Wattpad is an online storytelling community where users can post their own or others�written works, including fanfiction. It is a platform that allows writers from around the world to connect with readers and share their stories for free. The vast expanse of genres on Wattpad range from romance to sci-fi, and, of course, the beloved fanfiction.

Navigating the Wattpad website or app is not challenging; it's intuitive and user-friendly. However, understanding the etiquette and standard practices within the community can enhance your experience. It's essential to respect the platform and the users kind enough to share their tales. Liking, commenting, and sharing others' stories helps build relationships within the community and increases the visibility of your own work.

2. Choosing Your Fandom

Creating a fanfiction on Wattpad begins with determining your fandom. Your fandom is essentially the universe of your favorite book, movie, anime, etc. you choose to base your own story on. Once you decide, familiarize yourself profoundly with it. Knowing the ins and outs of your chosen fandom, from character development to storyline, helps you take your readers on a believable ride.

Researching your chosen fandom will also introduce you to the 'fanon'- the collective interpretations and assumptions made by other fans that may not be explicitly expressed in the original works. Being aware of 'fanon' aspects will enable you to connect more with your readers through shared perspectives and customs.

3. Planning Your Plot

Once you have chosen your fandom and done your research, it's time to plan your plot. This involves understanding your story’s structure, knowing what happens when, and deciding on the sequence of events. Remember, the most engaging stories have a clear structure consisting of the introduction, the climax, and conclusion.

Try to find a unique angle or perspective for your storyline that hasn't been overdone. This could be anything from a subplot that was underexplored in the original work, to an unlikely pairing of characters. The more unique your plot, the more likely it will stand out in the sea of fanfictions and catch a reader's eye.

4. Developing Your Characters

In fanfiction, you already have a cast of characters to work with. However, it's crucial to develop them further or showcase another aspect of their personality that aligns with your plot. This doesn't mean changing the characters but exploring them in-depth. Remember, fans love the characters as they are, and drastic changes can be off-putting.

You can also introduce new characters of your own. Just make sure they blend in with the already established universe and don't overshadow the original characters. Your readers have followed you for the characters they already love, so keep them the central focus of your story.

5. Writing Your Story

Writing is the heart of fanfiction. Start by drafting out your chapters, paying close attention to maintaining a consistent plot and character development. Sprinkle references or tidbits from the original work to remind your readers of the universe they love.

Also, review your drafts for writing mechanics such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling. There are a number of free tools available online like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, etc. that can aid in this process. A well-crafted, grammatically correct story is more likely to attract readers.

6. Formatting Your Story

Wattpad stories follow a particular format with a separation of scenes by line breaks. Break your content into paragraphs, each paragraph delivering a new idea or detail. Make sure to accurately use dialogue tags and ensure the correct formatting of speech �new speakers start a new paragraph.

Adding images, videos, or gifs related to your fandom can also enhance the reader's experience. Wattpad’s built-in editor also allows you to use headings, bold, italic, etc., to organize your text better. Do remember to review Wattpad’s content guidelines before uploading anything.

7. Publishing Your Story

Publishing your story on Wattpad is quite straightforward. Simply go to your profile, click on 'Create a Story,' fill out the title, category, tags, and write your story in the content area. It's also recommended to have a captivating cover, as it's the first thing your potential reader sees. Calibre and Canva are great graphic design tools that can help create beautiful covers. When you’re done, click on 'Publish'!

Remember, consistency is key in attracting and keeping readers. Decide on a posting schedule, whether it's once a week or once a month, and stick to it.

8. Engaging with Readers

Once your story is published, it's time to engage with your readers. Respond to their comments on your story, answer their messages and make an effort to connect with them. It’s a great way to create a fanbase.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask for reviews and constructive feedback. Remember, any criticism can be used to improve your writing skills. Keep an open mind to feedback; some of it will prove invaluable for your growth as a writer.

9. Promoting Your Story

Wattpad is a platform with a huge pool of stories. This means your own work could potentially get lost amongst all the others. You need to promote your story to increase its visibility. Sharing your stories on social media or joining Wattpad’s many clubs can be an effective way of promotion. There you can interact with other writers, get feedback, and more.

Joining Wattpad's writing contests, such as the Watty Awards, also increases your visibility and gives you the chance to be officially recognized by Wattpad.

10. Exploring Other Genres

Don't let yourself be limited to writing only fanfiction. Wattpad has a plethora of genres to explore, from fantasy to non-fiction. Writing in different genres can help improve your writing skills and expand your audience.

It's also a good idea to read stories outside your chosen genre. It provides inspiration and an understanding of different writing styles and structures.

11. Participating in the Community

Wattpad has a strong, vibrant community. Participating in it can not only earn you followers but also provide valuable insights into the dynamics of Wattpad. Join club discussions, take part in reading lists, and engage with other members. Writers who are active in the community are generally more successful.

Beyond that, being a part of this community develops a sense of social connection. You can support other budding writers by sharing their work, critiquing their stories, and recommending them to your own readers. By helping others, you're helping yourself too.

Commonly Asked Questions:

Q: How much does it cost to use Wattpad?
A: Wattpad is completely free to use. However, they offer a premium ad-free version for a monthly subscription fee.

Q: Can I earn through Wattpad?
A: Yes, Wattpad introduced the Wattpad Paid Stories and Wattpad Star Program where writers can earn money from their works.

Q: Is fanfiction legal?
A: Most fanfiction falls under 'fair use' and is therefore, legal. However, if a piece of fanfiction is a direct, unaltered copy of the original work, it infringes on copyright laws.

References:

1. Wattpad Help Center. (n.d.). Wattpad Support. https://support.wattpad.com/hc/en-us
2. “The Beginner’s Guide to Wattpad.�Reedsy Blog, blog.reedsy.com/how-to-use-wattpad/.
3. “How to Write Fanfiction.�MasterClass, www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-fanfiction.

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