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Best Online Writing Platforms for Novelists

For novelists seeking to publish their work online, there are several platforms that offer various tools and communities to support their writing journey. These platforms can provide a combination of writing aids, editing services, and audience engagement features, making them ideal for both novice and experienced writers.

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One standout platform is Wattpad, which boasts a large and active community of readers and writers. It allows authors to serialize their work, receiving feedback chapter by chapter, and even offers opportunities for monetization through their Wattpad Stars program. Another excellent option is Scrivener, which, while primarily a writing software, offers comprehensive tools for organizing complex narratives, making it easier to manage long-form writing projects. For those seeking a more traditional route with a modern twist, Reedsy connects writers with professional editors, cover designers, and marketers, streamlining the self-publishing process. Lastly, platforms like Medium and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provide straightforward ways to publish and monetize writing, with KDP offering extensive reach and opportunities for print-on-demand publishing. Each platform has its unique strengths, catering to different aspects of the writing and publishing process, ensuring novelists can find the right fit for their specific needs.

  • Wattpad
    Wattpad

    Wattpad - A platform for reading and writing user-generated stories.

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  • Medium
    Medium

    Medium - Platform for reading and publishing articles and stories.

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  • Scribophile
    Scribophile

    Scribophile - Online community for writers to critique and improve.

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  • Reedsy
    Reedsy

    Reedsy - platform connecting authors with publishing professionals.

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  • Royal Road
    Royal Road

    Royal Road - to Susa for trade.

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  • Inkitt
    Inkitt

    Inkitt - a reader-powered book publishing platform.

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  • Figment
    Figment

    Figment - Imaginative purple dragon from Disney's "Journey into Imagination."

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  • Archive of Our Own (AO3)
    Archive of Our Own (AO3)

    Archive of Our Own (AO3) - User-driven fanfiction and fanwork archive platform.

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  • Swoon Reads
    Swoon Reads

    Swoon Reads - Crowdsourced romance publisher for aspiring authors and readers.

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  • Tapas
    Tapas

    Tapas - small Spanish dishes, perfect for sharing.

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Best Online Writing Platforms for Novelists

1.

Wattpad

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Wattpad is a popular online platform and mobile app that allows users to read and write stories across various genres. Founded in 2006, it serves as a social storytelling hub where writers can share their work with millions of readers worldwide. The platform supports both amateur and professional writers, offering opportunities for community feedback and engagement. Wattpad's interactive features, such as comments and votes, foster a dynamic literary community. Additionally, successful stories on Wattpad often attract attention from publishers and media producers, bridging the gap between online storytelling and traditional media.

Pros

  • pros Free platform
  • pros vast stories
  • pros community engagement
  • pros writing exposure.

Cons

  • consLacks quality control
  • consprone to copyright issues
  • consinconsistent content moderation.

2.

Medium

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Medium is an online publishing platform launched in 2012 by Twitter co-founder Evan Williams. Designed to enable both amateur and professional writers to share their ideas and stories, Medium combines social networking features with a sleek, minimalist user interface. Its algorithm curates content based on reader preferences, ensuring relevant articles are highlighted. Writers can monetize their work through Medium's Partner Program, earning revenue based on reader engagement. The platform covers a wide range of topics from personal essays to in-depth analyses, fostering a diverse and vibrant community of voices.

Pros

  • pros User-friendly
  • pros broad audience
  • pros SEO-friendly
  • pros monetization options
  • pros community support.

Cons

  • consLimited customization
  • cons subscription costs
  • cons potential content restrictions.

3.

Scribophile

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Scribophile is a well-regarded online writing community designed to help writers improve their craft through detailed feedback and constructive critiques. It operates on a karma system, where members earn points by critiquing others' work, which they can then use to post their own writing for review. With a wide range of genres and a supportive environment, Scribophile offers various resources, including writing contests, forums, and workshops. It's an excellent platform for both novice and experienced writers looking to enhance their skills and connect with fellow writing enthusiasts.

Pros

  • pros Constructive feedback
  • pros supportive community
  • pros diverse genres
  • pros skill improvement
  • pros networking opportunities.

Cons

  • consLimited free features
  • cons strict critique requirements
  • cons and niche community.

4.

Reedsy

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Reedsy is an online marketplace that connects authors with top-tier publishing professionals, including editors, designers, marketers, and ghostwriters. Founded in 2014, Reedsy aims to democratize high-quality publishing services, making them accessible to independent authors and small publishers. The platform vets its professionals to ensure quality, offering a curated selection of experts. Reedsy also provides a range of free resources, including writing courses, webinars, and a book editing tool, to support authors throughout the publishing process.

