Success story, from WattPad to the Bestseller
Can Wattpad Really Launch a Writing Career?
In today’s digital world, platforms like Wattpad are transforming the way stories are discovered and shared. What once started as a hobby for aspiring writers has now become a launching pad for some of the biggest names in modern fiction. If you’ve ever typed out a story late at night and wondered, “Can this ever go anywhere?” — the answer is yes. And perhaps no success story illustrates this better than that of Beth Reekles, a young woman from Wales whose Wattpad story The Kissing Booth turned into a bestselling novel and later a hit Netflix film. Beth’s journey from online chapters to published books is a powerful example of how talent, persistence, and the right platform can change a life.
From Wattpad Sensation to Netflix Star
Beth Reekles began writing at the age of 15, and like many teen writers, she turned to Wattpad to share her work with others. She started uploading her novel The Kissing Booth chapter by chapter, never expecting what would happen next. Her story — a high school romance filled with charm and relatable drama — quickly resonated with readers around the world. Within a short time, her book had over 19 million reads, 40,000 comments, and became the most-read teen fiction story on the platform.
This massive online success caught the eye of traditional publishers. In 2012, Random House (through its youth imprint) offered Beth a three-book deal, making her one of the youngest authors signed by a major publishing house. The Kissing Booth was released as an e-book in December 2012, and a print edition followed in spring 2013. The novel quickly gained momentum, rising on bestseller charts and proving that online popularity can translate into real-world sales.
Beth didn’t stop there. She published follow-up novels such as Rolling Dice and Out of Tune, solidifying her presence in the young adult fiction market. Her rise was so significant that TIME Magazine included her in its list of the “16 Most Influential Teens of 2013.”
But the most dramatic chapter in Beth’s success story came when Netflix adapted The Kissing Booth into a feature film, which premiered in May 2018. The film starred Joey King and Jacob Elordi and became an instant hit with young viewers globally. The success of the first movie led to two sequels, and today the Kissing Booth trilogy remains one of Netflix’s most streamed franchises in the teen romance category.
What Writers Can Learn from Beth Reekles’s Success
Beth Reekles’s story isn’t just a fairytale — it’s a blueprint. It shows that Wattpad can be a powerful stepping stone for aspiring writers who want to reach a wider audience and possibly land a book deal or movie adaptation. Her journey from Wattpad to bestseller to Netflix proves that you don’t need to have industry connections or a literary agent to get started — you just need a story people love and the courage to share it. In the age of digital storytelling, talent no longer goes unnoticed. If you’re a young writer wondering how to become a bestselling author or how to turn your online stories into real-world success, Beth’s journey is living proof that it’s entirely possible. She turned her passion into a profession — and so can you.
