My Writing Journey: INKITT vs WATTPAD

Hey fellow writers and readers,

Let’s dive into a little chapter of my writing journey, shall we? Two years ago, I made a call to stop my writing venture on Wattpad and shift my focus solely to INKITT. Now, let me spill the tea on why.

Back in the Wattpad days, gaining traction and readers was like searching for a needle in a haystack. No matter how hard I hustled, the organic reach just wasn’t cutting it. Most of my engagement came from diving into book clubs, chasing awards, and being part of community activities.

Fast-forward to two years ago, I decided to close the Wattpad chapter of my writing life. The constant struggle with mirror sites ripping off stories was a deal-breaker. Enter INKITT, my writing haven since then.

Now, I want to be transparent—I’m not getting paid to sing INKITT’s praises. This is just me, updating my opinions on a previous post comparing these platforms which you can read HERE.

As a writer, INKITT just does it for me. The platform has a knack for getting your stories out there in a way that feels different. Plus, can we talk about the analytics dashboard? It’s like a writer’s dream come true. And the recent updates, like scheduling chapters and the option for a subscription tier, are the cherries on top.

Full disclosure—I was part of the Wattpad Ambassador program and now hang my hat in the INKITT moderation program. But hey, I promised this isn’t a biased, paid promo. It’s just a writer sharing how they found their cozy writing nook.

Table Eleven Chronicles: INKITT vs. Wattpad

Let’s dive into the saga of ‘Table Eleven,’ shall we? I conducted a little experiment, a tale of two platforms

—INKITT and Wattpad. Same book, same schedule, same hashtags, and promotions both on the platforms and Instagram. Here’s how it unfolded.

In just 3 months, ‘Table Eleven’ on INKITT hit a whopping 2000 reads and counting. INKITT has this cool way of pushing out new chapter updates and completed books, giving your story the spotlight it deserves. Bonus tip: Tag them on your Instagram story promotions, and they might just give your story a shoutout on their page, exposing it to a broader audience.

Now, in about 8 months, ‘Table Eleven’ was doing so darn well that it snagged a Galatea contract. Yup, you heard it right—it’s now thriving on the pay-to-read platform, the sister company of INKITT.

Now, I sense the suspense building—what happened with ‘Table Eleven’ on Wattpad? Don’t worry; I’ll spill the beans soon. But first, let’s break down the pros and cons of both platforms.

