Leanpub vs Wattpad
May 31, 2026 | Author: Laura Candler
Leanpub and Wattpad are both self-publishing services that give authors direct access to readers and lower the barrier to entry book market. They allow create author profiles and book pages, support chapter-by-chapter publishing, allow to collect reader reviews and reactions.
But Leanpub is focused on non-fiction educational and professional literature. This service allows for books to be sold immediately after publication and supports a pay-what-you-want model. Authors can upload books and textbooks in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats, use the built-in editor with Markdown support and collaborate with co-authors and editors via Git system.
Wattpad focuses on fiction, especially women's novels, especially for a young audience. Most works on the portal are available for free. The service has a well-developed social network and allows commenting even on individual text passages. Wattpad promotes content through recommendation algorithms. Successful books often receive film adaptations or publishing contracts.
But Leanpub is focused on non-fiction educational and professional literature. This service allows for books to be sold immediately after publication and supports a pay-what-you-want model. Authors can upload books and textbooks in PDF, EPUB and MOBI formats, use the built-in editor with Markdown support and collaborate with co-authors and editors via Git system.
Wattpad focuses on fiction, especially women's novels, especially for a young audience. Most works on the portal are available for free. The service has a well-developed social network and allows commenting even on individual text passages. Wattpad promotes content through recommendation algorithms. Successful books often receive film adaptations or publishing contracts.




