Where to Publish Your Novel Online
Finished a chapter — or an entire novel — and wondering where to publish it?
There are many places where writers can share their stories online, build an audience, receive reader feedback, or even earn money from their work. The right platform depends on what you write, your language, your genre, and whether you want to publish chapter by chapter or release a finished book.
This English page lists international and English-language platforms. If you write in Chinese, the simplified and traditional versions of this article list Qidian, JJWXC, Fanqie, Changpei and POPO instead.
English and international web fiction
These are places to publish novels and web fiction for English-language and international readers.
Wattpad
One of the most widely known online storytelling communities. Writers can publish stories chapter by chapter while readers follow, comment and interact with their work.
Royal Road
Royal Road is particularly popular among fantasy and progression-fiction writers. Authors submit a fiction and can then publish chapters, manage volumes and interact with readers.
Inkitt
Inkitt allows writers to publish stories and build a readership. Reader engagement and performance can also create opportunities within Inkitt's wider publishing ecosystem.
Tapas
Tapas supports both novels and comics. Its format is designed around serialized, mobile-friendly episodes, making it suitable for writers who prefer shorter and more frequent updates.
Scribble Hub
A web-fiction community focused on independently published serialized stories, particularly speculative fiction and light-novel-inspired genres.
Webnovel
Webnovel is built around serialized fiction and frequent chapter releases, with a strong audience for fantasy, romance and progression-style stories.
FictionPress
A long-running platform for writers who want to publish original stories online.
Archive of Our Own (AO3)
AO3 is primarily intended for fan-created and transformative works rather than commercial novel publishing. It can be useful for writers who create fanfiction or participate in fandom communities.
Penana
Penana combines story publishing with writing communities and challenges, making it useful for writers interested in interacting with other authors.
Publish and sell a completed novel
Serial publishing is not the only option. If your manuscript is already finished, you may prefer to publish it as an ebook or printed book.
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
KDP lets independent authors publish books directly to Amazon. Authors can control their book details, pricing and publishing schedule and release both digital and print editions.
Kobo Writing Life
A self-publishing option for authors who want to distribute their books through Kobo's international ebook ecosystem.
Apple Books for Authors
Authors can publish ebooks for readers within the Apple Books ecosystem.
Google Play Books
Another option for independently distributing ebooks to readers through a major digital bookstore.
Which platform should you choose?
There is not one platform that works for every writer.
If you want to publish chapters while you write, consider Wattpad, Royal Road, Inkitt, Tapas, Scribble Hub or Webnovel.
If you write fantasy, LitRPG or progression fantasy, Royal Road and Scribble Hub may be worth exploring.
If you write romance or YA, Wattpad, Inkitt and Tapas are common options.
If you write primarily in Chinese, use the Chinese version of this page. Simplified Chinese writers will find Qidian, JJWXC, Fanqie and Changpei. Traditional Chinese writers will find POPO.
If your novel is already completed and you want to sell it, Amazon KDP, Kobo, Apple Books and Google Play Books may be more appropriate.
You do not have to choose only one platform. Some writers publish publicly to build an audience before releasing an ebook or print edition later.
Always check a platform's latest publishing agreement, copyright rules, monetization requirements and exclusivity terms before uploading your work.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I publish my novel online for free?
Many web-fiction platforms allow writers to begin publishing without an upfront publishing fee. Examples include Wattpad, Royal Road, Inkitt, Tapas and Scribble Hub. Availability, monetization programs and platform rules can change, so check each service before publishing.
Where can beginner writers publish their stories?
Writers who are publishing for the first time can consider Wattpad, Inkitt, Tapas, Royal Road, Scribble Hub or Penana. The best choice depends largely on your genre and target readers.
Where should I publish a fantasy novel?
Royal Road is strongly associated with fantasy and progression-style fiction, while Scribble Hub, Wattpad, Inkitt and Webnovel also host fantasy stories. Chinese fantasy and xianxia writers should read the Chinese version of this article.
Can I publish the same novel on multiple websites?
Sometimes. Whether you can cross-publish depends on the agreement you have with each platform. Some publishing or monetization programs may require exclusivity. Always read the terms before entering an exclusive contract.
Can I make money by publishing novels online?
Yes, but monetization works differently on each platform. Depending on the service, writers may earn through subscriptions, paid chapters, advertising programs, reader support, publishing contracts or direct ebook and print sales. Publishing a story does not guarantee income.
Should I finish my novel before publishing it online?
Not necessarily. Web novels are often released chapter by chapter, while ebook stores are generally better suited to completed manuscripts. If you serialize, keeping several unpublished chapters in reserve makes a steady schedule easier.