There's nothing sketchy about Wattpad if that's what you're asking. The visibility and traction is slow at first, but if you're consistent you can start racking up a following. I somehow reached #1 in a few categories on multiple occasions and that managed to net me a pretty consistent follower base on the site. Didn't have to write smut either, but if you
do you will probably hit those numbers much sooner.
Self-insert CYOA/"roleplay" stuff is super popular and it doesn't need to be written well either. If you're into that, you should get a pretty big following very quickly,
especially if it's written well.
Wattpad doesn't steal your story, but that wouldn't really stop other companies like Paramount from doing so anyways if they want to (even on SH). If they steal your story, it on you to take them to court and fight over the copyrights. Wattpad won't help you in that case.
If Paramount wants to steal my story, I'd be honored. I don't think I've written anything that's worthy of being adapted yet.
It's funny because it's true. Either that or "dark romance" stories involving abhorrent, dangerous but insanely gorgeous and rich men who just do happen to be enamored with the female lead; who goes from being invisible from the male gaze, frumpy and a virgin to being the most stunning, but sassy creature alive after slapping on some lipsalve and running a brush through her hair. The dude also massively abusive to said female lead featuring but not limited to; physical and verbal abuse, bullying, coercion, threats of or actual rape. Chuck in some gaslamping too. And this is apparently the female fantasy. ? I hate it.
As a woman, I think these tropes are just as bad as the "slave harem isekai" stuff that I see geared towards men. But then again, I'm a lesbian.
