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Kindle Direct Publishing vs Wattpad
Last updated: October 21, 2023
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Wattpad are both platforms used by authors to publish and share their written work, but they have distinct differences in terms of their focus, features, and community engagement.
1. Focus: Kindle Direct Publishing is Amazon's self-publishing platform that focuses on helping authors publish and distribute their books. It provides tools and resources for authors to format their manuscripts, design book covers, set prices, and distribute their books through Amazon's online store and other channels. KDP primarily focuses on professional publishing and offers a range of features tailored for self-publishing authors, such as royalty management, marketing options, and access to Amazon's vast customer base. On the other hand, Wattpad is a community-driven platform that places a strong emphasis on the creative process and fostering engagement between writers and readers. It provides a space for writers to share their stories, gain feedback, and connect with a community of readers through comments, votes, and discussions.
2. Features: Kindle Direct Publishing offers features that enable authors to publish and distribute their books in various formats, including e-books and print books. It provides tools for formatting manuscripts, designing book covers, and setting prices. KDP also offers promotional programs and tools to help authors reach a wide audience through the Kindle ecosystem. Wattpad, on the other hand, offers features tailored for writers to easily publish their work and engage with readers. It allows writers to share their stories in a serialized format, receive feedback from readers through comments and votes, and participate in discussions and writing contests. Wattpad focuses on community interaction and provides a platform for writers to build a following and connect with readers.
3. Community Engagement: Kindle Direct Publishing focuses primarily on book distribution and less on fostering a dedicated writing community. While authors can receive reviews and ratings on their published books, the community aspect is not as prominent. Wattpad, however, places a strong emphasis on building a vibrant and interactive community of writers and readers. It offers a platform for writers to engage with readers, receive feedback, and build a following. Wattpad encourages community engagement through comments, votes, and discussions on story chapters, creating a dynamic and interactive experience within its community of writers and readers. It also provides opportunities for writers to collaborate with others, participate in writing clubs or communities, and even have their stories discovered by potential publishers or media platforms.
1. Focus: Kindle Direct Publishing is Amazon's self-publishing platform that focuses on helping authors publish and distribute their books. It provides tools and resources for authors to format their manuscripts, design book covers, set prices, and distribute their books through Amazon's online store and other channels. KDP primarily focuses on professional publishing and offers a range of features tailored for self-publishing authors, such as royalty management, marketing options, and access to Amazon's vast customer base. On the other hand, Wattpad is a community-driven platform that places a strong emphasis on the creative process and fostering engagement between writers and readers. It provides a space for writers to share their stories, gain feedback, and connect with a community of readers through comments, votes, and discussions.
2. Features: Kindle Direct Publishing offers features that enable authors to publish and distribute their books in various formats, including e-books and print books. It provides tools for formatting manuscripts, designing book covers, and setting prices. KDP also offers promotional programs and tools to help authors reach a wide audience through the Kindle ecosystem. Wattpad, on the other hand, offers features tailored for writers to easily publish their work and engage with readers. It allows writers to share their stories in a serialized format, receive feedback from readers through comments and votes, and participate in discussions and writing contests. Wattpad focuses on community interaction and provides a platform for writers to build a following and connect with readers.
3. Community Engagement: Kindle Direct Publishing focuses primarily on book distribution and less on fostering a dedicated writing community. While authors can receive reviews and ratings on their published books, the community aspect is not as prominent. Wattpad, however, places a strong emphasis on building a vibrant and interactive community of writers and readers. It offers a platform for writers to engage with readers, receive feedback, and build a following. Wattpad encourages community engagement through comments, votes, and discussions on story chapters, creating a dynamic and interactive experience within its community of writers and readers. It also provides opportunities for writers to collaborate with others, participate in writing clubs or communities, and even have their stories discovered by potential publishers or media platforms.
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Publish your books independently with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) on the Amazon Kindle Store. Make changes to your book at any time. Publish once and reach readers worldwide. Publishing takes less than 5 minutes. Your book appears on Amazon within 24 hours. Make your book available on Kindle devices and on free Kindle apps.
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An unlimited, ever-growing library of free books and stories all in the palm of your hand! On Wattpad, millions of people are discovering great fiction, sharing stories with friends and following their favorite authors chapter-by-chapter.
