Ever had the urge to wipe clean your old fanfiction footprints? Perhaps you've ushered in a new era of maturity and no longer want to be tied to a particular fandom, or maybe you're just tired of the emails constantly popping into your inbox. Whatever your reason may be, deleting an old fanfiction account is a straightforward process. However, concrete steps vary depending on the platform you've been using. In this guide, we will discuss steps across several popular fanfiction sites, including FanFiction.net, Wattpad, and Archive of Our Own (AO3).

FanFiction.net

FanFiction.net is one of the oldest and most popular fanfic platforms, therefore we'll start here. Transparently, you cannot completely delete a user account on your own. This condition is stated in their terms and conditions.

However, you can erase most of your data by deleting each story, favorite authors, forums, communities individually. For instances contact the site administrators for more assistance, as they may be able to assist you in removing the account.

Wattpad

On Wattpad, things are much simpler. After you've logged into your account, hover over your username in the top right corner then click on "Settings". Scroll down until you see the "Close Account" button, click on it then follow the prompts.

Remember that closing an account will result in the loss of all stories, messages, comments, and votes associated with the account. Hence, make sure you're not axing any masterpiece that you may want to revisit in the future.

Archive of Our Own (AO3)

The process on AO3 is also straightforward. Navigate to your "Profile" page then click on "Preferences". Select "Delete My Account", then follow the instructions. Before proceeding, remember that this is an irreversible action. You won't be able to restore any work, bookmarks, or relationships defined under this account.

Similar to other platforms, it's important to ensure that you're in the right headspace before deleting an account. If you're not ready to fully commit, consider opting for a pseudonym instead.

Standard Procedure Tips

Standard procedures while wanting to delete old fanfiction accounts include backing up all your stories and contents. Even if you're ready to move on, save your work. You could look back at your writing as a measure of your growth over the years.

You should also consider informing your followers about your decision to leave. As a courtesy, you can let them know why you're leaving and where they might be able to find you in the future if you decide to continue writing elsewhere.

Q&A

Q1: Can I delete my account on FanFiction.net?
A1: You cannot directly delete your account on FanFiction.net. However, you can delete your stories, favorite authors, forums, etc. For further help, contact the site's administrators.

Q2: Is it possible to recover my stories after deleting my Wattpad account?
A2: No, closing your Wattpad account is a permanent action. All your stories, messages, comments and votes will be lost. Ensure to make a backup if needed.

Q3: Can I use a Pseudonym instead of deleting my AO3 account?
A3: Yes, AO3 allows you to create and use pseudonyms. If you're not ready to fully delete your account, choosing to use a pseudonym is a good option.

In conclusion, while you cannot delete your fanfic footprint with the click of a button (especially on sites like FanFiction.net), you can certainly remove most of it with a little time and patience. Remember to back up and say your goodbyes before you hit that "delete" button, and you should be good to go!

References

[1] FanFiction.net - Terms of Service. https://www.fanfiction.net/tos/

[2] Wattpad - Help Center. https://support.wattpad.com/

[3] Archive of Our Own - FAQ. https://archiveofourown.org/faq

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