For writers, sharing your work online can be a stepping stone to building an audience, gaining feedback, and even earning income. The internet is bursting with platforms where you can post your stories, novels, and other creative works, but not all platforms are created equal. From Wattpad to Royal Road, let’s explore the top platforms, what makes them unique, and how to choose the right one for your writing.
1. Wattpad
- Best For: Young Adult, Romance, and Fanfiction
- Website: Wattpad
- Overview: Wattpad is one of the largest and most well-known platforms for sharing serialized fiction. With over 90 million users, it’s an excellent choice for writers looking to reach a large, engaged audience.
- Features:
- Easy-to-use platform for posting and reading stories.
- Opportunity to join Wattpad Stars for monetization and publishing deals.
- Strong community with active feedback and reader engagement.
- Pros:
- Great for building a fanbase.
- Stories can go viral and lead to traditional publishing opportunities.
- Cons:
- Competitive and saturated, especially in popular genres.
- Limited earning potential unless selected for premium programs.
2. Royal Road
- Best For: Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Progression-Based Stories
- Website: Royal Road
- Overview: Royal Road is a favorite for writers of fantasy, LitRPG, and web serials. It’s known for its active reader base and support for serialized storytelling.
- Features:
- Robust tagging and categorization system.
- Detailed analytics for tracking reader engagement.
- Community features like forums for networking with other writers.
- Pros:
- Dedicated and niche audience.
- Helpful for writers interested in serialized fiction formats.
- Cons:
- Primarily caters to niche genres, so other genres may not gain traction.
- Not as well-known as Wattpad.
3. Inkitt
- Best For: Writers Seeking Publishing Opportunities
- Website: Inkitt
- Overview: Inkitt uses data-driven analytics to identify potential bestsellers. If your story performs well on their platform, you might be offered a publishing deal.
- Features:
- Free to post and read stories.
- Offers potential publishing deals for high-performing stories.
- Strong focus on genre fiction like Romance, Fantasy, and Thriller.
- Pros:
- Opportunity to transition from digital publishing to traditional.
- Active community and contests to promote stories.
- Cons:
- Limited monetization options unless you’re offered a publishing deal.
- Heavy competition for visibility.
4. GoodNovel
- Best For: Writers Looking to Monetize
- Website: GoodNovel
- Overview: GoodNovel is a platform focused on serialized fiction and allows writers to earn money through paid chapters.
- Features:
- Contracts for writers to monetize their work.
- Popular in genres like Romance, Fantasy, and Urban Fiction.
- Mobile-friendly interface for both writers and readers.
- Pros:
- Clear monetization path through reader subscriptions.
- Large audience base for popular genres.
- Cons:
- Payment terms can vary based on contract.
- Some writers feel restricted by the platform’s content requirements.
5. Medium
- Best For: Nonfiction, Personal Essays, and Short Stories
- Website: Medium
- Overview: Medium is a general-purpose writing platform where you can share essays, articles, and creative writing.
- Features:
- Opportunity to earn money through the Medium Partner Program.
- Simple interface for publishing.
- Articles can go viral and reach a wide audience.
- Pros:
- Great for nonfiction and reflective pieces.
- Monetization options available for all writers.
- Cons:
- Not ideal for serialized fiction or novels.
- Earnings depend on audience engagement and Medium membership subscriptions.
6. Tapas
- Best For: Webcomics and Serialized Fiction
- Website: Tapas
- Overview: Tapas is a platform for webcomics and serialized novels, with a strong focus on visual storytelling.
- Features:
- Monetization through ads and premium content.
- Popular among younger audiences.
- Unique blend of comics and fiction.
- Pros:
- Visual storytelling opportunities.
- Monetization options available for creators.
- Cons:
- Primarily focuses on webcomics, so novels may take a backseat.
- Limited to certain genres popular on the platform.
7. Scribophile
- Best For: Writers Seeking Feedback and Critique
- Website: Scribophile
- Overview: Scribophile is designed for writers looking to improve their craft through peer feedback and critiques.
- Features:
- Critique-based system where writers earn points by reviewing others’ work.
- Active and supportive community.
- Focus on craft improvement over publishing.
- Pros:
- Ideal for honing your writing skills.
- Access to writing tips, forums, and resources.
- Cons:
- Not a platform for building a fanbase or monetizing your work.
- Critique system can feel time-intensive.
8. Kindle Vella (Amazon)
- Best For: Writers Interested in Serialized Fiction and Monetization
- Website: Kindle Vella
- Overview: Amazon’s Kindle Vella allows writers to publish serialized stories and earn money through reader tokens.
- Features:
- Monetization through tokens purchased by readers.
- Stories are episodic and mobile-friendly.
- Tied to the Kindle ecosystem for visibility.
- Pros:
- Established platform with a large user base.
- Clear earning potential.
- Cons:
- Exclusivity requirements (cannot post the same story elsewhere).
- Still gaining traction with readers.
Other Platforms to Explore
- Radish Fiction: Similar to Wattpad, with a focus on serialized and mobile-friendly stories.
- Fanfiction.net: For fanfiction enthusiasts looking to build a community.
- Archive of Our Own (AO3): A free platform for fanfiction with a strong user base.
- Commaful: Focused on short, visual stories with an Instagram-like format.
- Booksie: An open platform for posting poetry, short stories, and novels.
- Figment: A community-driven platform for young writers (now part of Underlined).
How to Choose the Right Platform
When deciding where to post your work, consider the following:
- Your Genre: Platforms like Wattpad and Royal Road cater to specific genres. Choose one that aligns with your writing style.
- Monetization Goals: If earning money is your priority, look for platforms like GoodNovel, Kindle Vella, or Radish Fiction.
- Community Engagement: For feedback and interaction, Scribophile or Wattpad are excellent choices.
- Publishing Opportunities: Inkitt and GoodNovel offer paths to traditional or digital publishing deals.
FAQs About Posting Writing Online
Can I post the same story on multiple platforms?
Yes, unless the platform has exclusivity requirements (e.g., Kindle Vella). Always read the terms and conditions before posting.
Do I retain copyright to my work?
On most platforms, you retain copyright, but some may request limited rights for promotion. Check each platform’s policy.
Can I monetize my writing on free platforms?
Platforms like Wattpad and Medium offer indirect monetization through premium programs or reader subscriptions.
Final Thoughts: Pick Your Platform and Start Writing
The best platform for posting your writing depends on your goals—whether you’re looking for feedback, fans, or financial rewards. With so many options available, there’s never been a better time to share your stories with the world. Explore these platforms, find the one that suits your needs, and let your words shine.
