What is Webnovel?
Webnovel is a reading platform akin to Wattpad. It houses translated novels (in other words, Chinese/Korean novels translated to English) and original novels (in other words, novels written by us authors).
As for Inkstone, it is the writing platform made by Webnovel for us authors to make publishing seamless.
Webnovel is a reading platform under China Literature, a subsidiary of Tencent.
What content is and isn’t allowed on Webnovel?
This link has the guidelines on what can be published on Webnovel:
https://activity.webnovel.com/noah/287439652
Make sure to read through it so that your work does not get taken down or banned.
How Can I Earn on Webnovel?
First, you’ll need to publish an original novel.
Second you’ll need to have a contract with Webnovel.
From there you can earn through chapter unlocks (after you go premium and lock your chapters), gifts, bonuses (subject to Webnovel Terms and Conditions), and adaptations (Audiobooks, Translations, Webtoons, etc) . You’ll learn more about the details after you are offered a contract or after you’ve signed.
How To Publish on Webnovel?
STEP 1: Sign in at Inkstone ▶️ Make sure your sign-in method on the site matches how you sign in on the app
STEP 2: Go to workspace then click stories
STEP 3: Click CREATE STORY on the upper right hand side
STEP 4: Fill out everything (guide on how to fill up next), and don’t forget to input the AE code if you have one
STEP 5: Click CREATE
How To Fill Up for a NEW Novel
COVER:
The standard Webnovel size for covers is 800x600, you have two options with Webnovel Covers:
1 - Use the built in cover creator
2 - Upload your own cover
What editing tools can you use to edit your covers?
Adobe Photoshop
You can use copyright-free images or AI art. Webnovel has no strict guidelines against AI art.
NAME
You decide on your novel name, take note that this will define your novel and it cannot be easily changed once contracted.
ABBREVIATION
It is a shorter version of your novel name that can be searched by readers
Example:
My Vampire System ▶️ MVS
Dual Cultivation ▶️ DC
CONTEST
If you are planning on entering any active WEBNOVEL contests, make sure to select it in this part. Most contests WILL NOT allow you to participate after publishing.
TYPE
Novel refers to Original novels which may be offered a contract by Webnovel
Fanfic are stories involving popular fictional characters that are written by fans. These cannot be contracted on Webnovel due to copyright issues.
LEADING GENDER
Webnovel Genders aren’t based on the gender of the Lead Character, rather it’s based on the market you want to attract.
MALE LEAD - More Fantasy, Less to No Romance at all
FEMALE LEAD - Heavy Romance, this also includes LGBTQ+ novels, mostly BL or Yaoi
GENRE
This is based on the LEADING GENDER you select, it’s best to explore the app to find out which Genre best fits your novel based on reader and author preferences.
LENGTH
Most contracted novels are of NOVEL length
LANGUAGE
Webnovel only contracts ENGLISH NOVELS ONLY, but you are still free to upload novels in other languages.
TAGS
These make it easier for readers to find your novel based on their reading history and searches. There is a maximum of 10 tags allowed per novel so choose wisely.
WARNING NOTICE
This helps a reader decide on whether or not to read a novel based on their preferences:
Which option to select:
1. General Audiences (G) - Content is suitable for the general public
There is little to no content that would be deemed offensive or inappropriate for young children, and all ages are allowed to be admitted.
2. Parental Guidance Suggested (PG) - Contains materials unsuitable for young children
PG content might include mild language or cartoon violence.
3. Parents Strongly Cautioned (PG-13) - Contains materials unsuitable for pre-teenagers
PG-13 May include content like strong language, violence, some brief nudity or sexual content, and drug use.
(Your novel shouldn't be centered around sexual scenes) (Brief mature content)
4. Restricted (R) - Contains adult materials for mature audiences
R rating may include content like graphic sex scenes, intense violence, or strong profanity.
(Novel contains mature scenes, but do not focus on smut and/or gore) (Moderate mature content)
5. No One 17 & Under Admitted (NC-17) - Adults only
NC-17 rating will have strong sexual and violent content.
(Novel centered around smut and/or gore scenes) (Intense mature content)
Make sure you select the appropriate option for your novels. Choosing the wrong one may lead to the novel getting restricted or banned.
SYNOPSIS
One of the MOST CRUCIAL PARTS when trying to attract new readers aside from the title, cover, and first 10 chapters.
-101 Tips to Making a Synopsis-
[1] No questions
[2] Have an impactful ending
[3] Focus on MC -> Feeling -> Have a line or two of his dialogue
[4] Showcase setting/world background
[5] No Questions
{6] Have a line of interest that draws readers in.
[7] Good paragraphing/proper structure, DO NOT have it all in one paragraph.
