Most authors dream of publishing their first novel as a physical book to show their friends and family. It’s a way to say “I made it!”

But what if you didn’t?

What if you took an alternative to traditional publishing?

What if you didn’t even publish a physical book at all?

There’s more than one way to publish a book and web novels have become an extremely popular way to share your work with readers without all the added stress.

Why are we telling you this? Because traditional publishing isn’t for everyone; but the knowledge of ways to share your work with readers should be discussed more.

So, let’s get into the pros and cons of writing a web novel:

Pros

A Chapter At A Time

One of the greatest reasons to write a web novel is that you don’t need to have a finished manuscript before publishing. You can choose to write and post your work a single chapter at a time.

This takes a lot of the stress away from the idea of writing a book and also the uncertainty of whether an agent or publisher will pick it up in the end. You are in charge of where to publish, how much to publish, and when to publish.

Monetize Your Way

Earning money from your writing can seem impossible outside of traditional publishing but with all of the new platforms emerging for self-published authors, it has become a lot easier. Sites like Patreon and Ko-Fi have made it so your readers can subscribe, receive bonus content, and support your writing journey. 

In addition, sites like StudioLink and Wattpad allow you to post your work chapter-by-chapter and also include ways to monetize your work in your own way.

You don’t have to rely on a percentage of a sale, you can set your prices for different types of bonus content.

Instant Feedback

Knowing when your readers really like your story is a bonus. Normally, you’d have to wait to see if they left a review but with web novels, you can get feedback on every single chapter.

For some of you, this may seem daunting but it’s actually a good thing.

Based on what they like, you can monetize those aspects. For example, you could create stickers with a specific quote or keychains of a particular character. You’ll have a lot of possibilities to work with.

Remember, you can always go back and edit if, for some reason, you aren’t getting good feedback on your book.

Cons

Keeping Up

It can be tough to keep up with a consistent publishing schedule, easily at the beginning when you have a small number of readers.

The key is to create a realistic schedule and to inform your readers of it. That way they know when to expect your next chapter. That will also make it easier to know what you should post on social media and when.

Marketing

This is the part most writers hate and the reason why they choose traditional publishing over self-publishing.

You’ll be in charge of marketing yourself and your book. That means posting pictures and videos on social media, connecting with readers, and finding a way to showcase why people should read your book.

The time and potential costs of marketing will fall on you.

It’s rough but it can be worth it if you put in the time and effort.

Quality

This goes along with being able to keep up with a consistent schedule for posting each chapter.

Writing a chapter at a time can make it difficult quality-wise. If you aren’t a detailed planner you may find that it’s harder to write a story that flows well and has minimal plot holes in the first draft.

Even if you are writing by the seat of your pants, it’s okay. You can always go back and edit but don’t forget to let your readers know when you’ve updated a chapter!

✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽

Many people will tell you that traditional publishing is the way to go but self-publishing and web novels are just as viable an option and sometimes even a better fit for a writer.

Depending on your writing style and ability to stick to a schedule, writing a web novel could potentially bring you more money than traditional publishing would.

It won’t be easy though. It’s a slow process, building an audience of consistent readers, but it is so rewarding when you see people who love your work every time you post a new chapter.

However you choose to publish, it’s an accomplishment to put your work out there for strangers to read and judge. Be proud of that!

If you are looking to take a more traditional approach to publishing, we at Third Wheel Publishing are working to bring new authors to the hands of readers, even without being represented by an agent.

We are currently looking for new authors so submit today!