THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Writing is a passion for many. Even when people claim reading habit has gone down, there is no shortage for aspiring writers. Ask any literature class and one will find at least 20 wannabe writers, who by then, would have written a few short stories and are working on a novel. And, if they want readers for their ideas and dream works, they can do it online with minimum expense.
Heard of Wattpad?
All who love to write may not find themselves a publisher or even a reader or reviewer who can give one an honest opinion on the story before approaching a publisher. Many sites and apps are providing a platform for young and old writers alike to experiment with their writing style, plot and genre. Wattpad is one such site which also has an app where a writer can publish books. The publishing can be done as a whole or chapter wise. There is no set limit for word count or a deadline to publish the chapter by. As a result, there are even incomplete books. Some authors let others adopt the incomplete books and finish it themselves. As the app/site gets updated, ads have found its way into the platform too.
“The site, as a writer is a platform for me. I don’t even have to reveal my name to the readers. All that would matter is the story out there. It has helped me develop my writing. Wattpad is just one such platform. There are many others which even pays the authors. Even Wattpad pays its authors now if they are exceptionally good. Of course not directly, but there are advertisements involved in the earning writers’ stories,” said Anjali, a Wattpad user-cum-author.
Many of the Wattpad authors have found publishers for their book and once the book is published, the content is taken down.
Alternatives
Penana
Penana is another writing platform, however, a little less overwhelming, in the terms of readership. It has a simple interface and has a smaller number of readers and authors which would suit a literature lover just fine.
Inkitt
Inkitt is also favoured by readers and writers for the simple interface and convenient posting and login options. “I prefer reading horror stories and I see a wide variety of it in both Inkitt and Wattpad. Its refreshing, though some of them are quite amateur compared to published authors. Still, its fun to read and we get to learn a lot,” said Krishna, a 20-year-old student.
Radish
Radish, specifically designed for the mobile generation is also quite popular. It is usually the star writers in Wattpad and other writing sites who publish their stories here.
Patreon
Patreon is another active membership platform where one can generate income using their art product, in this case books. The exceptionally good authors with millions of followers in Wattpad usually go to Patreon. There are lakhs of paid subscribers to many stories in Patreon, essentially because the readers get a taste of the book and the author’s writing style in some of the free sites, and later would be more than willing to pay up to complete the gripping story. To authors who are high school students or are at University, this proves to be a steady income.