[8] NO QUESTIONS
[9] Don't summarize at the end
To get more insight, check the top novels and see how they attract readers through their Synopses.
INVITATION CODE
This is not a required field, but if you were invited by an AE, make sure to place their VALID code in the invitation code field. If you failed to use their code it cannot be added in the future.
ONCE EVERYTHING IS DONE, CLICK CREATE AND WELCOME TO WEBNOVEL!
Why FanFictions can’t be contracted on Webnovel
- Fanfictions cannot be bought/purchased/paid for due to copyright laws. However, a fanfiction contract with Webnovel means that we can open your Gift function so that readers can show their appreciation for your writing. Authors can also choose not to open their Gift function. We do not charge for readers to read your fanfiction.
- There are a tremendous amount of fanfiction works on Webnovel and as a new content editor team, it will take us a while to process everyone and approach everyone. There's no time limit or expiration date on when you can get a contract.
First Chapter Tips
• Ideal first chapter is:
1. Introducing at least MC + one important character.
2. Including comedy -> Reader will have positive feelings about the novel if they laugh.
3. Including some mystery, something that will make the reader curious and want to find out in next chapters.
4. Smooth and easy to read. No info dumps. Should mostly include dialogue and some interesting scene. Not much explaining. Doesn't even need to describe the MC looks as that can be put in 2nd chapter. All you need at the start is hooking the reader, not making him imagine how MC looks.
5. None grammar mistakes. The first chapter is your business card. If they see mistakes they think its like this in the whole novel.
6. Leave at welcome note, some joke or some cute message to readers in the author thoughts that will connect with the chapter. Readers will read if the author is cool.
Chapter Length
Here are some general guidelines on how long your chapters should be
1k minimum.
1.5k is good
2k is okay
2.5k is stretching
3k+ is NO, big red flag
To get a better idea of chapter lengths on the platform, we would suggest reading novels on the platform.
UPDATING
Whether you are new or old to Webnovel you MUST update frequently to keep your readers interested and to ensure that they won’t forget about your novel.
Less than 7 Chapters a Week ▶️ BAD, Most Webnovel readers will drop your novel
1 Chapter a day ▶️ Minimum
2 Chapters a day ▶️ Ideal
If you prefer to update below the minimum recommended, no one will stop you. Just be sure to adjust your expectations to adapt to it.
What Happens After you Publish your Novel?
All new books published on Webnovel go through a VETTING PROCESS.
As there has been a recent high increase in spam books (i.e. those with customer service numbers) as well as books with very questionable content that is prohibited by Webnovel, all new books (WITH MORE THAN 4,000 WORDS PUBLISHED) must go through a vetting process by the content editors.
Do not panic if you have just newly created your novel but are unable to see it or vote for it. Vetting itself is a process where a book will be filtered before we displayed it on our site. The editors are extremely swamped so it may take a few days for the vetting process, and as the staff do not work over the weekends, it will take longer for books published on Sat and Sun to be vetted. Please note that we will vet the books on a first-come, first-serve basis.
VETTING MAY TAKE UP TO 5 WORKING DAYS, DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF BOOKS FOR VETTING.
Please do not DM the staff to beg/demand that your book be expedited in order to skip the queue, we need to be fair to all authors and vet according to first come, first serve. Thank you and we appreciate your patience and understanding!
*note: Vetting is different from Verification on the WEBNOVEL Server
Do reviews help?
Reviews are a good way for readers to quickly find feedback about your novel, it is, however, counterproductive to have fake reviews just to get a rating on your novel.
How many reviews do I need to get a rating?
You need 10 reviews for a rating to appear.
Applying for a Contract
Once your novel has been vetted and has reached the 12,000 word count, you will have access to this option:
Inside you will see that your novel is ready to apply for a contract:
How to apply:
https://bit.ly/WNContractApplicationHowTo
Tips on applying:
https://bit.ly/WNContractApplicationTips
Why do I need a contract?
- A contract is the only way you can earn with Webnovel. It allows you to lock your chapters, receive gifts from readers, and potentially get various adaptations for your work.
- It gives your novel more exposure. With a contract you will be seen in various ranks in the app. It will also make you eligible for various features which promotes your novel to readers on the app and outside.
How to get features?
How to delete a novel?
Deleting a novel is only available for uncontracted work (yes, if you have a contract application ongoing or just an offer and haven’t signed that counts as uncontracted).
Step 1: Go to workspace and click on the explore button of the novel you want to delete.
Step 2: Delete all chapters.
Step 3: Go back to workspace and click the three buttons next to the explore button then select delete.
Who to contact?
