ADVICE FOR ALL NEW WATTPADERS

You probably shrugged your head and said, "Hey, why not?" when signing up for Wattpad. Now that you are activated I bet you're thinking, "Now what?"

Here's what: Newcomers are kind of like the "Freshmans" in high school or college. They're the newbies and instantly see the overload of different types stories, contests, and clubs. So how do I get noticed?

1) First look through What's Hot List or any other category (genre) that interests you: These stories are fan favorites and might be yours as well. If you like any, click "Become a fan" or "Add to my library" to store into your profile. Click onto the username to find more about that story's author and drop down a comment of how you like their story or anything casual.

2) Now you're thinking, "Hey, I want to be on the What's Hot List too!" It's not easy as it seems. The formula is usually simple to see but hard to follow: Have a cute or awesome cover to fit your story, a twisted awesome story line with not too many cliches` as there are enough in the Wattpad, and get your story out there.

3) How do I get my story out there? Go to SYS (Share Your Story Club) here: http://www.wattpad.com/club/38-share-your-story Start a discussion and write about your novel and why it should be read. There are other posts where there are "Read for Read" meaning you read their story and they read yours. That way you and another user are benefiting each other to the fullest. DO NOT SPAM.

4) There are other clubs that you can go to discuss about topics, and meet new friends! Go here to start talking to different wattpaders: http://www.wattpad.com/clubs

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5) Now that you have a lot of people or a solid fan base, you want to go to the extra step and compete. Go here for contests and sign up for which ever is open (under Current Contests): http://www.wattpad.com/contests The famous and popular contest is Watty Awards. There are different nominations like the "Best Cover", "Best Plot", "Best Humor" and so on. For more information go here: http://www.wattpad.com/wattyinfo

6) By now you must be thrilled and getting to know Wattpad even more. If you feel that you have free time on your hand and would like to assist Wattpad by becoming a volunteer or (a "ninja") you can apply to be an ambassador. A Wattpad ambassador are a group of people in the community that help newcomers (like you!) and help patrol each category in case of any copyright violations or simple questions to be answered. If you are 16 years old or older, have a facebook account, and have been on Wattpad for over six months you may apply at support.wattpad.com and submit a request and explain why you feel you have the potential to be an ambassador.

7) If you have any questions ask the Wattpad Ambassadors here: http://www.wattpad.com/user/WPNinjas , look for a user with an orange ribbon that says Ambassador, talk to Wattpad directly on their profile here: http://www.wattpad.com/user/wattpad OR submit a request at support.wattpad.com explaining your problem.

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>> Rules on Spamming:

- Do not write for example: "Good job. Read my story ___ tooo!" on a story comment. First off it doesn't sound like you even read the story and second, it's plain rude.

- Do not vote trade at all. That is illegal and may expell you from the Wattpad community.

- Do not write on message boards asking to read UNLESS the user is allowing it.

- Do not ask people to read your story in clubs other than the Share Your Story Club. That is the only club that is allowed to accept requests of reading stories. Other requests on other clubs will be deleted.

RULES: All rules and terms are posted here: http://www.wattpad.com/terms

>> But in short:

1) Be friendly (if you want to give criticism to a user's work make sure it's in a friendly way, use back up evidence, and refrain from attacking them personally. Try to add something positive as well.)

2) Please write your own work. If it's a universal story like Romeo and Juliet then set your copyright under "Public Domain." If your story is original but you do use characters or background information from a published novel, be sure to have Fan Fiction under one of the categories for that story. If your story is ENTIRELY your work, set copyright to "All Rights Reserved.

3) Under no circumstances is illegal sort of writing, pornography, full intense profanity, or any disturbing writing that may affect the community is allowed. There is however R rated category for adult material, mature cursing, or something teens and young children should cautiously read.

4) Have fun and remember: Wattpad is a great way to start your writing adventure! Many people have been found and discovered here! Don't lose hope if your first story isn't instantly discovered. It takes time! (:

Hope this helps!

xoxo ;*

Ambassador NSLove

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Now I see the rules, I do wonder one thing and maybe any one around here can explain that to me: If a character say one or two bad words, is that allowed?

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@TheFlyingDutchman Yeah that's definitely allowed! What I meant by R rated is that it's adult mature. If it's a few curse words than it's fine. What's not fine is if there is a story where it's extremely vulgar or inappropriate to the community.

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@NSLove Glad to know. I had a complete discussion about that on another site. What can you say and what can't you say? Sites like these, usually have American ratings and those are totally different from Europe

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thanks for the info. ;')

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thanks..i dont no if u say this but how do you set it up so you know when the story(s) your reading have updated? would be a big help X

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@JadeHarvey When you want updates on stories you're reading, become a fan of that story. In my account > Notifications you can turn Fan Alerts on. Then, when your favorite user adds a story, you get an e-mail

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thank for this.. :)

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This is helpful, I'm understanding the rules quite a bit better now :)

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Awesome! You've been fabulous!

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@freehugproductions @sinabeena27 Thank You! If you have any more questions, feel free to drop a comment here or on my message board!

Happy Wattpadding!

WPNinja NSLove

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@JadeHarvey @ReneeKeefe @freehugproductions @sinabeena27 Thank You! If you have any more questions, feel free to drop a comment here or on my message board!

Happy Wattpadding!

WPNinja NSLove

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is is better to use the add new chapter thingy or just edit what you already have.

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@princessxprincess It's better to add a new chapter to your story. Then the fans will get a message that you posted a new chapter. Editing it is more for when you see you misspelled a word.

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@NSLove thanks!! this will be a big help, having someone to help you with this, i have always sucked at computer sights lol! :) i just want to know how to know when a book your reading has updatted...thanks X

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hate,love,worship.

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@JadeHarvey If your a fan of that author's work then you should be able to receive an email that says that your favorite story is updated!

WPNinjas NSLove (:

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Love It! Thank you so much! :) It's been SO helpfuL! I really appreciate it! :))

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this one is really helpful, thanks a lot, i should start writing my first story, :D Godbless everyone...

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A big help..thank you... @NSLove .

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This is really helpful thanks so much :) Quick question, are there any other ways of advertising my story on wattpad apart from the Share my story club??? :)

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When you start writing what are the rules or terms of use? Are they limiting anything or is it just like don't do anything illegal?

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@Rubato Hey! Thanks so much! You can share your story through Facebook, emailing it to your friends and families, or even tweeting about it on Twitter! There are users who allow reading requests on their message board but make sure that they allow it 100%. Other users do not like people to advertise on their message board. Try to find in the search engine: "Post stories here" as some users actually want to look for a good read. That's all you can do! Try reading this as well: http://support.wattpad.com/entries/386469-how-do-i-promote-my-story#overview

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