Pros

  • pros User-friendly
  • pros collaborative
  • pros professional services
  • pros vetted experts
  • pros industry-standard tools.

Cons

  • consLimited service scope
  • cons higher costs
  • cons varying quality of freelancers.

5.

Royal Road

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The Royal Road, or "Camino Real," was an extensive network of ancient highways that connected various parts of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid period, around the 5th century BCE. Spanning approximately 2,700 kilometers (1,700 miles) from Sardis in modern-day Turkey to Susa in present-day Iran, it facilitated rapid communication, trade, and military movement across the empire. The road featured numerous relay stations and was famously utilized by royal couriers, who could traverse its full length in about seven days, thanks to the efficient relay system.

Pros

  • pros Efficient trade route
  • pros enhances communication
  • pros boosts economy
  • pros ensures security.

Cons

  • consHigh maintenance costs
  • cons limited accessibility
  • cons potential security issues.

6.

Inkitt

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Inkitt is a digital publishing platform that leverages data-driven algorithms to identify and promote promising new authors and stories. Founded in 2013, it provides a space for writers to share their work and gain readership, while readers can discover and engage with fresh content across various genres. Inkitt's unique model involves analyzing reader behavior to predict the potential success of a story, helping to democratize publishing by giving writers from all backgrounds an equal opportunity to succeed. The platform also offers opportunities for authors to secure publishing deals based on reader engagement and feedback.

Pros

  • pros User-friendly
  • pros royalty options
  • pros reader feedback
  • pros wide reach
  • pros community support.

Cons

  • consLimited editorial support
  • cons unpredictable algorithm
  • cons unclear royalty structure.

7.

Figment

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Figment is a small, purple dragon who serves as the mascot of the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot, part of Walt Disney World Resort. Created by Disney Imagineers Tony Baxter and Steve Kirk, Figment debuted in the "Journey Into Imagination" attraction in 1983. Known for his playful and curious nature, Figment embodies creativity and the power of imagination. He often appears alongside the character Dreamfinder, who encourages guests to explore the limitless possibilities of their own imaginations. Figment has become a beloved character, symbolizing the whimsical wonder of Disney's storytelling.

Pros

  • pros Boosts creativity
  • pros encourages storytelling
  • pros fosters a writing community.

Cons

  • consLimited practical use
  • cons lacks real-world applicability
  • cons high maintenance needs.

8.

Archive of Our Own (AO3)

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Archive of Our Own (AO3) is a nonprofit, open-source repository for fanfiction and other transformative works, founded in 2008 by the Organization for Transformative Works (OTW). It offers a user-friendly platform where fans can publish, share, and discover content across a wide range of fandoms. AO3 is renowned for its robust tagging system, allowing detailed content search and filtering. The site prioritizes user control and privacy, fostering a supportive community for creators and readers alike. It has become a cornerstone of modern fan culture, celebrated for its inclusivity and dedication to preserving fan works.

Pros

  • pros User-friendly
  • pros diverse content
  • pros non-profit
  • pros customizable
  • pros strong community.

Cons

  • consLimited moderation
  • cons occasional server issues
  • cons complex interface
  • cons inconsistent quality.

9.

Swoon Reads

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Swoon Reads is a young adult romance imprint under Macmillan Publishers, dedicated to discovering and publishing new voices in the genre. Launched in 2013, it operates with a unique crowdsourcing model where readers can submit manuscripts, read, and vote on their favorites. This community-driven approach allows aspiring authors to receive valuable feedback and gain visibility. Successful entries are published by Swoon Reads, offering a platform for emerging talent. The imprint is known for fostering a collaborative environment that connects writers and readers in the creative process.

Pros

  • pros Crowdsourced feedback
  • pros diverse genres
  • pros community engagement
  • pros publishing opportunities
  • pros reader-driven.

Cons

  • consLimited exposure
  • cons competitive selection
  • cons potential for biased voting.

10.

Tapas

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Tapas are a variety of Spanish appetizers or small dishes that are typically served with drinks in bars and restaurants. Originating from Spain, they can include a wide range of items such as olives, cheeses, cured meats, seafood, and more elaborate preparations like patatas bravas or gambas al ajillo. Tapas are designed for sharing, promoting a social dining experience where people can sample multiple flavors and textures. The tradition has become popular worldwide, often enjoyed as a casual, communal way to enjoy food and conversation.

Pros

  • pros Variety
  • pros social dining
  • pros portion control
  • pros flavor diversity
  • pros and cost-effective.

Cons

  • consSmall portions
  • cons can be costly
  • cons not always filling.

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