Have you been sharing your stories on Wattpad and wondering if you could earn money with Wattpad from your writing? You’re not alone! While many writers use Wattpad simply to share their creativity, there are several ways to turn your passion into profit.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through realistic, proven methods to make money with Wattpad. As someone who’s helped writers navigate the platform, I know what works and what doesn’t.
What is Wattpad?
Before diving into monetization, let’s quickly cover what makes Wattpad special. With over 70 million monthly users, Wattpad is a storytelling community where writers share their work and connect with readers. It’s particularly popular for fiction, especially in genres like romance, fantasy, and young adult.
Does Wattpad pay you for your stories? Can you earn money with Wattpad stories?
Yes, Wattpad can pay you for your stories through their Paid Stories program. However, not all writers qualify. You need to be invited to the program based on your story’s popularity, your consistency in posting, and the quality of your writing. Once accepted, readers pay to access your stories using Wattpad’s coins system, and you earn a share of that revenue.
How much money can you earn with Wattpad?
Earnings on Wattpad vary widely. Most writers in the Paid Stories program earn between $50-$200 per month, though top performers can make $1,000+ monthly. Writers who leverage their Wattpad following to secure book deals or brand partnerships can earn significantly more, with some receiving advances of $5,000-$20,000 for publishing deals.
Is writing on Wattpad worth it?
Writing on Wattpad can be worth it even if you don’t make money immediately. The platform offers valuable benefits like direct reader feedback, a built-in audience, and networking opportunities. Many successful authors started on Wattpad to build their audience before monetizing their work through publishing deals or other platforms.
Can you get discovered on Wattpad?
Yes, many writers have been discovered on Wattpad. Publishers, literary agents, and film producers regularly scout the platform for new talent. Notable success stories include Anna Todd (“After” series), Beth Reekles (“The Kissing Booth”), and Taran Matharu (“Summoner” series), all of whom secured major publishing deals after gaining popularity on Wattpad.
How do you get my Wattpad story published?
To increase your chances of getting your Wattpad story published:
- Write and edit your story to professional standards
- Build a substantial following on the platform
- Engage actively with your readers
- Enter Wattpad contests and apply for programs like Wattpad Books
- Query literary agents and mention your Wattpad statistics
- Consider self-publishing through platforms like Amazon KDP
Official Wattpad Monetization Programs
Let’s start with the built-in ways Wattpad offers writers to earn money:
1. Wattpad Paid Stories
What it is: This program allows selected writers to charge readers for access to their stories.
How to qualify:
- You need a strong track record on the platform
- Consistent posting history
- Engaging, high-quality stories
- Good reader engagement
How it works: Once accepted, you can set certain stories as “paid.” Readers purchase coins to unlock chapters. Writers earn a share of this revenue.
Earning potential: Most writers earn between $50-$200 per month, though top performers can make $1,000+ monthly.
Apply here: Wattpad Paid Stories Program
2. Wattpad Stars Program
What it is: An invite-only program that connects popular Wattpad writers with brands for sponsored content opportunities.
How to qualify:
- Strong following on Wattpad
- Consistent engagement
- Professional approach to writing
- Unique voice that appeals to brands
How it works: Wattpad may approach you to write stories incorporating brands or products. These are clearly marked as sponsored content.
Earning potential: Brand deals typically range from $250-$5,000 depending on your audience size and the campaign requirements.
Learn more: Wattpad Stars Program
3. Wattpad Books
What it is: Wattpad’s publishing division that turns popular Wattpad stories into published books.
How to qualify:
- Exceptional storytelling
- Strong reader engagement
- Unique concept or approach
- Complete or nearly complete manuscript
How it works: Editors at Wattpad Books scout the platform for stories with publishing potential. If selected, you’ll receive a traditional publishing deal.
Earning potential: Standard publishing advances range from $5,000-$20,000 plus royalties.
How do I join Wattpad Paid Stories?
The Wattpad Paid Stories program is invitation-only. To increase your chances of being invited:
- Build a substantial following on the platform
- Maintain a consistent posting schedule
- Engage with your readers regularly
- Create complete, well-edited stories
- Follow Wattpad’s community guidelines
What genres make the most money on Wattpad?
Romance, fantasy, young adult, and fan fiction tend to perform best on Wattpad. Within these categories, popular subgenres include:
- Teen romance
- Fantasy adventure
- Werewolf/vampire stories
- K-pop fan fiction
- Dystopian young adult
Do I need to copyright my work before posting on Wattpad?
Your work is automatically copyrighted when you create it. However, many authors choose to register their copyright formally before publishing on Wattpad for added protection. You can do this through the U.S. Copyright Office or your country’s equivalent agency.
Indirect Ways to Earn Money With Wattpad
Even if you’re not in official Wattpad programs, you can still use the platform to generate income:
1. Build Your Author Platform
Wattpad is perfect for building a following that you can direct to other monetized platforms:
Amazon KDP: Many Wattpad authors use the platform to build an audience, then publish enhanced or sequel versions of their stories on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform.
Get started: Amazon KDP
Traditional Publishing: Having a significant Wattpad following can make you more attractive to literary agents and publishers. Authors like Anna Todd (“After” series) and Beth Reekles (“The Kissing Booth”) got major publishing deals after Wattpad success.
