Wattpad Works

Author Margaret Atwood encourages authors to embrace digital publishing. Resources like Wattpad are here to help along the way.

Let’s talk about self published authors: now and then. Way back when, authors that chose to self publish had limited sources of feedback at their disposal. They could print out booklets and distribute them at coffee houses, but doing so took time and effort with minimal payback. Today, writers can gain immediate feedback via the internet.

One resource in particular, Wattpad, allows authors to share their pieces with millions of the site’s users to gain immediate feedback and attention. With 1.7 billion views per month, Wattpad is a leading resource for authors that choose to self publish. Authors can even use the site to share their pieces with friends and family through social media outlets. The site is completely free and extremely helpful.

Famed author Margaret Atwood described her affinity for Wattpad in a Guardian article. She had a few key points regarding Wattpad’s usefulness.

Wattpad testifies Atwood’s assertion that the internet can increase literacy. 

Although some claim that the internet turns brains to mush, Atwood takes an alternative stance. Atwood was criticized for praising the internet as a means to improve literacy. She roots her argument in the fact that you can’t use the internet without being literate. Developing writers are able to explore their abilities and gain exposure through resources like Wattpad.

Wattpad allows users to be anonymous.

Unlike a coffee shop, no one needs to know how old you are, your social background, or where you live when you post on Wattpad. Atwood feels that Wattpad allows her to stretch her boundaries because she can anonymously write about anything. The site gives writers a space where they can be themselves without judgement.

Traditional publishing isn’t doomed. It’s just evolving. 

Atwood isn’t opposed to traditional publishing. In fact, she praises Wattpad’s ability to provide a gateway to traditional publishing. Talent scouts find writers on the site, giving the writers an opportunity to get paid for what they love to do.

Wattpad can also be used for feedback and support. 

Whether or not traditional publishing is in your plans, Wattpad can be useful for the advice and support. An author can learn about what an audience likes and dislikes about their work before publishing. Wattpad acts as a portal through which readers can give writers the support that they need to grow.

Throw away your old notions of publishing by following Atwood’s lead. To embark upon your digital journey, visit Wattpad here. Check out the free stories and post some of your own. Millions of other Wattpad users are waiting for your next big story.