Are deleted works cached in some way?

[WasatchWind]

So, I am trying to scrub my fantasy novel off of public areas of the internet. I did only post a portion of my first draft. The content my change greatly, as may the title, but I am still deathly afraid of working away at this only for a publisher to go "we found this by searching online, and found that you posted a portion of your story once. You have given up first publishing rights."

This may come across as paranoia, but I have been told by different sources to err on the side of caution, that editors and publishers really do not consider stuff that has been posted to sites like Wattpad, Scribblehub, or Royal Road - in any fashion.

So I really need to be sure - my story is deleted right?

I am not going to work all this time for it to end in failure. And don't give me that stuff about how "you should write just because it makes you happy!!! :) :) :) :)"

 

[2021]

It is never fully gone

 

[WasatchWind]

It is never fully gone

I hope though gone enough, and changed enough that a publisher cannot find it. I can't believe how insane about this these publishers are.

 

[Deleted member 54065]

Like what they say, once in the net, it stays in the net.

I could still find the previous links to my story in other sites (though I deleted them already).

Plus, if the aggregators took it...well...the only option left is to pray.

 

[K5Rakitan]

I can't believe how insane publishers are.

I'll take that as a compliment
Oh, you mean online publishers?

 

[Biggest-Kusa-Out-There]

Edit every text and replace with AAAAAA until you meet word count required. Change the name of the novel to [REDACTED] as well as every chapter title. Delete every comment and stuff.
Even if they do find your novel, it won't be what you're showing them. Easy peasy lemon squeezy

 

[Jemini]

Translate your novel to a language native to a nation with far less abusive publishing contracts. (Like maybe Japan. The biggest abuse there is their demand for a heavy work ethic and pushing you to abuse your health in order to release more chapters. They are known for working a lot with people who first published their work as webnovels though.)

 

[NotaNuffian]

Like what they say, once in the net, it stays in the net.

I could still find the previous links to my story in other sites (though I deleted them already).

Plus, if the aggregators took it...well...the only option left is to pray.

...you are back right?


... once on the net stays on the net. It only took me at best half an hour to use wayback to look for deleted works, then all I have to do is just copy the work and save into docs.

I have not tried it on porn sites but I do believe it works the same.

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

If the publisher uses a wayback machine to find your story, you're screwed.

 

[Deleted member 54065]

...you are back right?

Just dropping by from time to time.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

So, I am trying to scrub my fantasy novel off of public areas of the internet. I did only post a portion of my first draft. The content my change greatly, as may the title, but I am still deathly afraid of working away at this only for a publisher to go "we found this by searching online, and found that you posted a portion of your story once. You have given up first publishing rights."

This may come across as paranoia, but I have been told by different sources to err on the side of caution, that editors and publishers really do not consider stuff that has been posted to sites like Wattpad, Scribblehub, or Royal Road - in any fashion.

So I really need to be sure - my story is deleted right?

I am not going to work all this time for it to end in failure. And don't give me that stuff about how "you should write just because it makes you happy!!! :) :) :) :)"

Yeah that sounds like nonsense, I dunno. It's not like these are published FOR SALE.

You don't even need a publisher. All they do is advertise your story and a few other things, right? Work hard enough and you can do that yourself in a similar capacity a publisher can.

I'm not even sure how much the average author would make. I mean you're probably not gonna publish the next Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, you get me? So I wouldnt use them as benchmarks. I'd just ask people who self publish and are successful what they did. Successful meaning they can make a living off their writing alone

This is an age where people dont need third parties like a publisher anymore as long as they have some know-how.

Not that in saying you shouldnt go that route. You do you, mate. I would just do more research, see what's best for you. Cuz I do know a few people who seem pretty successful as self publishers. Ace Arriande being who comes to mind right now

 

[KiraMinoru]

You don't even need a publisher. All they do is advertise your story and a few other things, right? Work hard enough and you can do that yourself in a similar capacity a publisher can.

It’s not exactly as simple as just advertising and a few other things like editing and proofreading to ensure the quality of the work that they provide. Rather, it’s both the name and reputation of the publisher they provide to you which allows a no-name author to sell well.

Basically, it’s like branding your book Supreme which allows you to sell a book at a much higher price compared to a self publisher. When an author is big enough, it’s the reverse situation, but for no-names it’s this.

