Element of story that connects with readership (6)
I believe the answer is:
thread
'element of story that connects with readership' is the definition.
'thread' can be an answer for 'element' (I have seen 'Essential element' mean 'thread' so perhaps 'element' could also mean 'thread'). I'm not sure about the rest of the definition.
'element of story' is the wordplay.
'element' becomes 'th' (Th is an example).
'of story' becomes 'read' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'th'+'read'='THREAD'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for thread that I've seen before include "Fine cord for sewing" , "Cord - Internet chat room discussion" , "Messages on a theme" , "Thin yarn" , "The rib going around a screw" .)