INKITT Writing Platform: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

Fostering Community:
- At INKITT, building a literary community isn’t just a goal—it’s a vibe. Here’s how they turn reader interaction into a vibrant, storytelling rendezvous:
- Comment Sections:
  - The comment section allows readers to share their thoughts and even connect with fellow readers. It’s like a digital book club where everyone has a seat.
- Emoji Reactions:
  - Not every reader is a chatterbox, and that’s totally cool. Enter emoji reactions—an expressive shorthand to convey feelings without typing a single word. From a virtual round of applause to heart-eyed reactions, it’s a non-stop emoji party.
- Review Options:
  - INKITT empowers readers to be literary critics with review options. Share detailed feedback, highlight the highs and lows, and let writers know what worked magic for you.
INKITT x Instagram: A Writer’s Dream Collaboration:
- Let’s talk about the magic that happens when INKITT and Instagram join forces. Trust me; it’s a game-changer. Writers, you’ve got an ace up your sleeve—INKITT’s Instagram game. If you write on INKITT and you have an Instagram account, you need to add this to your routine. Here’s the lowdown:
- Tagging INKITT:
  - Writers, when you tag INKITTBOOKS in your story or post promotions on Instagram, you’re not just tagging a platform; you’re opening a door to a world of possibilities. INKITT might just sprinkle some Instagram stardust on your story by sharing your promotions on their page. And oh boy, does that elevate your story to new heights!
- Personal Experience:
  - Let me share a quick story. I once had INKITT share my story, and when I logged back into the app, I was greeted by a whopping 62 notifications. That’s not just support; it’s a flood of reader love.
  - The best part? INKITT doesn’t play favourites. They’re not just backing the trendsetters; they’re supporting every writer on the platform. That’s why I made the call to write exclusively on INKITT.
  - So, writers, tag away, dream big, and let the collaboration magic unfold. Because on INKITT, every story gets its moment in the Instagram spotlight. Happy tagging!
Analytics Dashboard:
- Ever wish you had a literary crystal ball to peek into the minds of your readers? Well, INKITT’s got the next best thing—the Analytics Dashboard.
- Robust Insights:
  - INKITT’s analytics dashboard isn’t just a tool; it’s a writer’s secret weapon. It serves up a buffet of insights into reader behaviour, preferences, and trends. Think of it as your backstage pass to the reader’s journey through your story.
- Read Counts and Drop-Offs:
  - See those read counts? It’s not just a number; it’s a roadmap. Spot the drop-off chapters, and voilà! You’ve pinpointed areas that need a little extra love. Knowing where readers take a detour helps refine your storytelling strategy.
- Refining Your Craft:
  - This isn’t just data; it’s a mentor in the form of charts and graphs. Use it to refine your writing, understand what clicks with readers, and unravel the mysteries of storytelling.
- INKITT’s Analytics Dashboard isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowering writers with the insights they need to elevate their craft.
Recent Upgrade: Pictures in Chapters:
- Visual Storytelling:
  - INKITT’s not just about words any more; they’ve unleashed the power of visuals. Now, you can add pictures to your story chapters. Cue the character art madness! In my book ‘The Abyss,’ I’ve gone a bit wild with character visuals, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer, I’ve had a few readers mention that the visuals help.
Galatea Opportunities:
- Ever dreamt of turning your words into not just art, but also a source of income? Well, buckle up because INKITT’s got a golden gateway to make that dream a reality.
- Success Beyond INKITT:
  - INKITT isn’t just a platform; it’s a stepping stone to something bigger. Success on INKITT may open doors to opportunities with Galatea, the pay-to-read platform and sister company of INKITT.
- Monetize Your Craft:
  - Picture this: Your story, available in seven languages on the Galatea app and even in audiobook format and film. It’s every writer’s dream, right? INKITT makes it possible to monetize your work, turning those late-night writing sessions into something more tangible.
- Promotion Pays Off:
  - Sure, it takes a little extra effort in your promotions, but guess what? It pays off. Table Eleven is living proof—it’s now a multilingual sensation on the Galatea app and rocking the audiobook scene.
User-Friendly Interface:
- INKITT’s user-friendly interface isn’t just about navigation; it’s about creating an environment where readers and writers coexist in perfect harmony.
- Designed for Everyone:
  - INKITT is the writer’s playground, regardless of experience level. The platform is crafted to be user-friendly, welcoming both seasoned authors and those taking their first literary steps.
- Mobile App Magic:
  - The magic happens in the palm of your hand. I’m all about the mobile app for reading, and the web app for writing. The Discover page is a literary feast, showcasing writers—newbies, trendsetters, and everyone in between.
- Ad-Free Reading Bliss:
  - Let’s talk about the joy of uninterrupted reading. INKITT’s mobile app is a sanctuary without the jarring interruption of ads. It’s just you, the words, and the immersive world crafted by the writer.
- Scheduling Auto Pilot:
  - INKITT’s Chapter Scheduling is like having a personal assistant for your publishing. Create a schedule, add your chapters, and watch the platform work its magic. It’s publishing on autopilot, where you only focus on writing and the platform works for you; effortless is the keyword here.
Subscription Tiers:
- Picture this: Everything you need, neatly packaged in one platform. Schedule your posts, manage your subscriptions, and let your creativity flow without the hassle of switching between platforms.
- Farewell to Multiple Platforms:
  - Remember the days of managing subscriptions on Patreon and Ko-fi? Well, say goodbye to that juggling act. INKITT just introduced a subscription feature that brings everything under one roof.
- Fee-Free INKITT Subscription:
  - INKITT doesn’t take a fee from your subscription earnings. Your hard-earned money stays where it belongs—with you. The only fee you may have to fork out is to Stripe for processing subscriptions.
- Early Release Bliss: One of my favourite features is the ability to treat your subscription readers to an exclusive sneak peek. With INKITT, you call the shots. Early releases are on the menu, giving your subscribers a VIP pass to your literary world.
Monthly Contests:
- The excitement doesn’t end with storytelling—it extends to a monthly celebration of creativity through contests.
- Monetary Rewards:
  - Picture this: Your words not only weaving tales but also winning you cash prizes. INKITT’s Monthly Contests come with the enticing perk of monetary rewards, turning your literary prowess into tangible treasures.
- Galatea Contracts for Top 3 Winners:
  - The stakes are high, and so are the rewards. The top three winners don’t just walk away with cash; sometimes they open doors to potential Galatea contracts and I cannot wait to win one of these.
- Celebrating Creativity:
  - Every month, INKITT transforms into a stage where creativity takes the spotlight. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or a rising star, the Monthly Contests are an opportunity to showcase your unique narrative voice and gain more readers and rewards.

