What Is Dreame Exactly? Is It Actually a Scam?
Dreame is 100% legit. It’s owned by Stary Pte. Ltd. (sometimes listed as Stary Private Limited), a real Singapore tech company that runs a whole family of reading apps: Dreame, Innovel, Yugto, Slash, Ringdom, and Suenovela. You get the picture. Same parent, different flavors.
Nonetheless, like most online web novel app, it suffers from predatory exclusive contracts and shady recruitment practices. And that’s the main reason it’s being dubbed as a scam around the veteran writer circles.
Dreame : The Reader & Author Platform
Dreame is basically a romance heaven for readers. Its key audience are mostly women so you can already imagine its most beloved stories. It has tons of werewolf, vampire, CEO, billionaire, mafia, and love stories of all kinds.
Still, Stary Writing (the parent company) isn’t putting all eggs in one basket either. It has alos branch out into other genres. You write fantasy,sci-fi, or thriller? Then check Ringdom. LGBTQ+ stories? Slash. Pure Tagalog drama? Yugto. Spanish telenovela vibes? Suenovela. Yeah, they’ve got a whole rainbow of apps now.
If you’re thinking of jumping in as a writer for Dreame, here are the pros & cons:
Pros:
- Super low entry barrier
- Large built-in audience
- App looks pretty and smooth
- Almost zero editing police
Cons:
- Contracts written in vague legalese hell
- Royalties feel lower than what most consider fair
- Daily updates or the algorithm forgets you exist
- They really want 100+ chapters before taking you seriously
Availability: Dreame app is on Android and iOS, plus there’s a website if you’re old-school. That’s it. Romance factory, ready when you are.
My Two Main Issues With Dreame (Stary Writing)
Look, I don’t hate Dreame or Stary Writing. I’m just calling it like I see it. Here are the two biggest problems that keep popping up.
1. Bad Author Royalty Contract
Like most of online web novel apps, Dreame is for its unfriendly author contracts. I’ve also heard issues about contract termination problems, big rights claim, and daily update issues.
It has even earned itself a special article from the writing industry watchdog Writer’s Beware: Bad Contract Alert: Stary (aka Dreame).
2. Lack of Clarity About Your Royalties
Transparency? What’s that? Like pretty much every big app in this space, Dreame just shows you a final number on the dashboard and says, here’s your money. No proper breakdown, no list of operational costs, no clue how much they actually shaved off. You just have to trust their math. Super dodgy and frustrating.
Dreame Contract Explained: Exclusive or Non-Exclusive?
Exclusive Contract
Go exclusive and your novel lives only on Dreame, nowhere else. In return they throw better perks at you. You’ll get 50% net profit, higher bonuses when you hit quotas, way more promotion inside the app, and a bigger slice of certain rewards.
Like most online web novel contracts, they also love to repeat “you still own the copyright,” but then adds that Stary Writing will manages it for you.
Non-Exclusive Contract
How does this work? Well, this contract gives Stary Writing only limited rights to host your book on Dreame. You keep real ownership and can post the same novel anywhere else at the same time.
The Downside? Pay is noticeably lower at 30% net profit. You also miss out on all the juicy exclusive bonuses, and there are still a few restriction clauses.
Do Dreame Authors Actually Get Paid Real Money?
Yes, they do get paid. But good money? That’s a maybe. A handful of my author buddies pull solid checks from Dreame, but they’re the exceptions. They’ve got multiple hits and their consistency, writing skills, and backlist have carried them.
But so far, I have not heard much writer success stories from this platform. You know, those people that hit things big.
I Got a Dreame Exclusive Contract, Should I Sign It?
Up to you, but slow down. Read every single word, every clause, twice. And like what I almost say, use your favorite AI chat to review your contract. If it feels right and you’re ready for the grind, sign away.
If you’re unsure, you can also hit up a lawyer. You can also ask for advice from other writers who are inside the platform or through socmed writer groups. I mean, it’s better safe than regret later.
How Much Do Dreame Authors Really Earn?
Earnings depend heavily on your contract and grind. Active exclusive authors usually pull $150–$1,000/month or possiby more once if their books gain traction.
Veterans with a big backlist can hit way higher. Just a heads-up: if you’re living in first-world countries, your earnings might feel like a side hustle money. But if you’re living from lower-income countries, such earnings can be solid wage.
Who Is Stary Pte Ltd?
Stary Pte Ltd (sometimes written Stary Private Limited) is the official Singapore company that owns and runs Dreame. Seeing that name on your contract is completely normal; it’s the same people.
How to Actually Land a Contract on Dreame?
The easiest path? Enter (and survive) their writing contests; many contestants get offered contracts win or lose. You can also sign up on their author portal, upload 10k–30k words, email the editor, and pray.
If you have a good story, expect a fast contract. Still, don’t get too excited. Always read your contracts to the point you understand what it’ll mean to you.
I Signed Dreame Exclusive But Now Want My Rights Back – Help!
You’re in one big trouble. First, dig through the contract for any termination or buy-back clause. Most web novel contracts have none, or worse its termination clause will make you cough lots of cash.
If nothing’s there, politely beg Dreame support. Worst case, hire a copyright lawyer and prepare your wallet. The lesson? Read before signing contracts.
Which Is Better: Dreame or Indie Publishing?
Indie publishing, hands down. No debate.
Yes, you’ll need a killer cover, proper editing, and actual marketing effort (way more polish than Dreame requires), but the long-term money is leagues better and the rights stay 100 % yours forever.
You can even go wide with Draft2Digital, IngramSpark, Scribd, Kobo, Apple, or lock into Kindle Unlimited. The best of it all? It’s all your call, no permission needed.
Which Is Better: Dreame or Traditional Publishing?
If you’re brand new and just want to practice daily writing while earning something, Dreame might have case for you. It has a low barrier of entry and quick turn-over.
Nonetheless, if you already know your craft, I’d chase traditional. Romance is still traditional publishing’s cash cow, the advances can be life-changing, and the prestige is real. Just be ready for agents, endless revisions, and gatekeepers who’ll make you cry.
Final Thoughts About Dreame
I have a few friends pulling nice money from Dreame every month, and they all say the same thing: it’s not easy. Sleepless nights, daily quotas, constant pressure. Still, for them the paycheck makes it worth it.
But personally, I’ll rather learn the ropes through indie-publishing. You can also check Wattpad if you want. Anyway, know your cards and choose wisely.