2. Create a Writer Website with Affiliate Marketing
Use your Wattpad profile to direct readers to your personal website where you can:
- Sell merchandise related to your stories
- Promote writing tools with affiliate links
- Offer exclusive content for paying subscribers
Helpful tools:
- Squarespace for creating a professional website
- Printful for print-on-demand merchandise
- Amazon Associates for book-related affiliate marketing
3. Patreon or Ko-fi Memberships
Link your Wattpad profile to membership platforms where fans can support you directly:
Patreon: Offer tiered membership levels with benefits like early access to chapters, character naming rights, or exclusive short stories.
Set up your page: Patreon
Ko-fi: A simpler platform where fans can “buy you a coffee” as a thank you for your work.
Create your account: Ko-fi
4. Build an Email List
The most valuable asset for any writer is a direct connection to readers:
- Add a link in your Wattpad profile to a newsletter signup
- Offer a free short story or prequel as an incentive to subscribe
- Use your list to promote paid books or offerings
Recommended tools:
- MailerLite (free up to 1,000 subscribers)
- ConvertKit (great for authors)
How do I get more readers on Wattpad?
To increase your readership on Wattpad:
- Post consistently (at least once a week)
- Use relevant tags and categories
- Create eye-catching covers using tools like Canva
- Engage with other writers and readers
- Participate in Wattpad contests and reading lists
- Share your work on social media
- Join Wattpad communities and forums
How often should I update my Wattpad story?
For optimal growth, update your Wattpad story at least once a week. Many successful authors post 2-3 times per week. Whatever schedule you choose, consistency is key. Let your readers know when to expect new chapters and stick to that schedule.
What should I include in my Wattpad profile?
An effective Wattpad profile should include:
- A professional profile picture
- A brief, engaging bio
- Links to your other platforms (website, social media)
- Your posting schedule
- Genre preferences and writing style
- A call-to-action for readers to follow you
- Information about your current projects
Success Stories: Real Writers Making Money From Wattpad
Anna Todd
Started posting “After” on Wattpad in 2013. The Harry Styles-inspired fan fiction gained over 1.5 billion reads and led to a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster reportedly worth six figures. The books were later adapted into a film series.
Beth Reekles
Wrote “The Kissing Booth” at 15 years old on Wattpad. It gained millions of reads and was picked up by Random House, then adapted into a Netflix film series.
Taran Matharu
His “Summoner” series began on Wattpad and led to a major publishing deal with Hodder Children’s Books after gaining over 10 million reads.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the monetization process
Wait until you have a substantial following before focusing on money. - Neglecting reader engagement
Respond to comments and build relationships with your audience. - Poor quality content
Edit thoroughly and consider using tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to improve your writing. - Unrealistic expectations
Most writers don’t get rich quick; focus on consistent growth. - Ignoring platform etiquette
Don’t spam readers with requests to buy things or visit external sites.
Can I publish my Wattpad story elsewhere?
Yes, you can publish your Wattpad story elsewhere unless you’ve entered it into a Wattpad program with exclusive rights (like some Wattpad Books contracts). Many authors publish enhanced or edited versions of their Wattpad stories on platforms like Amazon KDP or through traditional publishers.
How do I format my story for Wattpad?
For optimal reading experience on Wattpad:
- Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences)
- Use plenty of dialogue
- Include chapter breaks every 2,000-3,000 words
- Add scene breaks using asterisks or other dividers
- Avoid complex formatting that might not display well on mobile
- Use bold or italics sparingly for emphasis
Is Wattpad safe for young writers?
Wattpad has community guidelines and content warnings to protect younger users. However, the platform does contain mature content. Young writers should:
- Set their accounts to private if under 18
- Be careful about sharing personal information
- Report any inappropriate interactions
- Have a parent or guardian monitor their activity
Step-by-Step Plan to Start Making Money
- Perfect your craft
- Write consistently
- Study storytelling techniques
- Read widely in your genre
- Build your audience
- Post on a regular schedule
- Engage with readers
- Participate in Wattpad communities
- Create polished, complete stories
- Professional covers (try Canva)
- Well-edited content
- Compelling descriptions
- Establish your brand
- Consistent author name
- Clear genre focus
- Professional profile
- Expand beyond Wattpad
- Create social media accounts
- Start a newsletter
- Build a simple website
Tools to Help You Succeed
For Writing:
- Scrivener ($49, one-time purchase)
- Google Docs (free)
For Editing:
- Grammarly (free version available)
- ProWritingAid (free trial available)
For Cover Design:
For Marketing:
- BookFunnel (starting at $20/year)
- StoryOrigin (free while in beta)
Final Thoughts
Making money with Wattpad is possible, but it requires patience, quality work, and smart strategy. The platform is best viewed as a starting point in your writing career rather than a final destination.
Remember that most successful Wattpad authors didn’t start with monetization as their primary goal. They focused on telling great stories and building genuine connections with readers. The money followed naturally as their audience grew.
Start by writing what you love, engage sincerely with your audience, and keep improving your craft. The financial opportunities will come as your readership expands.
Have you had success monetizing your Wattpad stories? Share your experiences in the comments below!