Creating and Uploading Writing

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Explanations and instructions of all things Writing.Com.

#698723 added June 9, 2010 at 9:22pm (edited)
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Creating and Uploading Writing
Most of the many things you can do on Writing.Com happen within an item in a member's portfolio. Writing.Com provides a wide variety of item types where you can create and share your writing and ideas.

Every member has a personal portfolio for storing their Items. To create a new item, click *PlusG* CREATE SOMETHING in the left navigation, or click + Create on your portfolio page.

If you are navigating manually, open your portfolio page from the left navigation by clicking Portfolio → Portfolio, or by clicking your handle. Then click the + Create link below your portfolio tools.

From the CREATE SOMETHING NEW page, choose the type of item you wish to create and click the link to get started.

For a complete overview of each item type, see Item Types and Their Uses.

Adding Your Writing

When creating an item on Writing.Com, there are three common ways to add your writing to the editor.
Type Directly Into the Editor

You can type your work directly into the Body text box on the item creation page, which is labeled with the message "Enter your writing below."

The editor includes an automatic save feature that periodically saves your work in the editor system while you are typing. (It does not automatically override your item if you are editing.) By default, autosave runs every 60 seconds, though this setting can be adjusted in your editor preferences.

Autosave helps protect your work from accidental clicks, browser issues, or internet interruptions. Even so, it is still a good habit to click Save periodically to ensure your changes are stored exactly when you want them.

Drag and Drop From a Word Processor

You can drag and drop a document file directly into the editor. This feature is available anywhere the Writing.Com editor appears, including items, newsfeed posts, and comments.

The drag-and-drop tool currently supports .docx files. Images contained within the file are not imported.

Simply drag the file into the editor and follow the instructions to import the text.

Copy and Paste From Your Computer

Many members prefer to write in a word processor and then paste their work into Writing.Com. This approach allows you to keep a reliable copy of your writing on your own computer.

To do this, copy the text from your document and paste it into the item's Body text box. Then complete the remaining fields such as the item's title, content rating, and description, and choose a Save option to store the item in your portfolio.

Note: If formatting problems occur when copying from programs such as Microsoft Word or WordPerfect, pasting the text into a plain text editor (such as Notepad) first can help remove unwanted formatting before pasting it into Writing.Com.

For more control over formatting, see Using the Editor.

Basic Item Settings

After adding your writing, there are a few basic settings you’ll want to fill out before saving your item.

• Title – The name of your item
• Brief Description – A short summary shown in listings
• Content Rating – Choose the appropriate rating for your writing
• Access Settings You control who can view your item:
         Public — visible to everyone (including search engines)
          Private or restricted — visible only to selected members
• Genres and Tags – Genres and tags are one of the most important ways your writing gets discovered.

Your title and brief description are what people see first and what makes them click.
• Keep your title clear and interesting
• Use the description to hook your reader in one sentence

These settings don’t need to be perfect right away; you can update them at any time.

Content Ratings

Writing.Com uses two types of ratings:
• Intro Rating: applies to your title, description, and cover
• Content Rating: applies to your full writing

Choosing the correct rating helps your item appear in the right places. Learn more: Content Ratings.

Cover Images

You can customize the visual appearance of your item by adding a cover image.
Covers appear in listings, your portfolio, and at the top of your item.
This is not required, and you can always add or change a cover later.

You can:
• Upload your own image
• Use another item's image
• Choose from stock covers

Learn more: Covers.

Saving Your Item

When you’re ready, click one of the Save options at the bottom of the page.
• Save and Edit – Saves your work and keeps you in the editor
• Save and View – Saves your item and opens it for viewing
• Save – Saves your item and returns you to your portfolio

You can edit your item at any time after saving.

Editing Your Item

To make changes later, open your item and click the gear icon, then select Edit.

Extra Tools

Writing.Com items also include a few optional features you can explore later:

• Auto-Rewards – Offer Gift Points automatically to members who review your item
• Passkeys – Allow access to a private item using a code
• Group Edit Access – Allow members of a group to edit your item together

Tips
For easier reading, use clear spacing and keep your chapters easy to follow on screen.

Icon: Premium Membership (Small) Premium Features

Premium and higher members have access to additional editing tools across many item types:

• Revision History – Track changes and view previous versions of your writing
• Full Screen Edit – Work in a larger, distraction-free editing space

Explore more:
Overview of Your Portfolio
Item Types and Their Uses
Using the Editor
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The StoryMistress has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.