They are also the ones who control what’s popular in their medium. They have the final say. If they don’t like something, they can review brigade it into the dirt with their connections and power. Being in the good books of a publisher is like having insurance or protection from others in the industry who may view you as an eyesore.

They also have the means and ability to slap the #1 best seller tag onto your work at will just by pulling some strings in the background. That tag itself pushes sales on its own.

They can network to easily get your story in the hands of big influencers with the demographic you are targeting.

Basically, what they truly provide to a no-name author is a fast track to jumping from the bottom to the top all in one go. As many say it’s like winning the lottery for more reasons than one.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

It’s not exactly as simple as just advertising and a few other things like editing and proofreading to ensure the quality of the work that they provide. Rather, it’s both the name and reputation of the publisher they provide to you which allows a no-name author to sell well.

Basically, it’s like branding your book Supreme which allows you to sell a book at a much higher price compared to a self publisher. When an author is big enough, it’s the reverse situation, but for no-names it’s this.

They are also the ones who control what’s popular in their medium. They have the final say. If they don’t like something, they can review brigade it into the dirt with their connections and power. Being in the good books of a publisher is like having insurance or protection from others in the industry who may view you as an eyesore.

They also have the means and ability to slap the #1 best seller tag onto your work at will just by pulling some strings in the background. That tag itself pushes sales on its own.

They can network to easily get your story in the hands of big influencers with the demographic you are targeting.

Basically, what they truly provide to a no-name author is a fast track to jumping from the bottom to the top all in one go. As many say it’s like winning the lottery for more reasons than one.

Yeah, but I've read a lot of books listed as "number 1 best seller" and cant name a single publisher. I know the authors. The common dude will know fuck all on who publishes the book.

I will admit that they will get the story out there better than you can alone, probably, but I'm not sure brand name plays as large a part as people think considering I doubt many people can even name who published the Hp books.

Is there a kind of monopoly, too? I feel like I only know like one or two big publishers who were affiliated with big name authors. Tho, again, I probably wouldnt even know for sure WHO published them. I read all kinda of novels, not just the top 1%, and of them all I still cant recall who published these stories.

I'm sure some people care about finding out who published their favorite authors. But the common reader, which makes up the majority, probably wouldnt. Which is why when it comes to novels I dont consider the brand name all that important, just the power of the company being able to market and advertise better than the average author.

 

[SailusGebel]

Publishers are good, huh? I simply need to find a publisher who will publish my current r-18 story and future ones and slap a #1 best-seller on them. Sounds legit.

 

[Arkus86]

It’s not exactly as simple as just advertising and a few other things like editing and proofreading to ensure the quality of the work that they provide. Rather, it’s both the name and reputation of the publisher they provide to you which allows a no-name author to sell well.

Basically, it’s like branding your book Supreme which allows you to sell a book at a much higher price compared to a self publisher. When an author is big enough, it’s the reverse situation, but for no-names it’s this.

They are also the ones who control what’s popular in their medium. They have the final say. If they don’t like something, they can review brigade it into the dirt with their connections and power. Being in the good books of a publisher is like having insurance or protection from others in the industry who may view you as an eyesore.

They also have the means and ability to slap the #1 best seller tag onto your work at will just by pulling some strings in the background. That tag itself pushes sales on its own.

They can network to easily get your story in the hands of big influencers with the demographic you are targeting.

Basically, what they truly provide to a no-name author is a fast track to jumping from the bottom to the top all in one go. As many say it’s like winning the lottery for more reasons than one.

And another slight detail, they have the means to actually distribute the work ready from the start.

Where you would have to find/set up a platform to sell your book and in case of printed books, get them printed and distributed on your own expense, they already have connections and/or infrastructure in place and likely know where to sell it to get the largest audience.

 

[KiraMinoru]

Yeah, but I've read a lot of books listed as "number 1 best seller" and cant name a single publisher. I know the authors. The common dude will know fuck all on who publishes the book.

I will admit that they will get the story out there better than you can alone, probably, but I'm not sure brand name plays as large a part as people think considering I doubt many people can even name who published the Hp books.

Is there a kind of monopoly, too? I feel like I only know like one or two big publishers who were affiliated with big name authors. Tho, again, I probably wouldnt even know for sure WHO published them. I read all kinda of novels, not just the top 1%, and of them all I still cant recall who published these stories.

