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Web Novel

The Novel and Its Forms

A web novel is a literary work published mainly or exclusively on the internet, typically released in serialized installments as chapters are completed rather than as a finished whole. The format lets authors share work directly with readers, bypassing traditional publishing gatekeepers, and gives writers immediate audience feedback that can shape a work before, or instead of, physical publication. Its low barrier to entry allows previously unknown authors to build followings independent of established publishing houses, continuing centuries-old traditions of serial publication in a form adapted for online audiences who read incrementally.

Facts
Notable Example
The Spot (1995 to 1997) is cited as one of the earliest popular examples of web fiction, an interactive story told through its characters' journal entries. 1
Defining Trait
A web novel is literature available primarily or solely on the Internet, most often released as a web serial in installments or chapters as they are completed rather than published as a finished book. 1
Sources
1. Web Fiction (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • lead section, paragraph 1, sentence 1
    Web fiction is written works of literature available primarily or solely on the Internet.
  • History section, paragraph 1
    Web-based fiction dates to the earliest days of the World Wide Web, including the extremely popular The Spot
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