For discord server issues you can ask a moderator on the server
For WEBNOVEL and INKSTONE related issues:
Dayshift - Mon to Sat - 10am to 7pm (GMT +8)
1. General Enquiries Bintang#6244 Ridha#7458
2. Event Related Enquiries Rani#8699 erfina#1634
3. ML Contract Process Guidance (Error Correction) Carolinee#9639 Eri#7389
4. FL Contract Process Guidance (Error Correction) Tika#1808 Annaliese#5681
5. Bugs & Income Enquiries Livia#8074 Maydewi#6063
Nightshift - Mon to Sun - 9pm to 6am (GMT +8)
1. General Enquiries 1jork#1117 Niknakzzz#1199
2. Event Related Enquiries IntoTheFray#5496 tofu#0893
3. ML Contract Process Guidance (Error Correction) Reo#5930 Yogarthur#5822
4. FL Contract Process Guidance (Error Correction) Pike111#5062 ElijahEzra#3728
5. Bugs & Income Enquiries Yowj#1573 XeRo#2157
Look for the Author Support Team Member online who best matches your enquiry.
Refer to the time zone here to find out who you can look for to resolve your issue(s).
https://time.is/GMT+8
BELOW ARE PEOPLE NOT TO OFFEND AND ARE VERY IMPORTANT:
Content Editors
- These are people that manage your novel, vett it, and offer it a contract
- Each novel is assigned a CE. Your CE’s name will only appear once your contract has been verified. If you do not know who your CEs are just yet, you can contact any ML or FL CE if you have questions about CONTENT and WRITING. For other questions, such as those relating to banking and payment, please contact Author Support Team instead. Like the CEs, you can find AST members on the right side of your Discord.
Who are the CEs and how can I contact mine?
ONLY CONTRACTED AUTHORS HAVE CEs, to check who your CE is go to inkstone, it should be there under workspace.
• Their names are on the right side of your discord under staff. Please TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT AND ASK NICELY!
Their working hours are 9am-6pm UTC+8, Monday to Friday. Please respect that.
What can you ask your Content Editor?
Editors can help with your plot, synopsis and title!
Please first read the guides and past seminars we’ve given on Title, Synopsis and Plot.
Make sure to read through EVERYTHING in this file before contacting ANY of them.
It’s like cooking: if you want to ask a chef for help, make sure you know the basics first.
You wouldn’t ask a chef how to boil water, right? :)
Wrong Way to Ask
“Hi”
“Hi I want to write a new book. Can you come up with a title and synopsis for me?
“Hi can you write a synopsis for me?”
Right Way to Ask
“Hi, I came up with these two titles. Can you tell me which is better?”
“Hi, I’ve read the guides and written this synopsis. Can you let me know if this is okay?”
What is the difference between an AE and a CE?
An AE is basically a recruiter that earns for every author they get to sign on Webnovel, while a CE decides if a novel is worthy of getting a contract. A CE is an employee of Webnovel while an AE is like an incentivized contractor.
What is the Difference between Applying with an AE code and applying on Inkstone myself?
1- Submit your application yourself. You can ask other authors for feedback even the NEWBIE HELPERS or NH if they are willing.
Process:
Author meets requirements ▶️ Author applies ▶️ CE Reviews ▶️ Offers or Rejects
2 - You can go through an ACQUISITION EDITOR (or AE) IF YOU HAVE NEVER PUBLISHED ON WEBNOVEL BEFORE, the AE's job is to recruit authors from outside the platform and to get your novel to a point at which it can be contracted. However, despite feedback from an AE that doesn't guarantee that you will get a contract. As a matter of fact, standards are higher since you got a professional opinion. Webnovel naturally has to make back the $40-60 it is paying AEs for each successfully contracted book.
Process:
AE Recruits ▶️ Author meets requirements ▶️ AE gives feedback ▶️ AE returns to the author for improvement ▶️ Author edits and gives back to AE ▶️ AE recommends to Team Leader ▶️ Team Leader gives to CE ▶️ CE Reviews ▶️ Offers or Rejects
Either way, your novels will go to a CE and the CE will still be the one that decides if you get a contract. If they see you submitting it again with none to minimal improvement you will definitely get rejected again.
IT Issues
There may be certain IT issues with your books sometimes
Examples include readers who purchased your privilege tiers but are unable to access your chapters
Or readers who purchased coins but did not receive them for some reason
Please ask your readers to email service@webnovel.com with screenshots of their issues
Discord Server
If you’ve already completed reading this until the end and are still stuck in the #newbies channel in the Webnovel Authors server, make sure to go to #get-your-role and link your accounts to access the rest of the server.
Good Luck and Happy Writing!
CREDITS
People who have contributed to this file over time:
Wounded_Warrior
Tamaki_Leon
Piokilek
TrueDawn