which I think is because
of the over-all idea of fanfics, where there are idols of course. So, people probably like playing an idol
and like having to write up stories of scandals and what not. Maybe that actually happens irl, but seriously.
People get a little original. If you're going for an idol group, choose better names at least, huh? I've seen
far too many "Godess" girl-groups. If anything, I'd prefer more boy groups, but ah that isn't the point.

The point of this is the story and the plot. Most plots are surrounded by highschool-based or kingdom-based
ones from what I've seen. There should be more college ones, tbh because honestly with the amount of
ulzzangs that are legitmately over I don't understand why you would alter their age (including an idol's)
to fit into a highschool setting. College or university would probably suffice and plus - highschool is ew. I'd
prefer to keep away from drama at this age because that's what the stories are targetting. Kdrama, highschool.

Yeup. So, if you're wanting to go with something original, write up a story with an interesting plotline. I'd
say go to one of those story-idea shops, for applyfics and such. There are plently of them and I'm sure
there's something interesting there. But, if you really want to stick with something cliche, add a twist to it.
Something realistic works best, you know? Sliceoflife's are always what capture my heart, because it's
easier to write up a character you can see yourself as in a sliceoflife than having to write yourself up as
an idol. Or, that's what I think; so some tips upon choosing your story and plot-line settings?

Highschool ; would be best to provide plotlines for your appliers to decide off, or have them
create their own so you have some story to write off then.

Fantasy ; something hidden in society would be best, how magic is banned and there's a war
or something like that. maybe seven deadly sins? twist it up. life is magic.

Girlgroup/Boygroup ; think realistic. if you want romance so be it, but I think putting in a little
conflict in the story would make it good. secretly dating? well, uh-oh, they're in for it now.

Think realistic with your stories, or if not find a way to get inspired to create a really, really good idea
for your story. Remember that your story isn't just about applying, it's to be read too! So if the plotline
is good, appliers will come and perhaps the more likely non-appliers would want to read.

Also, in applyfics, romance isn't mandatory. Fanfics aren't all about romance sometimes.
 

THE TAGS AND FORWARD

The one thing that might be the most important part of your applyfic is the tags you put on it. The tags
should correspond to what your story is. "Apply" or "applyfic" are probably one of the better tags to put,
otherwise when someone browses, they might not even find it. If your story has romance, put romance.
Highschool? Highschool. Certain groups that are permanently involved? Put them up there as well! I mean,
a tag is just another way of summarizing your story, or showing what you'll showcase within it. Alongside
of that is the foreward, the place that'll have your summary and introduction to what your story is. Most
people, or from what I like to do, search for good writing in the foreward. Grammatical spelling, way of
speech, extended vocab and such. Writing that shows how the author writes when it comes to them writing
up their character. If you're summarizing your story in the foreward, make it a hook. Have it interesting
and well written. Slip in a short teaser or something so they know what the story and what you're all about.
A good applyfic usually has more than just "HI THERE, WELCOME AND APPLY". It may have rules and
information, linked chapters and inspirational credits to it as to why they had made the fic. I find a good
applyfics to be organized. Good tags, good foreward, and of course good writing. Everything should sort of
mold together so that by the time I want to hit subscribe, I know that I'll be really into it. But, then again,
some people just lurk around the story before even reading the foreward or hitting subscribe!

Ah, but that'll have to wait another chapter.

ますあなたの時間がかかる

dubusoo's note :
effort and determination is key. so if you want to start a story, make sure you're totes into it.

— ☂ —