Open source novels?

[Super Fantasy]

Is there any way to make my novels or short stories "Open source" or "Free to add to/edit"?

 

[JBCrowson]

I would guess if you created a website to do that you could do it. If I were doing that I would structure it such that the original 'seed' I wrote was preserved and people could start their own writing from it. They could have the choice to similarly leave their version open to others to add to, or close it as simply their evolution of your original ideas. There seem to be some tech savvy people around here who could give you a better idea of how to set up a website like that I would imagine.
How you would make enough people aware of it for it to work is another question though.

 

[Stace]

That's a really interesting idea. Are you thinking of just posting for people to download and rework on their own, or more of a collaborative, shared space with everyone working on a single document? If the latter, you could just use Google Docs and share the link. Maybe use Suggesting mode so that it's easier to deal with malicious contributors who spike the text with profanity or just delete the whole thing.

What's the goal of doing this, though?

 

[Insolent Lad]

If you did something of this sort you might want to apply a Creative Commons license that allows the publishing of derivative works.

 

[pmmg]

Just a google search for collaborative writing apps pushes up a few websites where you might do this. I think if I was to ask my kids, they would say use something like Discord. I wonder if some of the public writing sites like Wattpad or FanFiction.net might not allow for this in some way.

In direct answer to question, if you post up a story where someone can see and leave a note saying open source, free to expand and write your own, that would be all it would take. If there was no one who wanted to, that would be a different part of it.

Just playing an RPG with your friends, is essentially this. RPG's are pretty much interactive fiction where you all tell a story together. There are plenty of RPG sites.

 

[Prince of Spires]

Publishing it under the creative commons license would do the trick.

The main question I think is why would anyone want to? I don't mean that in a negative way or anything. Just that most people who write have more than enough ideas of their own. Why would they use someone elses? Unless it's fan-fiction of course. But that requires dedicated fans, and doesn't really fall under the free to add / edit license.

 

[Rexenm]

I think there is white-out for pen, eraser for pencil? but nah, there are plenty of ways to do it. You could use OneNote, and have multiple users on it, but a good way to publish a book, is to put it on FictionPress . com, and share the password - via the forums - if that is a legal move.

 

[Dylan]

Is there any way to make my novels or short stories "Open source" or "Free to add to/edit"?

You can release your work under a Creative Commons license, which lets others share, adapt, or build on your stories while still giving you credit. Platforms like GitHub or Wattpad can host your work for collaboration. Just be clear about the rules (e.g., "non-commercial use only" or "must credit the original author"). It’s a great way to foster creativity and community around your writing—just be ready to let go of some control!

 

[Fidel]

Just a google search for collaborative writing apps pushes up a few websites where you might do this. I think if I was to ask my kids, they would say use something like Discord. I wonder if some of the public writing sites like Wattpad or FanFiction.net might not allow for this in some way.

In direct answer to question, if you post up a story where someone can see and leave a note saying open source, free to expand and write your own, that would be all it would take. If there was no one who wanted to, that would be a different part of it.

Just playing an RPG with your friends, is essentially this. RPG's are pretty much interactive fiction where you all tell a story together. There are plenty of RPG sites.

Great points, Collaborative writing can totally happen on platforms like Discord, Wattpad, or even FanFiction.net, it’s all about finding the right space and community. And you’re spot on about RPGs being interactive storytelling; they’re basically group storytelling with dice rolls! If you’re open to others jumping into your story, just putting it out there with an ‘open source’ vibe could spark some cool collaborations. It’s all about finding your tribe and having fun with it.