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What is copyright infringement?
A copyright infringement involves:
- Posting the copyrighted works of others without their legal consent.
- Posting on behalf of an author and giving credit to them. This is still a violation of copyright and will be treated the same way. Consent is ALWAYS required from an author.
- Adaptations or slight alterations to a work, such as changing names, copying the events and writing them in your own words, changing character point of views, are a violation of copyright. For more information, check out: Infringing Adaptations.
- Using an image that you do not own. This includes making a cover with an image that you do not own the rights to (unless it is in the public domain).
What is plagiarism?
- Incorporating someone else’s work into your own without crediting them
- Incorporating someone else’s work into your own without permission
- Presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own
What does and doesn’t copyright protect?
Copyright only protects the physical representation of an idea, not the idea itself. Similar plots, story themes, and titles are not enough to constitute a copyright infringement. If you are unsure of whether a work infringes your copyright, we encourage you to seek professional/legal advice before submitting a notice.
How does Wattpad protect my work?
Your work is automatically protected under Copyright Law as soon you put it into a fixed format, like writing it down. At Wattpad, we action copyright infringement, not plagiarism. For more information, check out: How we protect your stories.
How do I report copyright infringement on Wattpad?
If you’d like to submit a claim of copyright infringement, please visit Reporting Copyright Infringement. Wattpad reserves the right to remove content alleged to be infringing without prior notice, at our sole discretion, and without liability to you or anyone else.
What if someone commits multiple copyright violations?
We may, when appropriate and at our discretion, terminate the accounts of users who repeatedly or actively infringe the intellectual property rights of others. If an account has multiple copyright infringements, or an additional violation is discovered at a later date, the account will be closed along with any additional or subsequent accounts.
Do I own the rights to my story once I publish it on Wattpad?
You own all the rights to the content you create and post on the Wattpad Services. Of course, if the content wasn’t yours to begin with, putting it on Wattpad doesn’t make it yours. Don’t submit content you don’t hold the copyright for (unless you have permission, including to grant Wattpad all the rights outlined in these terms).
What do I do if I receive messages on Wattpad from third parties who are looking to bring me onto their platform?
If you receive this type of message, it is important that you do your research before responding to the message or accepting an offer. Some messages contain red flags, including vague, broad-sweeping language, inconsistent points of contact, poor grammar, and evasive responses regarding their contracts. Below are some helpful tips on how to make an informed decision.
- Conduct an Internet search of the company and see if it returns any results that may look suspicious.
- Pay attention to the phrasing and language used. Being addressed as ‘writer’ or ‘author’ for example could mean you’re receiving a generic offer aimed at hundreds of others.
- Ensure you fully understand the company’s process and their terms of agreement.
- Always read the fine print so you are aware of what rights you may retain and what you are giving away.
- Never be afraid of asking too many questions.
- If you are approached by someone whose vision does not align with your own or who is making you an offer that seems unjust, do not sign anything.
- When in doubt, get a second opinion - get someone you trust to read the offer too and help you decide what to do.
How can I earn money on Wattpad?
Wattpad Originals
Wattpad Originals is a program that makes it possible for creators to earn money for their work while providing readers with a way to monetarily support writers on Wattpad. Select writers and stories have been chosen to be part of Wattpad Originals. Learn more about Wattpad Originals.
Brand Partnerships
Wattpad works with some of the biggest brand and studio partners from around the world to provide creators with exclusive writing opportunities, helping them increase their exposure, grow their fan bases, and earn brand recognition. Learn more about brand opportunities for Wattpad creators.
How do I engage with the community on Wattpad?
Social activity is the key to success on Wattpad. Making friends is one of the best ways to gain readership because friends read friends' stories. It also helps you forge connections that can be beneficial in a business sense. You might receive valuable advice or become connected with members of broad communities who can give you their support.
How can I get Wattpadders to read my story?
The Wattpad community is extremely supportive. You can start by following other writers and reading their work, acknowledging new followers, engaging others in conversation, asking for advice, and more. For more ideas, learn how to effectively promote stories on Wattpad.
How can I attract more people to my profile?
A few things that really stand out as helping people find you and your stories include:
- Link any relevant social media to your profile, such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. The more connections that are made, the more easily people will find your Wattpad stories.
- Whenever you’re mentioning Wattpad in other places online, be sure to link back to the Wattpad source, as it makes us, you, and the stories you love much more visible. Every time you add a link you make things more discoverable. The more links placed, the more visible you become, and the more readers you'll find to read your stories.
- Learn how to personalize your profile.
How can I promote my stories on social media?
As a creator, you can use social media to promote your work beyond the Wattpad platform. Link to your Wattpad profile or story in your social media accounts (for example Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram), connect with readers and other authors, use hashtags, and always direct back to your Wattpad profile or story. For more information, check out: How to effectively promote stories.
How can I promote my stories to people I know?
Your friends and family are great resources for getting people to notice your work on Wattpad. You can ask them to help by recommending and sharing links to your work on their social media or blog, or by sending emails or messages out to their contacts, letting them know about your work and how amazing it is! Read more about how to promote your story.
