Read on Twitter
FIC WRITER SURVEY RESULTS: thread 
This survey dealt with basic writing statistics, information about fic writersâ feelings toward creativity and motivation, and how fic writers felt about their own writing.
There were 474 replies in total. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IAXxQ7f1sBlo4G2nQiJZCNFkkK5DtuuAnfo1S-fDrdU/edit?usp=sharing
This survey dealt with basic writing statistics, information about fic writersâ feelings toward creativity and motivation, and how fic writers felt about their own writing.
There were 474 replies in total. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IAXxQ7f1sBlo4G2nQiJZCNFkkK5DtuuAnfo1S-fDrdU/edit?usp=sharing
**Disclaimer**
All data was collected and compiled by me. Although I have tried very hard to make everything as accurate as possible, I am not a professional mathematician and there could be mistakes. I have not altered any answers. If you have any questions, please message me.
All data was collected and compiled by me. Although I have tried very hard to make everything as accurate as possible, I am not a professional mathematician and there could be mistakes. I have not altered any answers. If you have any questions, please message me.
Q1: For the majority of their fics, do fic writers outline/plan?
~67% of fic writers only do a brief outline/plan for their fic.
~18% of fic writers outline/plan their fics out extensively.
~15% of fic writers do not outline/plan their fics (âthey just writeâ).
~67% of fic writers only do a brief outline/plan for their fic.
~18% of fic writers outline/plan their fics out extensively.
~15% of fic writers do not outline/plan their fics (âthey just writeâ).
Q2: On a good day of writing, how many words per hour can fic writers write?
the average (mean) was ~1,320 words/hour.
the median & mode were 1,000 words per hour. in fact, 113 writers answered they wrote 1,000 words/hour. this is ~24% of all fic writers that answered.
the average (mean) was ~1,320 words/hour.
the median & mode were 1,000 words per hour. in fact, 113 writers answered they wrote 1,000 words/hour. this is ~24% of all fic writers that answered.
Q2, cont:
the majority (~74%) of fic writers stated they write between 0-1,500 words/hour.
the min. amount of words was 50 words/hour
the max. amount of words was 10,000 words/hour
the majority (~74%) of fic writers stated they write between 0-1,500 words/hour.
the min. amount of words was 50 words/hour
the max. amount of words was 10,000 words/hour
Q3: On average, how many days a week do fic writers write?
~13% answered with 1 day.
~14% answered with 2 days.
~25% answered with 3 days.
~21% answered with 4 days.
~16% answered with 5 days.
~5% answered with 6 days.
~6% answered with 7 days.
~13% answered with 1 day.
~14% answered with 2 days.
~25% answered with 3 days.
~21% answered with 4 days.
~16% answered with 5 days.
~5% answered with 6 days.
~6% answered with 7 days.
Q4: Do fic writers edit the majority of their fics?
~41% skim their fics after writing (to look for typos, etc.)
~40% edit their fics extensively.
~17% only edit their fics while writing and do not edit their fics after finishing.
~2% do not edit their fics at all.
~41% skim their fics after writing (to look for typos, etc.)
~40% edit their fics extensively.
~17% only edit their fics while writing and do not edit their fics after finishing.
~2% do not edit their fics at all.
Q5: What kind of feedback means more to fic writers?
~67% chose comments
~22% chose when people recommend their fics
~8% chose kudos/likes/favorites
~2% chose when people bookmark/save their fics
~1% chose hits/views
~67% chose comments
~22% chose when people recommend their fics
~8% chose kudos/likes/favorites
~2% chose when people bookmark/save their fics
~1% chose hits/views
Q6: Do fic writers ever feel jealous of other fic writers?
~70% stated they feel jealous of other fic writers sometimes.
~20% stated they feel jealous of other fic writers a lot.
~10% stated they never feel jealous of other fic writers.
~70% stated they feel jealous of other fic writers sometimes.
~20% stated they feel jealous of other fic writers a lot.
~10% stated they never feel jealous of other fic writers.
Q6, cont:
out of the 334 fic writers that said they feel jealous of other fic writers sometimes:
~48% stated that it makes them feel LESS motivated.
