Fanfiction, a literary work created by fans of a particular TV series, movie, book, or real-life personality, has gained massive popularity over the years. It encompasses every genre you can think of - romance, horror, drama, and many more. But where can you find, read and even publish these masterpieces of fan imagination? Here are fifteen platforms that can satisfy your fanfiction craving:

FanFiction.Net

The name says it all �FanFiction.Net is one of the most renowned fanfiction websites globally, boasting millions of users. It houses fanfics that span a considerable number of fandoms, meaning that you are likely to get whatever interests you. It is user-friendly, with a straightforward interface that is easy to navigate.

However, it operates on a less stringent content-rating system and this means that adult content can sometimes be found in the general sections, so parental caution is advised when younger readers are using the site.

Archive of Our Own (AO3)

AO3 offers a more diverse and inclusive community. Here, you can access fanfics of numerous genres, ratings, and categories. It is known for its progressive content and freedom of expression, giving authors the space to explore diverse themes. AO3's interface is clean and its tagging system excellent, allowing easy content search and navigation.

Despite being released later than FanFiction.Net, AO3 has rapidly gained recognition and a wide user base due to its acceptability of a wide range of explicit content and the significant freedom it gives its users.

Wattpad

Wattpad is a user-generated storytelling platform that encompasses a wide range of genres and themes. Although it's not exclusively a fanfiction site, Wattpad hosts an enormous amount of fanfic content. Its user-friendly interface and a plethora of original stories, including fanfics, makes it a favorite among authors, especially beginners.

Moreover, Wattpad's mobile platform is extensively optimized, making it easier for on-the-go reading. Its comment feature on individual paragraphs can engage readers and authors in constructive conversations. However, due to its vast content, finding a good fanfic may take some sifting.

Reddit

Reddit, though not exclusively a fanfiction site, boasts dedicated subreddits for various fandoms where fans can share and discuss fanfics. Reddit's interactive feature allows for instant feedback, reviews, and discussions about the stories. The variety of content depends on the subreddit's activeness, but you can generally find something for popular fandoms.

One downside to Reddit, however, is its lack of a standardized organizational system for fanfics, which makes it a bit hard to navigate through the various posted works, but if the treasure hunt thrills you, Reddit is for you.

Quotev

Quotev is another platform that allows users to read, write, and share their stories. This site is known for its user-friendly interface, its active community, and the broad range of genres it covers. Navigating Quotev is quite easy because its layout is straightforward and it has a functional search mechanism.

However, Quotev also shares the drawback of having too much content where finding quality stories may require some effort. In addition to that, Quotev tends to slant more towards younger demographics, so the content may seem juvenile to more mature readers.

Fandom Specific Websites

Most prominent fandoms have their dedicated websites for fanfiction. Star Trek fanfiction on TrekBBS, Harry Potter fanfics on sites like Mugglenet and HarryPotterFanFiction, and Sherlock's on Archive of Our Own. These websites offer a more focused approach to one's favorite fandom.

However, some of these sites may have strict publishing guidelines, so authors must familiarize themselves with each platform's rules before posting their work.

DeviantArt

DeviantArt is traditionally known as an art-sharing platform, but it also hosts a vast selection of literary works, including fanfics. The site has a robust visual appeal, which contributes to a gratifying reading experience. Plus, its literature sections are variably active, ensuring a continuous stream of new content.

The downside is, DeviantArt's primary focus is on visual art, making the literature section a bit harder to navigate. Also, given that it's not primarily a literary platform, there could be fewer comments and less feedback for writing pieces compared to dedicated Fanfiction websites.

Kindle Worlds

Kindle Worlds was an experimental Amazon platform that allowed fanfic writers to earn money from their works. It had a good run, offering royalties to fanfic writers of specific, licensed properties. However, it was a closed platform that did not accept unsolicited submissions, and it was limited to certain fandoms.

As of August 2018, Amazon pulled the plug on Kindle Worlds, ending its publication services. It remains to be seen if another such platform will emerge, enabling fanfic writers to monetize their works.

Commaful

Commaful is a unique platform where stories are told through a series of pictures and GIFs. Like Wattpad, it isn't purely fanfiction-based, but it features a decent amount of fanfics, and it's a great place to read if you want to enjoy stories in an unconventional, visual format.

The downside, however, is its limited narrative structure, making it less suitable for longer, more detailed stories.

Communities on Social Media

Last but not least, many fanfiction communities thrive on Tumblr, Twitter, or Instagram. These platforms are less formal with a strong emphasis on social interaction, but they're often centered around particular fandoms, themes, or even specific ships within a fandom.

However, you may have to cope with disorganized content, and the amount of fanfic could vary drastically based on the size and activeness of the community.

FAQs

1. Is publishing fanfiction legal?

Generally, as long as you're not making money from your fanfiction, it falls under the principle of "fair use". But do check individual website policies before publishing, as each platform may have its own set of rules and regulations regarding fanfiction.

2. Can I make money off fanfiction?

Traditionally, no. Fanfiction is technically a derivative work and using someone else's characters for your financial gain is not legal. However, some platforms like Kindle Worlds were exceptions where writers could earn from their fanfics. In general, it's advisable always to check with legal advice before attempting to monetize fanfiction.

3. Can I publish my fanfiction on multiple platforms?

Yes, you can. Most fanfiction platforms don't require exclusivity, so feel free to publish your works on multiple sites to reach a larger audience.

References

• FanFiction.Net. Available at: https://www.fanfiction.net/
• The Organization for Transformative Works(OTW). Archive of Our Own. Available at: https://archiveofourown.org
• Quotev. Available at: https://www.quotev.com

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