Tapas Authors: What Did You Learn the Hard Way?

[skullforceagents]

Well I learned that I probably should have put my pages out one by one in order to have a better update buffer. I’ll do that for chapter two.

Read Skull Force Agents | Tapas Web Community

[Freeman]

hey thanks a lot for sharing all that, really appreciate it, especially from someone who made it to Premium.

yeah, I keep hearing that a good cover is super important. I actually got someone working on one right now and I’m hyped about how it's turning out.
but I had a question about AI covers, I read that Tapas doesn’t allow them, but I still see a bunch in community novels. do they just ignore it unless the story blows up? or do they ask creators to replace it later when going Premium? curious how strict they are with that.

as for what’s getting picked, yeah I noticed a lot of BL and some adventure stuff hitting big numbers. my story’s more dystopian, about occupation, rebellion, and rewriting history, with an 18th-century vibe. it leans heavy into character motivations, belief, regret, and themes like purpose, freedom, and responsibility. not exactly light stuff lol, but I think it could connect if done right.

right now I’m deep in outlining, planning the whole volume, which should be around 90 chapters. I’ve also been looking into EA and CBP stuff, and from what I gathered, I’d need to either hit 5k subs, $5k revenue, or 1.5M views to qualify for Premium, right?

if you’re okay with it, would you be open to sharing your Discord or any way I could reach out? I’m writing my first ever novel and would love to ask for your guidance along the way. Your experience and advice would mean a lot.

anyway, thanks again for the insight, it’s super motivating to hear your journey. gives me hope that if I keep pushing, maybe I’ll get there too someday.

[GiveMeThatBread]

Yeah, Tapas doesn't allow AI! If you see one in Community, I'd report it because it just hasn't been caught by content mods yet. I know some who actively report AI writing and covers. There have been times Tapas asked the creator to change their cover.

It's also pretty rare for a Community author to be invited to Premium. I've seen it happen, but the novel has to have stellar engagement or a premise Tapas just HAS to have in their Premium library. Most of the time, if they ask an author to join a program, it's usually Creator Bonus Program which is a stepping stone to Premium. These authors in the CBP include Lorian of Horse and Horseman and alydae who has several novels in the program.

Those stats aren't super set in stone because on the rare times, the author did not have any of those stats when offered to join. But, to apply yourself, Tapas does want to see some decent stats. For now, I recommend focusing on growing your story and gaining a following. Of course, having fun, too!

My discord ID is kitttyyy but I also have an author Discord server if you'd rather have that link!

[DasIstWunderblyat]

I think the case is from when Tapas Studio was a thing and before the Tapas is being acquisited by Kakao. It was the author themselves (the name is Miqin, IIRC) who posted it

覓琴 (miqin) | Tapas Creator

Please scroll down a bit.
I think the circumstances is written there
(Edit: added a screenshot)

I don't know, I haven't been in this site for very long (only 2017), so I am not as knowledgeable as a veteran here.
I also don't know about the premium landscape now, so thank you for your insights.

I am sorry if I got things wrong.
Sorry if my advice is bad, I have deleted it.
I am not even a premium author, so my opinion is worthless. I am sorry for daring to speak out.

I just want people to not have skewed expectations.

[DasIstWunderblyat]

People are different
Some people can stand it, others cannot.

I know, it's people issue.
I am in no way implying having an editor is bad.
I am sorry if you misunderstood that, and I am sure you like your editor as they're doing a good job for you.

You are professional and mature, sure, I don't know what kind of person the OP is (other than coveting the premium status), and people who will be reading this. So I will bring up one of the general issues hobbyists have when finally doing paid writing (other than classic professionalism issue like fulfilling a deadline). Although admittedly I heard more of editor meddling in manga scene, so it may seep in.

I just thought for both editor and author's sake, it's need to be brought up.

Again, I am sorry for being wrong.
Thank you for correcting me as a premium author.

[GiveMeThatBread]

This is a case with an artist who didn't read the contract terms all the way and signed it as is. Artist and author contracts are different, too.

[GiveMeThatBread]

I wouldn't say you're wrong or useless! This is just my experience with Tapas. Some would have a very different opinion. Many would say they had good time. It just depends on the person's willingness to take criticism, though that's more for the few who are assigned developmental editors. And we are more than welcome to decline editor suggestions, we definitely don't have to accept it all.

[DasIstWunderblyat]

For the second case, yes.
However, it's still good to put on as a warning, as I said before in my original comment. This person learned the hard way, it is relevant to be put here.

In the first paragraph regarding cancellation, other authors get theirs cancelled too (I totally forgot who, I just remembered I read one of the comics)
I'm still trying to dig for receipts because it's years ago. Is the thing about cancellation actually in the contract too? I am asking because I genuinely don't know, so this is interesting, as you said they'll never cancel unless and unless (which is good)

I am not trying to fearmonger, I fear I seem like so (and being mean and discouraging to newbie who just wanna earn money), but companies can screw you.

I am glad Tapas is a fair and safe option, but I heard Webnovel is mentioned up there and that's quite a predatory place from what I have heard (being unable to delete your own work is already a sign)

Things change and we don't know what will happen in the future, the nicer companies can have changes too (for the better or worse). I just want this to be put into perspective when people are applying for programs. Moreover, some people here write passion projects that are very personal. Of course it's not motivating, but I thought OP asked for hard lessons.

Also thank you in advance

[Freeman]

nah man, you’re good
you’re just sharing your experience and trying to help, nothing wrong with that.
honestly, I appreciate it. better to hear the real stuff than just sunshine and rainbows lol.
so thanks for taking the time to explain, seriously

[svlyisanliu]

So wise! Like, I truly mean it