~27% stated that it DOES NOT IMPACT their motivation at all.
~25% stated that it makes them feel MORE motivated.
out of the 334 fic writers that said they feel jealous of other fic writers sometimes:
~48% stated that it makes them feel LESS motivated.
~27% stated that it DOES NOT IMPACT their motivation at all.
~25% stated that it makes them feel MORE motivated.
Q6, cont:
out of the 95 fic writers that said they feel jealous of other fic writers a lot:
~47% stated that it makes them feel LESS motivated.
~32% stated that it DOES NOT IMPACT their motivation at all.
~21% stated that it makes them feel MORE motivated.
out of the 95 fic writers that said they feel jealous of other fic writers a lot:
~47% stated that it makes them feel LESS motivated.
~32% stated that it DOES NOT IMPACT their motivation at all.
~21% stated that it makes them feel MORE motivated.
Q7: Who do fic writers write for?
~74% of fic writers stated that they write for both themselves and for others.
~25% of fic writers stated that they write for themselves.
~1% of fic writers stated that they write for others.
~74% of fic writers stated that they write for both themselves and for others.
~25% of fic writers stated that they write for themselves.
~1% of fic writers stated that they write for others.
Q8: Do fic writers like their own writing?
58% of fic writers chose, âMost of the time.â
29% of fic writers chose, âOnly sometimes.â
7% of fic writers chose, âRarely.â
5% of fic writers chose, âAlways."
1% of fic writers chose, âNever.â
58% of fic writers chose, âMost of the time.â
29% of fic writers chose, âOnly sometimes.â
7% of fic writers chose, âRarely.â
5% of fic writers chose, âAlways."
1% of fic writers chose, âNever.â
Q9: Do fic writers ever wish they were a better writer?
58% of fic writers chose, âYes, always.â
23% of fic writers chose, âYes, often.â
12% of fic writers chose, âYes, but only sometimes.â
4% of fic writers chose, âYes, but rarely.â
3% of fic writers chose, âNo, never."
58% of fic writers chose, âYes, always.â
23% of fic writers chose, âYes, often.â
12% of fic writers chose, âYes, but only sometimes.â
4% of fic writers chose, âYes, but rarely.â
3% of fic writers chose, âNo, never."
Q10 & Q11: Scenario 1
This question is a two-part question where the writer had to imagine that they received this comment on their fic:
âI liked a lot about this fic, but didnât really like your writing style very much so that kind of ruined it for me.â
This question is a two-part question where the writer had to imagine that they received this comment on their fic:
âI liked a lot about this fic, but didnât really like your writing style very much so that kind of ruined it for me.â
Q10 & Q11, cont:
The first part of the question asked how the fic writer would reply to the commenter. The second part of the question asked the fic writer how the comment made them feel.
The first part of the question asked how the fic writer would reply to the commenter. The second part of the question asked the fic writer how the comment made them feel.
Q10 & Q11, cont:
I purposefully made sure this comment wasnât âall negativeâ meaning that the comment included a compliment (âI liked a lot about this fic) but then added something that brought that positivity down. This could be construed as a âbackhanded compliment.â
I purposefully made sure this comment wasnât âall negativeâ meaning that the comment included a compliment (âI liked a lot about this fic) but then added something that brought that positivity down. This could be construed as a âbackhanded compliment.â
Q10 & Q11, cont:
The purpose of my inclusion of this kind of comment rather than a comment that was solely ânegativeâ (such as âthis fic suckedâ) was to open discussion about how these kinds of comments in particular make writers feel.
The purpose of my inclusion of this kind of comment rather than a comment that was solely ânegativeâ (such as âthis fic suckedâ) was to open discussion about how these kinds of comments in particular make writers feel.
Q10 & Q11, cont:
What Iâve found from the responses is that:
~70% replied to the commenter.
~20% did not reply to the commenter.
~7% deleted the comment.
~3% reacted in a different manner. For example, they posted about it on Twitter, cried, deleted their fic, etc.
What Iâve found from the responses is that:
~70% replied to the commenter.
