Wattpad: How & Why?

If you are a booklover and haven't hear of Wattpad, well you are definitely missing out! Wattpad is this amazing app/site that allows those who like to read and write a chance to discover the undiscovered while also creating your own book. 

When I'm strapped for cash and craving a new read, Wattpad is the place I go to discover new authors (who usually don't have a publisher) or even try my hand at writing my own story (the farthest I've ever got with my own novel is a chapter or two - maybe novella than?)

Going into the world of Wattpad there are some basics you might want to know, like which books to read start off with, how to look up the genre you want, and how to start your very own novel as well as a few other tidbits of knowledge!

1. Navigating the Site

Once you create your account you immediately want to update your profile by adding a picture, blurb, and your social media links. This is especially important if you are wanting a lot of visitors to your soon to be written novels or just want to make friends and have friends check out your site!

Below is what my profile looks like to give you an example! On your profile you will have your picture, background image, blurb, social media links, conversations, followers and people you are following, and any novels you are writing/have written as well as the book in your public library.

2. Discover Wattpad

Take the time to figure out how Wattpad works and how to navigate the site to get to the people/books you want. This can make/break your Wattpad experience! Under the DISCOVER tab, you will find a list of genres and popular #s currently trending. This can be a big help if there is one genre you prefer over others.

3. #Completed

A key feature of Wattpad lies in the fact that the majority of their books are being written as your browse! This is awesome because many books are by people who don't have an agent and may be writing a book for the first time. Yet this can also be tricky because if you start reading a book that isn't finished, there's a chance the author will take months to update the story or even never finish the book! If you aren't ready for the emotional turmoil that comes with waiting for each new chapter, then I would recommend finding the completed books by searching it by #.

4. Like it? Add it to your Wattpad library

If you find a book that you think you want to read, at it to your library or reading list. I currently have two different lists: a private one and a public one! This works well for me in case I want to read a novel before adding it to my public list and therefore recommending it.

To add a book that you want to read later, click the little + and pick which library/list you want to add it to!

5. Create Your Own

Wattpad is all about any person creating their own story so if you've ever had a book idea bouncing in your head I would definitely use Wattpad to start the writing process. Not only is the book formatted for you but this is a great way to get interest started in your book and create a following. Also this is a great way to test just how dedicated you are to starting your career as an author. Anyone can create something gorgeous on wattpad and as your book grows, so does the circle of people willing to promote your book and help with graphics, grammar, and marketing! There have been several new authors get their books published on Amazon and Barnes & Noble after being discovered on Wattpad.

First click the CREATE tab at the top left of the site and you will see a list of works you have created as well as the option to create a new novel.

If you are ready to start your own piece of literature, click the +NEW STORY tab and get started!

So there you have the basics of Wattpad!

If you have your own tips and tricks please feel free to share below. Also, if you have published your own novel or are currently apart of wattpad, post a link to your profile/novel to share!

#Wattpad #HowTo #IneffableBookBlog #StepbyStep