I'm sure some people care about finding out who published their favorite authors. But the common reader, which makes up the majority, probably wouldnt. Which is why when it comes to novels I dont consider the brand name all that important, just the power of the company being able to market and advertise better than the average author.

That’s the thing though, just the fact that there do exist hardcore people who do trust in traditional publishers will still generate a certain amount of hype. Enough to spread through word of mouth. They’re the types who’d also loyally and sometimes even religiously write reviews for books when the publisher publishes something no matter who the author is. It’s blind faith, almost like a religion or small cult. For bigger established authors, such a minority of people aren’t a big deal. But for no name authors, those people are like water in a barren desert, salvation to those in need.

As for a monopoly, I’d say it’s sort of like that. Publishers have a mutual sense of understanding. Don’t mess with us and we won’t mess with you. But if one publisher is ticked off, they can push their weight around with other publishers to pressure them into black listing you no matter how good your work may be. If they really want to bury your work in the graveyard, they can and will. They won’t hesitate to do so unless your name is big enough that they need to be wary of stepping on your toes.

You shouldn’t underestimate the power of the vocal minority. If enough people in a small group make a big enough fuss even if they are for example .01-.1% of a large population, that is still quite a number. Those small vocal ones are the ones willing to shout and scream at the top of their lungs to spread the gospel that is your work. It only takes a small spark for something to spread like wildfire.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

That’s the thing though, just the fact that there do exist hardcore people who do trust in traditional publishers will still generate a certain amount of hype. Enough to spread through word of mouth. They’re the types who’d also loyally and sometimes even religiously write reviews for books when the publisher publishes something no matter who the author is. It’s blind faith, almost like a religion or small cult. For bigger established authors, such a minority of people aren’t a big deal. But for no name authors, those people are like water in a barren desert, salvation to those in need.

As for a monopoly, I’d say it’s sort of like that. Publishers have a mutual sense of understanding. Don’t mess with us and we won’t mess with you. But if one publisher is ticked off, they can push their weight around with other publishers to pressure them into black listing you no matter how good your work may be. If they really want to bury your work in the graveyard, they can and will. They won’t hesitate to do so unless your name is big enough that they need to be wary of stepping on your toes.

You shouldn’t underestimate the power of the vocal minority. If enough people in a small group make a big enough fuss even if they are for example .01-.1% of a large population, that is still quite a number. Those small vocal ones are the ones willing to shout and scream at the top of their lungs to spread the gospel that is your work. It only takes a small spark for something to spread like wildfire.

I can understand that. A vocal minority has called a story of mine a Masterpiece, which I kinda dont agree with, but yeah. They boosted the rating. So I cant deny their involvement. I'm just not sure of their influence on the whole.. then again, I tailor my stories to a specific group each time. So those who dont like one may like another.

 

[AliceShiki]

So, I am trying to scrub my fantasy novel off of public areas of the internet. I did only post a portion of my first draft. The content my change greatly, as may the title, but I am still deathly afraid of working away at this only for a publisher to go "we found this by searching online, and found that you posted a portion of your story once. You have given up first publishing rights."

This may come across as paranoia, but I have been told by different sources to err on the side of caution, that editors and publishers really do not consider stuff that has been posted to sites like Wattpad, Scribblehub, or Royal Road - in any fashion.

So I really need to be sure - my story is deleted right?

I am not going to work all this time for it to end in failure. And don't give me that stuff about how "you should write just because it makes you happy!!! :) :) :) :)"

It is deleted as far as the sites you posted at go.

That said, if pirate sites scrapped the content with bots and reposted it... Then it was reposted and it is there.

It's not like you can't do anything about it though. If a part of your work was published without your permission somewhere when you have an exclusivity contract, you should be able to send a DMCA to the pirate site. While them actually abiding to the DMCA is unlikely, you'll be doing your part in protecting your IP, which should probably be enough as far as the publisher cares.

 

[WasatchWind]

Yeah that sounds like nonsense, I dunno. It's not like these are published FOR SALE.

You don't even need a publisher. All they do is advertise your story and a few other things, right? Work hard enough and you can do that yourself in a similar capacity a publisher can.

I'm not even sure how much the average author would make. I mean you're probably not gonna publish the next Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, you get me? So I wouldnt use them as benchmarks. I'd just ask people who self publish and are successful what they did. Successful meaning they can make a living off their writing alone

This is an age where people dont need third parties like a publisher anymore as long as they have some know-how.