~20% did not reply to the commenter.
~7% deleted the comment.
~3% reacted in a different manner. For example, they posted about it on Twitter, cried, deleted their fic, etc.
Q10 & Q11, cont:
Out of those who would have replied to the commenter:
70% of fic writers replied to the commenter positively (politely, curiously, kindly).
30% of fic writers replied to the commenter negatively (passive-aggressively, rudely).
Out of those who would have replied to the commenter:
70% of fic writers replied to the commenter positively (politely, curiously, kindly).
30% of fic writers replied to the commenter negatively (passive-aggressively, rudely).
Q10 & Q11, cont:
All answers to the first part of the question: âPlease write out what you would do/say about itâ (âitâ being the comment) can be found in this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lye3YXm7p5bRL5Q0_yMgA7rCNOrYNq6WfG5I1QERrq4/edit?usp=sharing
All answers to the first part of the question: âPlease write out what you would do/say about itâ (âitâ being the comment) can be found in this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lye3YXm7p5bRL5Q0_yMgA7rCNOrYNq6WfG5I1QERrq4/edit?usp=sharing
Q10 & Q11, cont: How did that comment make them feel?
~90% of fic writers were hurt/angry/annoyed bc of the comment. there were many responses where writers also expressed feeling unmotivated.
~10% were not hurt by the comment. most were unaffected completely. some were amused.
~90% of fic writers were hurt/angry/annoyed bc of the comment. there were many responses where writers also expressed feeling unmotivated.
~10% were not hurt by the comment. most were unaffected completely. some were amused.
Q10 & Q11, cont:
All answers to the second part of the question: âRe: Scenario 1: How did receiving that negative comment make you feel?â can be found in this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a5oGJeiR8zWUdi1_X7RvauXyBNDFuL9VuXhMKVBe-cc/edit?usp=sharing
All answers to the second part of the question: âRe: Scenario 1: How did receiving that negative comment make you feel?â can be found in this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a5oGJeiR8zWUdi1_X7RvauXyBNDFuL9VuXhMKVBe-cc/edit?usp=sharing
Q12 & Q13: Scenario 2
This question is a two-part question where the writer had to imagine that they received this comment on their fic:
âI loved this fic so much and especially loved your writing style!â
This question is a two-part question where the writer had to imagine that they received this comment on their fic:
âI loved this fic so much and especially loved your writing style!â
Q12 & Q13, cont:
The first part of the question asked how the fic writer would reply to the commenter. The second part of the question asked the fic writer how the comment made them feel.
The first part of the question asked how the fic writer would reply to the commenter. The second part of the question asked the fic writer how the comment made them feel.
Q12 & Q13, cont:
I purposefully made sure this comment included a compliment about the writerâs writing style to see how the writer would reply to a comment talking about something that is unique to the writer.
I purposefully made sure this comment included a compliment about the writerâs writing style to see how the writer would reply to a comment talking about something that is unique to the writer.
Q12 & Q13, cont:
What Iâve found from the responses is that:
~99% of fic writers replied to the commenter.
~1% of fic writers did not reply to the commenter.
0% of fic writers deleted the comment.
What Iâve found from the responses is that:
~99% of fic writers replied to the commenter.
~1% of fic writers did not reply to the commenter.
0% of fic writers deleted the comment.
Q12 & Q13, cont:
Out of those who would have replied to the commenter:
100% of fic writers replied to the commenter positively (thankfully, kindly, gratefully, sweetly, politely, curiously).
0% of fic writers replied to the commenter negatively (rudely, passive-aggressively).
Out of those who would have replied to the commenter:
100% of fic writers replied to the commenter positively (thankfully, kindly, gratefully, sweetly, politely, curiously).
0% of fic writers replied to the commenter negatively (rudely, passive-aggressively).
