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What is Wattpad and how was it created?
- kacarea
- May 7
- 3 min read
It emerged in 2006, through the collaboration of Allen Lau and Ivan Yuen. Originally designed for mobile devices, it was quickly converted to a website for desktop use. It quickly surpassed five million downloads.
Wattpad is a haven for readers and independent writers looking for followers for their diverse stories, from romance novels to horror, suspense, science fiction—in short, all literary genres.
Readers can find authors from unknown to famous. Another advantage of this website is that readers can leave comments on the book they're reading as the author publishes chapters. One of the key priorities for those who use this site is the interaction with readers. Another benefit is that you'll receive notifications every time the author uploads a story update.
How does Wattpad work?
Very simple, but let us explain something first.
If you're a writer, you should know that it's a commitment you're about to make, especially if you manage to capture readers' attention from the first chapter. That is, you'll have readers who will expect you to continue feeding them with your story, so you have to publish a chapter or part of a chapter at least once a week, otherwise your followers will leave as quickly, or perhaps even faster, than they arrived. Your readers will not only leave comments, but they'll also cast their votes. That's encouraging to anyone. Yes, because you'll have beta readers giving you their opinions, and you'll be developing the story with greater knowledge of what they like and what they don't; that's definitely a PLUS.
Who are Wattpad users?
New authors who want to find out if their stories are of interest to readers.
One very attractive feature is the wide variety of literary genres offered by those who dare to publish here.
There is a list known as the "Hot List," the result of reader votes. Therefore, the list is updated daily, revealing the most-read stories and, therefore, the most-read writers, who, according to the profiles, happen to be teenagers.
According to Wattpad statistics, women outnumber men in the use of this platform.
Contests, incentives for writers.
Contests are always attractive, whether for the prize or the benefit of notoriety.
Watty's Awards, launched in the summer of 2011, is Wattpad's largest contest, which has three levels or categories:
Popular, Rising, and Undiscovered.
The only requirement for participation is to have a story published on Wattpad.
Simple, right?
What's the latest news from Wattpad?
Wattpad Books is its new division, launching this fall of 2019. The first six titles to be published this year for the North American market are the most-read. These titles will be distributed by Macmillan in the United States, while Raincoast Books will be in charge of publishing in Canada.
Similar platforms.
Other similar platforms have attempted to copy Wattpad's style and success. Today, it has more than 70 million loyal users worldwide, and it's also reported that this year alone, around a thousand stories that were first discovered have been discovered and published by publishing houses like HarperCollins and Hachette Romans. We shouldn't forget the many other stories that have been acquired by Netflix, Paramount Pictures, and other film studios. Not bad for a chance to try our luck!
Is this the end or a revolution in the publishing world as we know it? Will literary agents disappear?
From our perspective, and after deep reflection, we conclude that it is an evolution.
For a moment, every change entails adjustments for both the person making it and the consumer. Publishing houses will no longer be subject to the exclusive taste of the editor. It's a business, and the premise of every business is economic profit for both the company and the author. Editors will know in advance which genre, story, and author will be most successful thanks to the fans and readers of the author and the story, so they play it safe, no longer based on whether it's a public figure or a renowned author. It will truly be the public's choice that publishers will publish. Will there be no surprise factor? Well, nothing is set in stone; you never know when a buried treasure will appear among what editors consider trash, so surprises are always welcome.
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