Not that in saying you shouldnt go that route. You do you, mate. I would just do more research, see what's best for you. Cuz I do know a few people who seem pretty successful as self publishers. Ace Arriande being who comes to mind right now

As I've said before to people on this site - the most common fiction here is not commonly in print. For y'all self publishing works way better.

Self publishing seems so rosy, but in my research it is rarely as successful as a publishing deal. Most authors do not become Harry Potter. But they also get a check in advance for the publishing deal.

Yeah, but I've read a lot of books listed as "number 1 best seller" and cant name a single publisher. I know the authors. The common dude will know fuck all on who publishes the book.

I will admit that they will get the story out there better than you can alone, probably, but I'm not sure brand name plays as large a part as people think considering I doubt many people can even name who published the Hp books.

Is there a kind of monopoly, too? I feel like I only know like one or two big publishers who were affiliated with big name authors. Tho, again, I probably wouldnt even know for sure WHO published them. I read all kinda of novels, not just the top 1%, and of them all I still cant recall who published these stories.

I'm sure some people care about finding out who published their favorite authors. But the common reader, which makes up the majority, probably wouldnt. Which is why when it comes to novels I dont consider the brand name all that important, just the power of the company being able to market and advertise better than the average author.

It's not a brand name thing - it's that they get it out there. For people looking for a new fantasy novel to read, I'm sorry, but they aren't going to look on scribble hub.

They are going to find it in a book store, see an advertisement, or see the audiobook in a new releases section.

A publisher has expertise and connections. Even if an author knows how to get self published, it'll likely be more expensive and generally difficult.

It is deleted as far as the sites you posted at go.

That said, if pirate sites scrapped the content with bots and reposted it... Then it was reposted and it is there.

It's not like you can't do anything about it though. If a part of your work was published without your permission somewhere when you have an exclusivity contract, you should be able to send a DMCA to the pirate site. While them actually abiding to the DMCA is unlikely, you'll be doing your part in protecting your IP, which should probably be enough as far as the publisher cares.

Piracy is not my concern, just my publisher finding remnants of the story some how.

Frankly I'm just pissed that this is how it works. I had no idea this was a thing when I started posting my book on these sites. It feels like arresting someone for speeding when they didn't know what the speed limit was.

Edit every text and replace with AAAAAA until you meet word count required. Change the name of the novel to [REDACTED] as well as every chapter title. Delete every comment and stuff.
Even if they do find your novel, it won't be what you're showing them. Easy peasy lemon squeezy

I've already deleted the stories online - but I'm almost certainly going to change the name of my story, and adjust the beginning chapters.

I just hope that the publisher isn't desperate enough that they're digging through the way back machine for hours on end...
Okay, update - I am screwed.


If you search up the name of the main character, Irian + Wattpad, Scribble hub, or Royal Road, it brings up the synopsis of my story.

I don't know what to do because these stories are very much deleted. I wish I'd been smart enough to fill all the pages with different text...

 

[CupcakeNinja]

.

It's not a brand name thing - it's that they get it out there. For people looking for a new fantasy novel to read, I'm sorry, but they aren't going to look on scribble hub.

I mean....they do tho. That's one of the main genres here, you cant jist say they dont come here to find a new story when they obviously do. Sure this is a kinda niche website that not many people would know about or find, unless you're into anime and light novels, but still.

They are going to find it in a book store, see an advertisement, or see the audiobook in a new releases section.

Yeah, you say that, but I've been to a book store like once in my life and I've never even seen an advertisement for a book--unless they are insanely popular books already--or an audiobook.

I found books by going to my local library's website and looking at what they have in their new releases. What new books they bought for us to check out and read.

Like honestly, just speaking from my own experience, I'm not even sure how else you'd find new books to read unless you just stumble upon them.

Almost none of the books I've read in my life, and I've read literally hundreds if not a thousand by now, have ever had me see an advertisement about them. I can name 50 Shades and Twilight, HP and maybe a few others Ive seen ads about, but that's because they got movie adaptations.

I dunno man. Like I said, you do you. I'm just not sure the common reader finds novels in the way you think they do. I mean I certainly didn't, but who knows maybe I'm just the odd one out.

EDIT: I just realized this man sound contradictory to my earlier comments about publishing companies being good at advertising a book. I still say that may be true, I just never seen many ads personally about a novel but I'm sure there are ways they do get the story "out there".