The online fiction community is buzzing with caution as experienced authors and industry watchdogs continue to raise red flags about WebNov*l.com’s contractual practices. From established writing forums to author advocacy sites, a chorus of voices is warning aspiring writers to think twice before signing with the popular serialized fiction platform.

The Warning Campaign Grows

Writer Beware, a respected industry watchdog, has issued multiple “Bad Contract Alert” warnings about WebNov*l, highlighting concerns that have persisted for years. The organization, known for protecting authors from predatory publishing practices, has dedicated significant attention to what they describe as problematic contract terms.

The warnings aren’t limited to industry advocates. Authors across platforms like Royal Road, Tapas Forum, and Novel Updates Forum are sharing their experiences and concerns. One Royal Road discussion noted that “WebNov*ll has a bit of a shady reputation when it comes to contracts,” with specific concerns about the platform “taking away the rights to novels and preventing authors from continuing to post elsewhere.”

What Authors Are Saying

The criticism centers on several key issues that authors have identified:

Ownership Concerns: Multiple sources describe WebNov*l as “a predatory company” whose “contracts give them complete ownership of your books, including ownership of the copyright AND ownership of any future books in the series.”

Rights Retention: Authors report being “horrified” by contract terms that allegedly grant “full IP control and even future works can’t be similar.” This has led many writers to question whether the platform’s terms are worth the potential exposure.

Community Response: Veteran authors are actively discouraging newcomers, with some stating bluntly: “Don’t do it. Webnovel sends out mass messages every couple of months targeting new stories. They do this in hopes that the writer is new and unfamiliar with predatory tactics.”

The Broader Context

The WebNov*l controversy is part of a larger conversation about serialized fiction platforms and their treatment of authors. Industry experts have begun examining “The Predatory Contracts of Serial Reading/Writing Apps” more broadly, suggesting this isn’t an isolated issue but part of a concerning trend in digital publishing.

Writer advocacy organizations continue to document and publicize these concerns, with some platforms receiving multiple warnings over time. The goal appears to be educating authors about potentially unfavorable terms before they commit to exclusive agreements.

What This Means for Authors

For aspiring writers considering WebNov*l or similar platforms, the message from the community is clear: research thoroughly before signing anything. The warnings emphasize the importance of understanding contract terms, particularly regarding intellectual property rights, exclusivity clauses, and future work restrictions.

The ongoing discussion reflects a broader tension in digital publishing between platform accessibility and author rights. While these platforms offer unprecedented reach to independent authors, the community warnings suggest that the cost of that access may be higher than many writers initially realize.

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the author community is increasingly vigilant about protecting writers’ rights and ensuring that newcomers understand the full implications of the contracts they’re being offered.

This article is based on publicly available discussions and warnings from author communities and industry watchdog organizations.