Q12 & Q13, cont:
All answers to the first part of the question: âPlease write out what you would do/say about itâ (âitâ being the comment) can be found in this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1STYiQ0cZ57sXUL0IEWlyFxuClanL7s70eXhQ9z969UA/edit?usp=sharing
All answers to the first part of the question: âPlease write out what you would do/say about itâ (âitâ being the comment) can be found in this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1STYiQ0cZ57sXUL0IEWlyFxuClanL7s70eXhQ9z969UA/edit?usp=sharing
Q12 & Q13, cont: How did that comment make them feel?
~98% of fic writers were pleased/grateful bc of the comment. There were many responses where writers also expressed feeling motivated to write more.
~2% were not pleased or happy because of the comment. Most felt neutral.
~98% of fic writers were pleased/grateful bc of the comment. There were many responses where writers also expressed feeling motivated to write more.
~2% were not pleased or happy because of the comment. Most felt neutral.
Q12 & Q13, cont:
All answers to the second part of the question: âRe: Scenario 2: How did receiving that positive comment make you feel?â can be found in this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12765FHvcu1H1EYCAQxbs2VSMroJn5uVIawxnJa6l-kI/edit?usp=sharing
All answers to the second part of the question: âRe: Scenario 2: How did receiving that positive comment make you feel?â can be found in this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12765FHvcu1H1EYCAQxbs2VSMroJn5uVIawxnJa6l-kI/edit?usp=sharing
Q14: Are fic writers comfortable receiving criticism on their fics?
52% said they are comfortable receiving any type of criticism.
31% said they are only comfortable receiving criticism about grammar/syntax.
17% said that they are not comfortable receiving criticism.
52% said they are comfortable receiving any type of criticism.
31% said they are only comfortable receiving criticism about grammar/syntax.
17% said that they are not comfortable receiving criticism.
Q15: What are fic writers' primary feelings when they publish a new fic?
The top 5 answers were, in order:
Excitement
Nervous
Anxiety
Hopeful
Relief
For more detailed answers, go to this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jnBU6YFKheSeHcT8M9VM-uoSn3LbSg_gM5wcM0AWBx0/edit?usp=sharing
The top 5 answers were, in order:
Excitement
Nervous
Anxiety
Hopeful
Relief
For more detailed answers, go to this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jnBU6YFKheSeHcT8M9VM-uoSn3LbSg_gM5wcM0AWBx0/edit?usp=sharing
Q16: What motivates fic writers the most to write?
Popular answers were:
- wanting to write the fic they want to read
- comments
- making others happy
- getting an idea of their head
- giving back to fandom
- reading other fics and stories
- personal experience
- they love it
Popular answers were:
- wanting to write the fic they want to read
- comments
- making others happy
- getting an idea of their head
- giving back to fandom
- reading other fics and stories
- personal experience
- they love it
Q16, cont:
For more detailed responses, go to this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NMgY3gheH4nKahffNhRGmVPVVi4N5OQH1Z8AHTZJSUI/edit?usp=sharing
For more detailed responses, go to this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NMgY3gheH4nKahffNhRGmVPVVi4N5OQH1Z8AHTZJSUI/edit?usp=sharing
Q17: What advice would fic writers give other fic writers?
(this question was optional)
Popular answers were:
- write for yourself
- write what you want to read
- read!
- interact with the writing community
- you choose what criticism you can take to heart.
- have fun! enjoy it
(this question was optional)
Popular answers were:
- write for yourself
- write what you want to read
- read!
- interact with the writing community
- you choose what criticism you can take to heart.
- have fun! enjoy it
Q17, cont:
For more detailed responses, go to this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_xY6P46Ausm07cUO3ZRIs_bUkik2LOO4yhATT_k-NnY/edit?usp=sharing
For more detailed responses, go to this google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_xY6P46Ausm07cUO3ZRIs_bUkik2LOO4yhATT_k-NnY/edit?usp=sharing
Conclusion:
Please appreciate your local fic writers!
Also, it'd mean a lot if you could share this thread, I worked really hard on accurately describing these stats about fic writers and I think readers and writers would be interested in what the data has to say :D thank you!
Please appreciate your local fic writers!
Also, it'd mean a lot if you could share this thread, I worked really hard on accurately describing these stats about fic writers and I think readers and writers would be interested in what the data has to say :D thank you!
