Where Do Authors Publish Their Novels First?

From my experience diving into author forums and writing circles, the path to publishing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many literary fiction or memoir writers lean toward traditional routes first—submitting to literary journals like 'The New Yorker' or 'Granta' for short pieces, or querying agents with full manuscripts. These venues still carry prestige, and a publication credit can open doors. For genre writers, though, online serialization is king. Sites like ScribbleHub or Tapas are goldmines for web novels, particularly LGBTQ+ or isekai stories. I’ve binge-read so many gems there that later got picked up by indie presses.

Then there’s the hybrid approach. Some authors publish short stories on platforms like Substack to build an email list, then crowdfund a print run via Kickstarter. I backed a stunning dark fantasy novel this way—the author shared snippets on Twitter, gathered supporters, and funded a hardcover edition before any publisher was involved. It’s empowering to see creators bypass traditional bottlenecks entirely. Even big-name authors like Brandon Sanderson prove this model works, though on a larger scale.

For comics or light novel-style works, Tapas or Webtoon are starting points. The visual format thrives there, and successful series often get physical releases later. It’s fascinating how digital platforms have reshaped publishing hierarchies. Now, readers decide what’s worth attention, not just industry gatekeepers.

I’ve geeked out over this topic forever because I love tracking how stories go from drafts to bookshelves. A ton of authors—especially in sci-fi or horror—start by submitting short stories to magazines like 'Clarkesworld' or 'Tor.com.' Getting published there can lead to anthology invites or even novel deals. It’s how Andy Weir’s 'The Martian' gained traction—serialized on his blog first, then polished into a novel. Blog serials feel old-school now, but they still work for niche audiences.

Another route is writing contests. Smaller presses often host open submissions or contests where winning means publication. I’ve discovered amazing debut novels this way, like 'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' from a small press before it hit big. Some authors even use NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) drafts as their starting point, sharing excerpts in forums for feedback before querying.

Then there’s the dark horse: podcast fiction. Shows like 'Welcome to Night Vale' proved audio-first storytelling can lead to book deals. Authors like Mur Lafferty recorded their novels as podcasts before landing traditional contracts. It’s wild how many options exist now compared to even a decade ago.

I’ve noticed most authors start by testing the waters online. Platforms like Wattpad or RoyalRoad are huge for new writers, especially in genres like romance or fantasy. These sites let you post chapter by chapter and build an audience before even thinking about traditional publishing. I’ve seen so many stories blow up there first—like 'The Love Hypothesis,' which started as fanfic before becoming a bestseller. Some authors also use Patreon to serialize early drafts for subscribers. It’s a low-pressure way to get feedback and grow a fanbase without jumping straight into the intimidating world of query letters.

Others go straight to indie publishing via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It’s crazy how accessible it’s made self-publishing. You can upload your novel, set your price, and boom—it’s live. No gatekeepers, just readers. I’ve followed authors who built entire careers this way, like those writing progression fantasy or cozy mysteries. Niche genres thrive here because traditional publishers often overlook them. And if a book gains traction, that’s when agents might come knocking. It’s like a backdoor into traditional publishing.