Wattpad and Querying

ajwinter said:

Hi there! I have a few questions
I've previously done commissioned work on Wattpad, one of the biggest online writing spaces. I'm also contracted through them as part of their partnership program called the Wattpad Stars (think Youtubers with Google). Would this be something to mention in the bio?

The book I'm also planning to query is currently a featured book on the website, but it's an early rewrite of the book. Since I posted it, I've changed subplots and romances, but the overall plot is the same. How would I go about mentioning this in a query letter?

Should also add that I'm not allowed to take my featured book down until it isn't featured.

Thanks!
~Amanda

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If your book has been published online, most agents won't accept a query for it. If you choose to query it, you will need to disclose that it has been previously published even if it is no longer featured on the site. Agents will need to see the distribution numbers and sales figures (I don't know how Wattpad works, so not sure how applicable these questions are.)

So, published on Wattpad equals published. That means a lot of agents will not look at the MS because it will be difficult to sell. If you have a really popular property then some folks might consider it - but there are questions of balancing the folks who have already read it for free (even if it's an early version) with those who will pay money for it.

For certain, if you have published a previous version of it via Wattpad you need to mention it. You should also try and reference how much is has changed since that publication. (i.e. overall percentage of new material) It's not impossible to resell previously published work, but it is difficult.

Best of luck.

Some agents might consider that a point in your favour, because you have a built-in fan-base. However, others are going to consider this a point against you because so many of your potential readers have already read your work AND are unlikely to pay for anything you publish because they are on Wattpad where they can read for free.

Mention it in your query. It will save confusion later. But expect it to put off at least as many agents as it attracts. And good luck.

I know this is an old thread, but I have a follow up question. (Sorry If I’m doing this wrong, let me know if I should start a separate thread).

I have a book on Wattpad right now and it was originally planned as an experiment, just to see if I could get any followers on the site. Well, one month later and I still have an unimpressive less-than-200 followers. However, something else happened: the story grew and evolved and I fell in love It’s becoming one of the best things I’ve ever written. I’d estimate about 1/2 is currently on the site. Yesterday, a small startup publisher approached me about publishing the book when it’s done.

So, after reading tons of threads on here, I’m wondering if I could get a little advice. If I’ve missed a relevant thread, I’m sorry for wasting your time. Please point me in the right direction. Basically, I’m wondering if a small untested publisher is the best I can hope for with a story that’s already mostly published on wattpad? It’s far from being a wattpad sensation, though it has attracted a decent amount of attention. This publisher randomly found it and loved it, which has made me feel pretty awesome. I know some people have had a bit of success with getting trade publishers and agents interested in their wattpad stories, but I’m thinking that might be kinda rare?

Thank you so much for your time,
Anna