Warning/advice needed: Major webnovel platform turned my book into an audiobook (895K listeners) and refuses to pay royalties
Using a throwaway because I'm still dealing with this.
I want to share my experience and get advice from fellow writers who might have dealt with something similar or who can learn from my situation.
The short version: I worked with a major webnovel/reading platform as a contractor. I started as a translator but ended up writing the vast majority of a book as original content (with my editor's written permission). The book did well on their reading platform. Then, without telling me, they recorded it as a 249-episode audiobook on their sister platform. It now has over 895,000 listeners.
My contract says they must report revenue monthly and pay me a percentage. They've done neither. When I confronted them, they gave me the runaround for months. Non-legal staff told me I have no right to compensation. They won't put me in touch with their legal team.
Most recently, they pulled the book from their reading platform entirely: all three language versions. But the audiobook? Still live. Still collecting listeners.
I have everything documented: the contract, the authorization to write original content, screenshots of listener numbers over time, all the emails and messages.
What I've learned the hard way:
📝 Always get scope changes in writing (I did this, thankfully)
📸 Screenshot EVERYTHING, regularly, with dates
📧 Keep every single email and message
🔍 Check if your work appears on the company's sister/partner platforms
💰 Understand the difference between IP ownership and compensation rights — they can own the IP AND still owe you money
What I'm looking for:
* Writers who've had similar experiences with webnovel platforms withholding royalties
* Anyone who has successfully fought a platform and won
* Recommendations for IP lawyers or writers' advocacy organizations
* Other authors who might want to compare notes if they're dealing with the same company
If this resonates or if you're in a similar boat, my DMs are open.
And to any writers considering platform contracts: read every clause, understand the revenue definition, and never assume they'll play fair.