As of September 3, Wattpad’s Originals Program is open for pitches. Across the world, aspiring authors can submit their pitches for English-language stories to Wattpad’s Editorial Team for the chance to be included in the program.
Accepted candidates will be eligible for up to $5,000 in cash advances. They’ll also garner access to pre-development support and further monetization opportunities via Wattpad’s revenue-sharing program.
“We have a strong track record for providing authors with tools and opportunities to hone their passion for writing,” Nick Uskoski, Head of Content at Wattpad told Passionfruit. “Opening the Wattpad Originals pitching process is another way we’re supporting creators.”
What is Wattpad Originals?
Wattpad Originals, which was launched in 2023, consists of a curated collection of 1,600 original stories that are supported by the Wattpad Editorial Team.
Stories that are part of Wattpad Originals are also part of the platform’s paid content program. This program gives readers the option of paying to read ahead or waiting to read for free. To access new chapters, users can pay with “Coins” or via a subscription to Wattpad Premium or Premium+.
However, it’s worth noting that Wattpad declined to share the specifics of its revenue share model for this monetization program. While writers will retain the rights and IP of their work, it remains unclear what percentage of revenue creators will take home at the end of the day.
“The revenue share model is designed to prioritize the financial success of our writers, so they earn the majority of the revenue generated from their content on Wattpad,” Uskoski told Passionfruit.
“We’re focused on supporting and empowering writers to turn their creative passion into sustainable careers,” Uskoski continued. “The revenue share model is just one of many ways we do that.”
How can writers pitch to Wattpad Originals?
To have their pitch considered, writers need to submit the following: a story idea, a 500-word overview, and a completed first chapter.
Furthermore, these submissions need to be for an ongoing story and fit within one of Wattpad’s six popular story verticals. These are ‘Speculative Fiction,’ ‘Slice of Life,’ ‘Dangerous Love,’ ‘Hot Encounter,’ ‘Para-Romantasy,’ and, of course, ‘Werewolf.’
Pitches can be submitted here. More information can also be found on the Wattpad Creator Portal.
“This is an important advancement for the creator economy,” Uskoski added. “By offering advances, development support, and opportunities for monetization, Wattpad is empowering writers to turn their stories into viable creative careers.”
Further reading:
- Magic Spells and Asexual Representation: How Writing Fiction on Wattpad Helped Me Embrace My Identity
- With Superheroes on the Decline, Could Hollywood Turn To Fanfic Next?
- Wattpad President Jeanne Lam Says the Company Seeks To Empower Writers With Revamped Creator Program
- Want more coverage of the creator ecosystem? Sign up for Passionfruit’s newsletter!
