We know of the most popular social media platforms, and we focus our entire attention on how to use them effectively. In our plight to compete with others, we often neglect the other content-based platforms available specifically for writers.
From Wattpad to Goodreads to Medium, there are plenty of choices for any emerging writer looking to build that initial readership — and even monetize your work!
Every new platform attracts a different audience, and exploring them can help build your readership. Here is a list of 5 such platforms that you need to try out now!
1. Wattpad
Did you know that Wattpad pays writers now? Yes! If you’ve been writing on Wattpad consistently and if at least one of your stories has more than 50,000 words, you can join the Wattpad Star program to be eligible to earn money.
Wattpad, for most of us, used to be that place we go to for fanfiction stories. In fact, a lot of authors started their writing careers via stories crafted on Wattpad for an audience that commented underneath every chapter, encouraging them to keep going. It still is one of the largest platforms for writers, with over 55 million monthly visitors, and a LOT of competition.
Rising to fame on Wattpad is no easy task, but absolutely worth it when it comes to creating an audience of avid readers.
How Can Authors Use Wattpad?
01. To find an audience who loves reading and is willing to spend hours on written content by authors still experimenting on their writing voice
02. To build connections with other writers and be a part of an ever-growing community
03. Get immediate feedback from readers at the end of every chapter and even for every paragraph
04. To monetize your work through Paid Stories
2. Reddit
We all know of Reddit as the platform that gets first access to all the movie leaks, and is a hub for conspiracy theories and community discussions. With more than 520 million monthly visitors, Reddit is called “the front of the internet” and not for no reason.
Did you know that it can also be a haven for writers?
It can get a little overwhelming to use this platform as a beginner, with the anonymity and the rules and the reach. But it’s definitely a place to grow as a writer and seek help from an entire community dedicated to upvoting and giving advice (ever read those AITA threads?).
How Can Authors Use Reddit?
There are countless subreddits for authors to share their writing, promote published books and even get publishing help
01. The most popular subreddits for writing are /r/writing and /r/writers
02. For publishing advice: /r/publishing and /r/selfpub
03. For writing groups and criticism: /r/writersgroup and /r/destructivereaders
04. For inspiration and prompts: /r/keepwriting and /r/writingprompts
3. Goodreads
Goodreads, of course, is a place for writers and readers; a hub for all the bookish content, from new releases to reviews to communities to writing groups. If you already have a Goodreads author page — congratulations! But if that’s all you use Goodreads for (and to go through reviews readers have left for you), here are a few other things you should definitely try out now.
How Can Authors Use Goodreads?
01. A Goodreads author page will give you access to statistics about your books
02. You can make lists using Listopia to create your own lists or add your book to other people’s lists (it’s a great marketing tactic!)
03. You can host book giveaways (print or digital) to readers and get them excited about your book
04. Connect your blog to Goodreads and get exposure and traffic from Goodreads users
05. Try the Goodreads advertising feature
4. Medium
As an active member and writer of Medium myself, I can guarantee that it’s absolutely worth it! I have interacted with a lot of experts in my field, gotten some amazing feedback for my work, had my number of views shoot up in a week and seen my blog posts being shared around by Medium members.
True, it takes time to earn the first few dollars but, the more you write, the more money that comes trickling in and the more recognition you gain. Consistency and an attention to detail, including a useful headline that doesn’t come off as clickbait, are essential to Medium success.
How Can Authors Use Medium?
01. Join the Medium Partner Program to be eligible to earn money
02. Aim to get published in some of Medium’s large publications like The Startup, Better Marketing, and The Writing Cooperative
03. Create your own publication once you have a substantial following
04. Create your own newsletter and/or export subscribers from one platform to another
05. Use Medium’s new Tipping feature to allow readers to send you a tip through a third-party platform such as PayPal or Ko-Fi
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is not just for professionals and businessmen and people looking to get hired. There is another side to LinkedIn that most of us aren’t aware of — for writers and artists. While it’s true that readers aren’t focused on LinkedIn like they would be on Goodreads or Twitter, you’re not here for marketing. You’re here for networking. To find these professionals everybody’s talking about.
How Can Authors Use LinkedIn?
01. You can attach links to samples of your writers
02. Build connections with other authors
03. Be noticed by clients and recruiters
04. Join LinkedIn groups and find out about the journeys and struggles of other writers
05. Have credibility when looking for agents or self-publishing companies
Sharika Hafeez
Sharika Hafeez is a nerd, and she’s proud of it. Growing up, she fell in love with books and writing, and is currently following her undergraduate degree (for some mysterious reasons) in Physics. She likes procrastinating by watching the stars with a steaming cup of tea, composing poetry in her head.
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