> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knovel-protocol.gitbook.io/knovel/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knovel-protocol.gitbook.io/knovel/introduction/introduction.md).

# What is Knovel?

Knovel is the publishing platform where independent authors build a readership, publish their work, and get paid — all in one place.

Most platforms solve one piece of that. Amazon KDP gets your book distributed. Goodreads and BookTok help readers find it. Patreon or Substack let you collect payments. But none of them are built around the thing that actually drives long-term success as an author: the relationship between you and your readers.

Knovel is.

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## The Problem with Publishing Today

Independent authors face a fragmented ecosystem. You write on one tool, format on another, distribute through a third, build community somewhere else entirely, and hope readers follow you across all of it. Even when they do, you own very little. Platform algorithms change. Royalty structures shift. Your readership is rented, not yours.

Knovel brings publishing, discovery, community, and monetization into a single platform — and gives authors real ownership of their work through on-chain IP registration.

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## What Makes Knovel Different

**It's built around the relationship layer.** The gap in publishing isn't distribution. It isn't even monetization. It's that no platform is designed to help authors actually build a readership and sustain it. Knovel is designed around that insight.

**You own your IP.** When you publish on Knovel, your work is registered on-chain through Story Protocol. That means your intellectual property rights are recorded in a way that is transparent, verifiable, and controlled by you — not the platform.

**Derivative works are built in.** Readers can create fanfiction, translations, and adaptations of your work — with licensing terms you set. You decide whether that's commercial or non-commercial, and whether you receive royalties from derivative works that monetize.

**Everything is in one place.** Write, publish, build your following, earn from your work, and manage your rights — without switching platforms.

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## Who Knovel Is For

**Authors** who want to publish independently, build a real readership, and retain ownership of what they create.

**Readers** who want to discover new voices, engage with authors directly, and participate in stories they love — including by creating their own derivative works.

**Developers and builders** who want to integrate with Knovel's platform or build on top of its open infrastructure.

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## A Note on How Knovel Works

Knovel uses blockchain technology to handle IP registration and rights management. This means some features — like publishing a book or minting a derivative work — require a connected crypto wallet. You do not need to buy or hold cryptocurrency to read on Knovel. For authors, wallet connection is required to publish.

If you've never used a crypto wallet before, don't worry. The [Getting Started](/knovel/getting-started/getting-started.md) guide walks through everything step by step.