Let’s be honest, in all transparency, I can’t seem to find any cons for Inkitt. Call it bias or call it a match made in literary heaven. It’s just a testament to how well the platform works for me.

If you check my last post, the cons I mentioned before have been addressed. They don’t need two separate apps for reading and writing anymore. Now everything is together in one app, and I like not having private messaging because it reduces the problem of spam and unwanted messages from various people.

Having spent time learning how to use the app, I’ve realized you don’t have to do a lot if you’re writing for the type of readers they have. Some genres and writing styles stand out on these apps. Research your audience, write for them, and you won’t have to do much.

When using these platforms, it’s important to understand how it works to be successful. Different writing styles are important in digital platforms. By understanding the audience and adjusting your content for them, you can make the ‘gathering a fanbase’ process easier. If this doesn’t work, your chosen style and genre might not be popular in the INKITT community.

INKITT isn’t just a platform; it’s the backdrop of my writing success story. What worked wonders for me might not be a universal truth, and that’s fair. Personal preferences vary, and INKITT has been my writing accomplice in the best possible way.

In comparison to all the other writing platforms I’ve tried, INKITT takes the cake. It’s not a statement of absolute superiority, but a reflection of personal preference. What clicked for me might not resonate with others, and that’s the beauty of our writing journeys.

If I had to choose one thing about INKITT that keeps me interested, it’ll be their Continuous Iterations. INKITT’s commitment to continuous improvement blows my mind. The platform evolves, adapts, and surprises me with each iteration. It’s not just a platform; it’s a dynamic space that grows with its community.

Hold on now! This article on INKITT has become a tale too grand for one chapter, and I share your aversion for lengthy tales. So, consider this a cliffhanger—a promise that the saga continues.

Upcoming in Part Two: “Wattpad Unveiled”

Table Eleven’s Performance on Wattpad:
- We will explore how Table Eleven performed on Wattpad. Did it make waves? How did it fare in comparison to INKITT? Keep in mind that they both went live on the same day and they were both promoted equally.
Wattpad’s Pros and Cons:
- Every platform has its own narrative, and Wattpad is no exception. We’ll discuss the pros and cons, and the intricacies of my Wattpad experience.

So, consider this a brief intermission and get ready for Part Two—the Wattpad Chronicles.

Until then, happy writing and stay tuned!

Lora Tia

Blogger at Silent Things – Web

Heya!
I am a wordsmith, utterly captivated by the art of writing.
My mission? To touch at least one soul in this lifetime, and my platform, Silent Things, is where the magic happens.
While you're here, I genuinely hope you find what you're looking for.
Thanks a ton for swinging by!