Kindle Direct Publishing vs Wattpad in our news:
2023. Wattpad Premium subscribers now have access to 5 free monthly Wattpad Originals
Wattpad has unveiled a new feature called "Premium Picks," as part of its freemium model, providing Premium and Premium+ subscribers with five complimentary Wattpad Originals each month. This innovative approach eliminates the need for users to make individual payments to access content, instead offering a curated selection of stories chosen by Wattpad's team of experts. The assortment includes both popular hits and undiscovered gems, showcasing works from established authors as well as emerging talents. To ensure subscribers make the most of this offering, the selected stories are available for free until the first day of the following month, after which users can opt to purchase any unfinished reads. Wattpad has enhanced user experience by incorporating a countdown timer on the Premium Picks screen and enabling app notifications to alert readers about the availability of the next set of stories.
2023. Kindle Direct Publishing Launches ebooks to audiobooks using AI Voices
Kindle Direct Publishing has introduced a beta program in the United States aimed at easing the financial burden on authors during audiobook production. Through this initiative, authors can convert their ebooks into audiobooks using virtual voice narration and synthetic speech technology. Amazon plans to expand the beta program in the future after resolving any issues and extend it to other countries. Authors participating in the program will select one of their eligible ebooks on Kindle Direct Publishing, customize the audiobook by sampling voices and previewing the content, and then publish it. They can set a price between $3.99 and $14.99 and will receive a 40% royalty.
2023. Amazon limits self-published ebooks to only 3 a day because of AI
In response to the overwhelming influx of AI-generated ebooks, Amazon has taken action by implementing a new restriction. They now allow self-published ebooks to be uploaded at a maximum rate of three per day. The reason behind this change is the recent surge in notable incidents involving AI-authored books adversely affecting Amazon's platform. Just this past June, the bestseller lists on Amazon were inundated with ebooks authored by AI writing tools like ChatGPT, resulting in a significant outcry from customers due to the nonsensical content of these books. Moreover, as the year began, AI-generated books surpassed those created by human authors in terms of quantity. Among the ebooks available on Amazon, some purported to be guides for foraging wild mushrooms. However, upon scrutiny by mycology enthusiasts, it became evident that these guides, likely generated by AI, contained serious misidentifications of fungi, potentially posing lethal risks. When numerous news outlets sought comments from Amazon regarding this matter, the company responded by promptly removing the problematic books from their platform.
2023. Amazon released AI guidelines for Kindle Direct Publishing
In response to a surge in AI-generated books saturating the Amazon book market and infiltrating the Kindle Bestseller's list, Amazon KDP has recently implemented new guidelines. These guidelines mandate that authors disclose whether their books contain AI-generated content, encompassing images, text, or translations. This disclosure is now required when publishing a new book or editing and republishing an existing one through KDP, even if the edits involve AI assistance. Authors utilizing AI-based tools for content improvement but not content creation are exempt from reporting, but all authors must adhere to content guidelines, whether their content is AI-generated or AI-assisted. This move aims to enhance transparency and maintain the overall quality of books available to readers.
2023. Wattpad has launched Publishing Scheduler
If you are an author on the Wattpad self-publishing platform, you've probably considered the idea of scheduling your Story Parts in advance to provide a seamless reading experience for your audience. Thankfully, this is now possible with the newly introduced feature called the "Wattpad Publishing Scheduler." This initiative by Wattpad aims to help authors maintain a consistent publishing schedule, leading to a more engaged readership. With the Wattpad Publishing Scheduler, you can plan and set the release dates for your story parts ahead of time, ensuring a continuous flow of content even during your breaks. Presently, this feature is only accessible on the web version of Wattpad, but the platform is actively working on making it available on the app as well. To manage your scheduled Story Parts, you can easily check them in the My Stories section. This new tool offers an efficient way for authors to connect with their readers while maintaining flexibility in their writing routine.
2023. Kindle Direct Publishing has updated category selection
Amazon has made some updates to the category selection process in Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Previously, authors had the option to choose multiple categories for their books. However, the recent changes now restrict authors to selecting only three KDP book categories. This means that there is a possibility your book might get lost among the vast number of titles available. From now on, authors can only select up to three categories for their books. Along Amazon now reserves the right to change the categories of a book at any time to ensure a positive customer experience. To adapt to these changes, it's advisable to visit the KDP dashboard promptly and update the categories for your books. If you don't take action, Amazon will automatically implement the changes to your books, defaulting them into two relevant categories. To ensure the best possible categorization for your Kindle books, it's recommended that you take the initiative and choose the most suitable categories yourself.
