The (Unofficial) Wattpad Writer's Manual

SECTION 8: Get Noticed

SECTION 8: Get Noticed

Let me start by repeating that I'm not here to bash ANYone. But if I have to add a section just to tell you not to annoy people, then it's only because I see this happening ALL over Wattpad! And yes, it's annoying. There is an appropriate, respectful way to interact with others - and be noticed - without coming off as a stalker.

The key is to remember that you're in a community, albeit "online", but still a community. And to make things worst, you're a writer in a community of other writers.

My point is, please don't insult the author of a text that's worked their little butt off attempting to give you something you will love by plugging in your story in their comment's section. There are ways to say "hey, look at me" without being openly flashy.

What I find helps is just to interact with others in the same way I'd like for them to interact with me. Here's the run-down:

1. I always answer my fans (when appropriate)! It's just proper etiquette. If they took the time to write me an insightful comment and raise my 'What's Hot' status, then I can at least answer back and say 'thank you'!

2. Be courteous and go take a look at the other person's work. If I get a comment on my story or a person fans me, I ALWAYS go and take a look at their work. I bookmark stories that interest me, even if it's just one page. I do read what other people comment on your page, heck, I even read your ENTIRE profile just to try and figure out what common characteristics we might share!

3. Interact, don't annoy. Don't bother people with the constant 'read my story'. I said it already but I'm repeating it. It's important. I know that if I personally see a plug (that's not altogether genuine, like the only reason you came over was to plug your story), then I won't read it!

4. Use your judgment. Not everyone is hungry to get views / fans / comments. Some people genuinely respect you enough to ask for your help. Don't be rude!!! I hate people that are rude for no reason. While the regular, run of the mill 'read my story' is usually annoying when it's just a plug, there are people out there that may not know any better or just respect you that much to ask. Nurture them, don't bash them. If I see a genuine "cry for help", I'll go visit, read, comment and sometimes, if it's something I can help with, I'll shoot over a quick email stating 'what I'd do to make it better'. I'm very honest in my opinions and statements. If it's something I would tell the world about your story, then it's something I will tell you to your face too!

5. Be Honest. Don't lie to someone and say you're going to comment or read their story and then don't. It's rude. I hate seeing the group posts "tell me your story and I'll read it" because so many people answer, that it just becomes unreasonable to expect someone to read 50 stories at once. Instead, just be honest. Say, look, I enjoy reading historical romance novels, about vampires / werewolves and I am looking for something new. I would prefer something that has at least 20 pages because I like to read non-stop, but if it's something you will update on a regular basis, then please share! I apologize ahead of time if I can't get to your story, but please feel free to leave the information because as I finish one book, I'll check back to see what else is out there.

6. Don't just comment, review. When you comment with insight, you give the author a chance to see what they are doing right, what you don't like, what you'd change, etc. It helps give the author ideas about where to go with the story. But if the only thing they ever hear is 'it's great', 'post again soon' or 'love it', then how are they going to personally develop in any way? Think about this phrase when you write: Would I appreciate getting a comment like this? Expanding on your comment is easy, when you really care about what you're reading. "I love this story! I can't believe the relationship between Emily and John. Will they ever stop fighting and realize that they're in love?! OMG, they're insane! LOL... I really love the way you explain what's going on. It helps me visualize the story like a movie in my head. Keep up the awesome work - and please upload soon!" is MUCH better than "I love it. Update soon!" And I don't know about you, but after a thoughtful comment like that, if I see a quick "I would love it if you also checked out my work. Maybe give me a few pointers or tell me what you think" after a comment like that, then it's genuine - go check it out!

7. Socialize, Socialize, Socialize! Write a winning profile. Something insightful that actually screams "this is me", and then go and actually READ other people's profiles! You can learn a lot about people by what they say (or don't say). Join groups - and interact! Be helpful, be insightful, just be SOMEthing! Don't sit back and just read what other's write because the more you interact, the more likable you become. And the likeable you are, the more fans you will acquire. So yes, comment on other posts, stalk someone and become a fan today, just do something besides posting and waiting around for a million hits. Add a facebook or twitter link and share your story on there, etc. Whatever allows you to grow readership. I often visit my fans and then visit the other people within their circle. In all sense of the word, MINGLE!

So to wrap up this chapter. YES, this is a popularity contest. Go out with your winning smile, mingle, befriend folk. Be yourself and be genuine. Don't be rude. Don't get big-headed. Don't insult. Don't bash. Cherish and compliment others on their accomplishments. Be insightful. Be respectful. The more likeable you are, the bigger the following will be!