First, sign up for an account. You only need an email address. Enter a username (how you will be known on the site) and your birthday. The site is for users thirteen years old and over. The birth date verifies content limitations as well as age.
Next, tell Wattpad what you like to do: Read, Write, Both. If you chose Write or Both, pick the statement that best describes your intent about writing. Each response will prompt another question. It will also ask what pronouns you prefer. The response is private. If you chose Reader or Both, you will be prompted to select three genres you enjoy reading. Choose your categories and hit done. Wattpad will take you to a suggested reading page based on your preferences. Click on any title to start reading.
As this post is for writers, I’ll focus on the writing and posting of stories.
Click on your account name on the far right top of the screen. The drop-down menu will take you to Notifications, Inbox, Settings, and Profile. Click Profile to view your home page.
On your profile page, you will see your name icon in the center of a large colored rectangle. We’ll talk about customization later. Underneath is the count of your works, reading lists, and followers. Below that, your personal description (bio), your reading lists, and a list of your works. There are also buttons to share your Wattpad work on various social media platforms. Let’s add some content.
Click on the word Write at the top of the page and select Create a new story. The new page asks you to enter information about your story. Here you can give some details and tags to help readers find the content. Add a title, blurb (description), and main characters (not required).
Next are Category and Tags. These are essential for readers to find your work. Even if your story is mixed genre, assign at least one. Use the tags like hashtags from Twitter to zero in on your story’s message. Add things like #romance, #fanfiction, #historicalcomedy, or whatever your story embodies. Use several but not dozens. Not sure what to tag your story? Check out other stories on Wattpad that have similar themes. Check out Amazon keywords on tales similar to your own, too.
Now choose your target audience. It will get the right eyes on your work. Audiences range from middle-grade to adult. Select your primary language and your copyright statement. If your book has adult content, be sure to mark it mature. Remember, we are trying to get these stories to the correct readers.
Back at the top of the screen, you can a cover for your book. Click on the cover and either update or be taken to Canva to create an easy cover. (See my posts on Canva.)
When you’re happy with the data, click Next at the top right and start writing. Wattpad allows you to either write in the app or post previously written material on the page. Be sure to give each section/chapter a title. If it’s a one-post short story, then a title is essential. Even if it’s a multi-chapter story, section titles will help readers find what they have already read. Add more pizazz to your section with a picture header. Click the icon on the top and upload. For video headers, add a YouTube link for the video. Again, be sure of copyrighted material before uploading. You can add more media in the text section.
Once you are finished writing, either for the day or the section, save your work. Save is on the top menu. If you’re ready to put your work out there, press Publish (after you save). The first time you want to publish (rate, comment, etc.), you will need to verify your mail for the account. If you click on your profile page, your new work will be listed and available for everyone to read (age-appropriate, of course).
If you return to the Write menu, more options are listed. Create a new story and My Stories are still available. There are also Helpful Writing Resources, Writing Contests, and Wattpad programs and opportunities.
Back on your profile page, your stories will have your title, tags, and publishing status. Below the title, there’s a small row of icons. The eye shows how many reads you’ve had. The star represents how many readers clicked the Like button to rate your story. The list icon tells readers how many parts are in the story. Click on the cover to read what you wrote (as another reader would see it). The pop-up tells readers the blurb and if it’s a finished or ongoing story.
If you need to edit, on your profile page, click the gear icon on your story. The gear will take you to a list of your stories, each inviting you to Continue Writing. Click that button to add more. To edit a section, click on the Title of the book. Wattpad will display Story Details, Table of Contents, and Story Details. Click on Table of Contents and then the title of the chapter to edit. (Another reason to make sure each section has a unique title.) On this screen and the previous one, the three dots allow you to view as a reader or delete the section.
Story Details will allow you to add or edit the initial information about your work. Perhaps you’ve changed a name or the heat level. Story Details will allow you to change that info at any time. Story Notes will give you space to add more about the protagonist. It’s a great character sheet to fill in details and ensure your character has a goal or a conflict to overcome. As it’s right there with your story, you can always double-check yourself. Be sure to hit Save whenever you enter additional details.
Chapters out of order? It’s easy on this page to drag the chapters to a new spot. In Table of Contents, click on the three lines to drag the chapter up or down.
Have you completely finished writing and editing the tale? On your profile page, click the gear, then the Story Details tab. It has a new edition. Move the Story Status slider over to complete if you are finished. It will tag the work, and readers will see the entire story is posted. (Some don’t mind reading an ongoing, but some only pick the finished ones.)
Want to write a new story, press the gear on the profile page again and click New Story. You are ready to begin anew with a fresh blank slate and a spot for a cover.
Remember that big blank screen behind your avatar on the profile page? Let’s add a graphic for it. Click on the Edit Profile button with the gear. This will give you editing options for the top splash bar. You can edit your name, background banner, and profile icon. You might have to log out and in again to view changes.
A not-so-short intro to Wattpad. I tend to over-explain for those unfamiliar with these apps. Let me know if you have any questions. Next week, we’ll look at the Wattpad writing programs and how best to use this app as a writer.
