What happens when you first log in

When you log in to Next Chapters for the first time, you are taken directly to your dashboard. The dashboard is your starting point for everything you do on the platform, including creating books, continuing work in progress, and accessing tools.

If you have just finished creating your account, this is the screen you will see immediately after completing the sign-up process.

Verifying your email address

When you first log in, you will see a notification prompting you to verify your email address. Verifying your email is required in order to access the tools and content of the platform.

Until your email address is verified, your access to certain features may be limited. This step helps ensure account security and makes sure important notifications and updates reach you reliably.

Once your email is verified, the notification is removed, and your account has full access based on your subscription level.

If you discover you misspelled your email address and it is preventing you from verifying your account, you can update your information by changing it under your profile settings.

Understanding your dashboard

The dashboard is designed to give you quick access to your work. From here, you can see books you own, books you manage, and books you are part of, depending on your role.

If this is your first time logging in, the dashboard may appear mostly empty. This is normal and simply means you have not created or joined any books yet.

From the dashboard, you can start a new book, continue writing an existing chapter, search for new community books in which to participate, or navigate to other areas of the platform using the main navigation.

Navigation basics

The main navigation is available throughout the platform and allows you to move between your dashboard, books, chapters, tools, and account settings.

Even if you are unsure where to go next, returning to the dashboard is always a safe way to reorient yourself.

What to do next

After your first login, most writers choose one of a few common next steps: starting a new book, joining an existing project, or exploring the planning and writing tools available to them.

You are not required to complete anything immediately. The platform is designed so you can move at your own pace and return to your work whenever you are ready.