Challenges, Benefits, and Tips for Writing and Promoting on KBM App, Wattpad, and Lentera App for People with Visual Impairments

Amid advancement in digital literacy that promote inclusivity, people with visual impairments still face significant challenges in entering the writing market. These challenges range from limited access to technology and platform systems that aren't fully accessible to dominance of populer themes that often overshadow diverse narratives. These obstacles hinder writers with visual impairments from competing fairly.

Efforts to address literacy challenges for people with visual impairments became clearlier through a literacy talk event organized by the Lintas Community on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM WIB via  Zoom in commemoration of World Book Day 2025.

"Our goal is to expand the insights of our Lintas friends, especially  those with disabilities, about the digital writing, including the opportunities available for their works on various platforms," said Iin Safitri, founder of the Lintas Community.

During the event, Lintas Community, literacy without borders  and inclusive literacy movement committed to anti-discrimination invited 3 main speakers: Zelda Maharani (KBM App),  Henry Setiawan (Lentera App), and Izaddina (Wattpad). Each shared their experiences, discussing the challenges , benefits and practical tips for writing and promoting literary works on digital platforms.

Challenges of Writing on KBM App

Zelda Maharani, a visually impaired writer from Surabaya, express the difficulty  of competing on KBM App do to the dominance of domestic themes.

"On KBM App, the trending themes revolve around polygamy, intimate scenes, or infidelity. I've been part of the platform for a long time, yet I haven't succeeded. They say many people  earn hundred of million of rupiah, but I'm still wondering wht's wrong with my stories. Why are those types of stories the ones that break through the most?" she said.

Benefits of Writing on KBM App

Zelda noted that KBM App offers relatively simple monotization and user friendly features.

"Monotizing on KBM App is straightforward, you just need to  write actively, but whether you actually earn money, is another story. Besides that, KBM App   is easy to navigate," she explained.

She also emphasized that writing serves as a form of therapy.

"I've personally experienced the benefits of writing. One of them   is the healing process, especially when dealing with inner conflict and mental health. Writing isn't a complete solution, but  it helps ease emotional burdens," she said.

Challenges of Writing on Wattpad

Meanwhile, Izaddina, a nondisabled writer from Bekasi, known for her novel, "Dapur Ajaib dan Kisah-kisah di Dalamnya", shared her perspective on Wattpad

"The biggest challenge on Wattpad is genre preferences. Romance filled with drama like infidelity or mavia related stories tend to attract the most readers. Meanwhile, my stories focus on simple realistic  conflict, making it harder  to find an audience. Sometimes, I consider incorporating popular themes or using SEO strategies to gain visibility," she said.

Additionally, she highlighted the intense competision on the platform.

"Wattpad advantage is its popularity, but that also makes it difficult to get notice do to the sheer volume of stories available," she said.

Benefits of Writing on Wattpad

Izaddina pointed out that Wattpad is writer friendly because of its widespread recognition and accessibility.

"One of Wattpad's benefits is well established community, making it easier  to find reader. Stories can be read without logging in, though readers need an account to comment or vote," she explained.

Meanwhile, Zelda added that Wattpad is particularly accessible for visually impaired individuals.

"I started using Wattpad in 2017. It's user-friendly and compatible with screen readers," she said.

Challenges of Writing on Lentera App

Henry Setiawan, A visually impaired writer Lampung, shared his difficulty in creating book covers.

"The challenge is designing cover art. I make them myself, and the process takes a long time since I need to carefully lay everything out," he told.

Benefits of Writing on Lentera App

Henry highlighted Lentera App's accessibility and favorable conditions for writers.

"Unlike other platforms that require chapter by chapter uploads, Lentera App allows entire books to be submitted at once via Google Form," he said.

"Lentera App is also compatible with screen readers, offers monthly rewards for active readers, and provides royalties based on page views," he added.

Tips for Writing on Digital Platforms

Zelda, first place winner of a national book synopsis and short story competition at the Cultural and Literacy Week Festival, shared advice for improving writing skills on digital platforms.

Research

Research is key, ensure  your writing is logically sound. That's why people who start writing often begin by reading first because it involves research, observation, expanding knowledge."

Learn Punctuation and Practise Typing Patiently

"Many visually impaired writers rely on voice input, which can lead to unclear sentences. Taking the time to type properly enhances readability." 

Intention

"Everything starts with intention. Technical aspects and writing techniques can be learned over time."

Tips for Promoting Literary Works

To gain more readers, Henry, known for his book "Mistery Laskar" one of the most popular titles on Lentera App, advice authors to promote their book after publication.

"As soon as the book is released, promote it right away. Share it in WhatsApp groups and on social media like Instagram," he said.

Meanwhile, Izaddina, emphasized the importance of choosing a digital platform that aligns with personal confort.

"I find X more effective because of *Manifest*, a group that supports promotion. They frequently share Wattpad stories, book recommendations, and writers' works. In my opinion, reaching an audience through X is easier," she said.

So, fellow writers with visual impairments, after learning about the various challenges, benefits, and tips for writing and promoting literary works, which platform interests you the most, KBM App, Wattpad, or Lentera App? Let's enhance literacy and develop your potential through the digital platform of your choice!