2023. Wattpad improves its Creator Program for writers
Wattpad, the popular online platform for storytelling, is preparing to revamp its creators' programs in order to enhance accessibility for writers. The Wattpad Creators program, currently in its second year, was launched a year ago to provide various benefits, opportunities, and practical assistance to writers. It aims to equip writers with the necessary tools to create exceptional stories, offering editorial support and resources tailored to creators. The primary objective is to boost their Engaged reader metric and offer them the recognition they deserve. Until now, participation in this program was by invitation only. However, with the new program, the company is expanding beyond providing stipends based on tiers. Wattpad acknowledges that not all writers have the luxury of time, resources, and privilege to attend writing workshops and retreats. Consequently, the company intends to foster a similar sense of community, support, and valuable insights within the Wattpad Creators Program.
2023. Kindle Direct Publishing to increase printing costs for authors
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is implementing modifications to printing expenses in order to reflect the current expenses associated with materials and labor. Consequently, there will be a change in the minimum list price for your paperback and hardcover print books. Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to adjust your list prices for print books in order to preserve your current royalties once the revised printing costs take effect. Any modifications made to an existing print book after June 20 must adhere to the new minimum list price.
2021. Amazon is launching Kindle Vella, mobile first serialized fiction self-publish platform
Amazon is preparing to introduce a new system called Kindle Vella for the iOS Kindle app within the next few months. This system offers authors a fresh method to share serialized stories with readers, presenting one chapter at a time. Through the familiar Kindle Direct Publishing platform, authors can self-publish their Kindle Vella stories in a serialized format, with each episode ranging from 600 to 5,000 words. Readers will have the opportunity to purchase Kindle Vella stories directly on the iOS app using tokens. To allow readers to explore and evaluate new stories, the initial episodes of each story will be available for free. Subsequent episodes can be unlocked by purchasing and redeeming tokens.
2021. Amazon stops accepting MOBI books from authors
Over the years, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has had specific file format requirements, including MOBI, PDF, and Word documents. However, PDFs have been known to encounter conversion issues when transformed into reflowable ebook formats. Due to similar concerns, as of June 28th, Amazon will no longer accept MOBI files. Instead, authors can still utilize Word documents in both .doc and .docx formats, or alternatively, upload an EPUB version of their file. While this change may not affect some authors who directly upload their manuscripts as Word documents, others who have relied on their established processes will need to adjust to this new requirement.
2019. Wattpad launches book publishing platform
Wattpad, the social storytelling platform, has recently introduced a new publishing division called Wattpad Books. These titles will not only be accessible as ebooks through various online retailers, but they will also be available in physical bookstores like Indigo Books and Music and Barnes and Noble. Wattpad Books will unveil its first list in Fall 2019, featuring six titles set to be released this year. The 2019 list from Wattpad Books comprises six young adult books across a range of genres including fantasy, romance, mystery, and more. These stories have gained immense popularity on Wattpad, accumulating over 100 million reading minutes collectively in 2018.
2018. Amazon has merged CreateSpace with Kindle Direct Publishing
The merger of CreateSpace, a prominent print-on-demand (POD) service for self-published authors, with Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has caused confusion and uncertainty among users. CreateSpace, which was widely relied upon by authors seeking to print their self-published books, offered convenient options for creating paperback versions, including expanded distribution and printed proofs. This made it a favored choice in the industry. However, after Amazon's acquisition of CreateSpace in 2005, the company continued developing its own POD service, KDP Print. The integration of CreateSpace with KDP left many authors in a state of uncertainty and seeking alternatives.
2017. Kindle Create is now available to all authors
Kindle Create is an innovative, user-friendly conversion tool designed to simplify the process of creating polished and well-formatted ebooks. With its "push of a button" simplicity, Kindle Create aims to provide authors with a familiar experience, much like using Microsoft Word, where they can effortlessly incorporate formatting themes and tables of contents. After successfully completing its beta phase, Kindle Create is now available to all authors. This tool allows you to work directly from your Word document, providing a preview of the final ebook without requiring a separate conversion process. Unlike a traditional publishing dashboard, Kindle Create is a desktop-based software that allows you to manipulate your file as much as needed before uploading it. Once you bring the finished document to the KDP dashboard, you still have the option to convert it into a MOBI file. Additionally, Kindle Create offers the advantage of formatting a "print replica" ebook, ensuring a professional look and feel to your publication.
