Literature
Navigating Webnovel: Debunking Scam Rumors and Understanding Their Process
Navigating Webnovel: Debunking Scam Rumors and Understanding Their Process
Have you recently received a message on Wattpad regarding your story, only for the message to be vague and suspicious? It's not uncommon for new authors to receive such messages, and often these are not from scam artists but rather from legitimate platforms like Webnovel. In this article, we will delve into the facts and debunk some common myths surrounding Webnovel and wattpad, providing you with valuable insights to navigate the world of web novels effectively.
The Webnovel Predicament
As new authors flock to various platforms to share their stories, there is a generalized poaching for fresh talent among these platforms. Webnovel, being a reputable entity, is no exception. However, it is important to understand the true intentions behind such outreach. While it might appear that Webnovel is reading your stories, this is often not the case. Instead, content editors are focused on meeting monthly goals and acquiring new contracts. These editors will search for keywords and try their chances on finding potential authors.
Be wary of the allure of being discovered by these editors. It is not about your writing skills or plot. It is about achieving metrics and acquiring authors from other platforms or independent sources. Webnovel aims to build its author base, even if it means acquiring authors with minimal experience or readership. Moreover, if a popular author emerges under Webnovel's contract, the success belongs to the collective team effort, not individual contributions.
Proving Speaking of Scams
The sudden message on Wattpad could be a sign that your story has been noticed. However, the accounts reaching out to you may not be genuine. Often, these accounts consist of random letters and lack any substantial interaction. This is a common tactic used by scammers to deter genuine authors from engaging. It is crucial to treat such interactions with skepticism.
Webnovel, in particular, does not typically respond to direct emails from authors. Their focus is on their own operations and marketing strategies, which often involve directing authors to their Discord servers for further information. Disappointingly, Webnovel relies on an external platform like Discord, which adds another layer of complexity and potential issues for authors.
The World of Newbies
Once you follow the instructions provided by Webnovel, you will find yourself in a niche of new authors. This Discord group is often filled with newbie authors like yourself, all in the same position of seeking guidance and support. The information provided to authors can be somewhat rudimentary and condescending, likened to preparing for kindergarten rather than sophistication befitting an adult dealing with a significant career move.
While there is community support from moderators, interaction with content editors is limited. Authors are expected to learn through engagement with other authors and newcomers. This process can be challenging for many, but it is a testament to the community-driven nature of these platforms.
Deciding on Contracts
After navigating through the initial stages, you will be given the option to either sign a non-exclusive or exclusive contract. Take your time to consider the implications. Remember, as a new author, you might not receive the level of support or attention you initially hoped for, especially if you aren't a top-tier writer. The expectation is that you will maintain a high word count to meet reader and editor expectations, often around 1500 words per day.
Despite the challenges, Webnovel does offer financial compensation, which can be a significant benefit. The pay may not be generous, but it is certainly a step forward from zero revenue. Keep in mind that despite their claims, the advertised marketing is often not as impactful as authors hope.
Conclusion
While the process may seem daunting, understanding the realities of Webnovel and Wattpad can help you make informed decisions. Do not rush into signing a contract without careful consideration. If the expectations of daily word count and reader engagement are too much for you, it might be best to reconsider your involvement. However, if you are willing to invest time and effort, signing with Webnovel can provide you with an income that might otherwise be out of reach.
Be wary of scams and focus on genuine opportunities. Webnovel, while not a scam, does require a significant amount of dedication from its authors. With patience and hard work, you can make the most of the platform.