2015. Kindle Scout Publishing platform expands internationally
Amazon has made an exciting announcement regarding the expansion of its reader-powered publishing platform, Kindle Scout, to authors and readers worldwide. Previously available only in the U.S., Kindle Scout is now open to authors in various locations including Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, India, and more. Authors from these regions can submit their never-before-published, full-length English-language manuscripts for consideration by Amazon's digital publishing division, Kindle Press, with a publication decision expected within 45 days or less. Readers from around the world can also participate by previewing excerpts from these unpublished books, nominating their favorite stories for publication, and receiving complimentary early copies of the nominated books released by Kindle Press.
2014. Amazon launches reader-powered publishing program Kindle Scout
Amazon has officially launched its "reader-powered" publishing program, known as Kindle Scout. This innovative initiative operates on a crowdsourcing model, utilizing feedback from readers to determine which books should be published. Authors whose works are chosen through Kindle Scout will receive book contracts. In a recent communication to authors, Amazon outlined the program's terms, stating that selected books will be published by Kindle Press and will enjoy renewable 5-year terms, a $1,500 advance, a 50% eBook royalty rate, flexible rights reversions, and the benefit of being featured in Amazon's marketing efforts. In a few weeks' time, readers will be invited to participate by joining Kindle Scout and nominating books for consideration. The current focus on the Kindle Scout homepage is on English-language books in the Romance, Mystery & Thriller, and Science Fiction & Fantasy genres, as indicated by the call-out.
2014. Amazon unveiled kids book creator software for Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon is expanding its Kindle Direct Publishing business to cater to the requirements of children's book authors through the introduction of a new program called "KDP Kids." This program aims to assist authors in preparing, publishing, and distributing their books in the Kindle Store. In conjunction with this program, Amazon is launching a new tool known as the Kindle Kids' Book Creator. This tool enables aspiring children's book authors to create chapter books and illustrated children's books that can leverage Kindle features such as text pop-ups. According to Amazon's announcement about these new services, once the book is finalized, authors can utilize the tool to upload their book to KDP. They can also specify the appropriate category, age group, and grade range filters to ensure correct listing. The book creator tool is not limited to new authors seeking entry into Amazon's Kindle platform; it can also assist established authors in converting their books into Kindle format, thereby expanding their reader base.
2014. Wattpad will be free forever and make money from native ads
Wattpad, the social reading app that allows authors to share their stories with a vibrant community of readers, has achieved remarkable user engagement, with 27 million out of its 30 million users active on a monthly basis. Despite this, Wattpad has made limited efforts to monetize this activity, apart from exploring crowdfunded self-publishing initiatives. However, this is now changing as the company has launched its first native ad campaign and has plans for more in the future. Similar to ads on popular social networks like Twitter, Wattpad has integrated promotions for user accounts and individual titles into its regular recommendations. While the company is still in the early stages of its ad experiments, CEO Allen Lau has already stated that Wattpad itself will always remain a free app, emphasizing its commitment to accessibility for all users.
2014. Wattpad raises $46 million to build a global literary community
Wattpad, an online community dedicated to writers and readers for sharing and discovering captivating stories, has recently secured $46 million in funding to drive the acceleration of product development and expand its user base. Allen Lau, the co-founder and CEO of Wattpad, expressed their ambitious objective of reaching a billion users, which is precisely why they pursued this round of funding - to expedite the realization of their vision. Currently, Wattpad boasts approximately 25 million registered users, a significant increase from the 15 million reported at the same time last year. While this growth is remarkable for a platform centered around reading, it still falls short of the billion-user target. Lau acknowledges the lofty nature of this goal, admitting that it may not be achieved within the next year or two, or even within three to four years.
2013. Wattpad, the social network for aspiring writers, launches a crowdfunding feature
Wattpad serves as a social network catering to aspiring writers, often referred to as the "YouTube of writing." It provides a platform for amateur creators to share their work with a global audience and cultivate a fan base around their writing. Recently, Wattpad has introduced a crowdfunding feature, similar to Kickstarter, known as "Fan Funding." This feature enables members to easily leverage their fan base as a means of monetizing their work. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for the network itself to monetize its user base by charging a fee for the process. With Fan Funding, you can now support your favorite writers in innovative ways, contributing to their aspirations and receiving rewards in return. To support a project, you can select the desired reward level and indicate the amount you wish to pledge. Please note that a valid credit card is required to support a project.