these books that started as fanfiction prove that passionate storytelling can lead to bestselling success—and we’re here for every twist.
Some of your favorite bestselling books actually started as fanfiction—and their backstories are just as juicy as the plots!
Started on AO3, Now They’re Here: Books Born From Fanfiction
Did you know some of the most popular novels today were books that started as fanfiction? Yep—your favorite stories may have had humble beginnings in fandom forums, Wattpad archives, or AO3 tags.
These authors didn’t wait for a book deal. They built loyal fanbases by writing what they loved—often about characters they adored from TV shows, movies, or bands. Then, with some edits and a little courage, they transformed their fanfic into fully published books.
Many of these titles went on to become viral sensations, major motion pictures, and household names. Let’s dive into the most iconic books that started as fanfiction—and why they’re still worth reading.
Alchemised by SenLinYu
Alchemised is one of the most powerful books that started as fanfiction—and it’s already making waves in dark fantasy circles. Once known as Manacled, this story began as a wildly popular Harry Potter fanfic focused on a twisted Dramione romance.
Now fully reimagined, the novel follows Helena Marino—a captured alchemist with shattered memories—trapped in a brutal post-war world ruled by necromancers. Her captors think she’s harmless, but Helena’s forgotten past holds more than secrets. It holds power.
As she battles for control over her mind and her magic, Helena faces a dangerous Reeve, forbidden truths, and devastating betrayals. This haunting tale of memory, survival, and rebellion proves that books that started as fanfiction can be just as deep, daring, and beautifully written as any bestseller on your shelf.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cinder is one of the most beloved YA fairytale retellings—and surprisingly, this book started as fanfiction. Marissa Meyer first imagined this futuristic Cinderella as part of a Sailor Moon fanfic project before turning it into a bestselling debut.
In this sci-fi twist, Cinder is a gifted mechanic and a cyborg—two reasons society looks down on her. However, when plague spreads and secrets rise, she discovers her true power. What begins as rejection becomes rebellion.
With a deadly secret, a dreamy prince, and a hidden past, Cinder rises from castoff to catalyst. Her underestimated abilities shape the fate of an entire world. It’s proof that books that started as fanfiction can transform into unforgettable legends.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
One of the most viral books that started as fanfiction, The Love Hypothesis began as a ReyLo romance on AO3. Ali Hazelwood turned fan love for Rey and Kylo Ren into a brilliant, bookish twist on fake dating.
Olive, a PhD student, kisses a random guy to convince her friend she’s over an ex. That guy? Dr. Adam Carlsen, the department’s notoriously moody professor. Surprisingly, he agrees to fake date her—strictly for science, of course.
But emotions get real, and Olive realizes she’s more powerful—and more lovable—than she believed. This book proves that books can blend fandom feels, swoony moments, and girl-power brilliance into bestselling magic.
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
Julie Soto’s Rose in Chains is a fantasy debut born from one of the most gripping fanfiction stories in the Dramione fandom. Inspired by her viral fic The Auction, this tale brings high fantasy, forbidden romance, and dark power plays to the spotlight.
Briony Rosewood, once a powerful princess, is captured when her kingdom falls. Stripped of magic and sold at auction, she’s claimed by Toven Hearst—a man from a brutal, feared family. However, her spirit refuses to break.
As Briony navigates a world of lies and cruelty, her hidden strength begins to rise. With slow-burn tension and enemies-to-lovers vibes, this fanfiction-based book blends danger, desire, and rebellion into a thrilling, emotional read.
Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James
Before it became a bestselling sensation, Fifty Shades of Grey lived online as a spicy Twilight-inspired fanfic called Master of the Universe. E.L. James, then writing as Snowqueens Icedragon, used fanfiction forums to explore her fantasy-fueled storytelling.
The story follows Anastasia Steele, a shy college student, and Christian Grey, a wealthy, emotionally closed-off businessman. Their relationship begins with a simple interview—but quickly spirals into a world of control, vulnerability, and obsession.
This fanfic-turned-bestseller redefined romance publishing. With explosive popularity, major film adaptations, and record-breaking sales, Fifty Shades proved that stories born in fandom spaces can truly dominate pop culture.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Before The Mortal Instruments became a YA staple, Cassandra Clare was known for her Harry Potter-inspired Draco Trilogy. Though City of Bones tells a very different tale, some details from her fanfic roots still linger in the shadows.
In this series opener, Clary Fray discovers a secret world of demon hunters called Shadowhunters. After witnessing a supernatural murder, her life spirals into a world of danger, magic, and forbidden truths. She quickly learns she’s more powerful—and more connected—than anyone expected.
Jace, the brooding blonde with sharp wit, joins her on this journey. Their banter and chemistry feel familiar to longtime fanfiction readers. Though it stands strong on its own, City of Bones remains one of the most successful modern YA books loosely inspired by fanfiction beginnings.
We’d Know By Then by Kirsten Bohling
This emotional debut originated as Reylo fanfiction—and its swoony, high-stakes vibes still carry that unforgettable spark. Originally posted on AO3 as True Colors, it reimagined Kylo Ren and Rey’s dynamic in a fresh, contemporary way.
In a world where people only see in color after meeting their soulmate, Brighton Evans stands out. She sees color already—but has no idea why. When she meets Cain, everything feels right. Until, suddenly, her world starts to dim.
What begins as a romantic connection quickly turns into something deeper and more complicated. With Reylo energy and a heart-wrenching twist, We’d Know By Then proves that stories shaped by fandom can still surprise and shatter you—in the best way.
Point Pleasant by Jen Archer Wood
Originally inspired by Supernatural fanfiction, Point Pleasant began as a Dean x Castiel fic posted on AO3 under “chainedtoacomet.” After revising the setting and characters, Jen Archer Wood reimagined the story into a gripping, gothic paranormal thriller.
The novel follows Ben, a bestselling horror author who returns to his eerie hometown after years away. He reunites with childhood friend—and now sheriff—Nicholas, as strange events stir up terrifying memories of a monster in the woods. Together, they must uncover what’s haunting Point Pleasant.
At its heart, this is a haunting slow-burn romance between two men navigating grief, mystery, and love. With its Southern Gothic aesthetic and emotional depth, Point Pleasant stands out as a bold, atmospheric story born from the creativity of fandom spaces.
The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
This romantasy debut is born from beloved fanfiction roots—specifically, the wildly popular Dramione fic Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love. Under the pen name isthisselfcare, Brigitte Knightley built a loyal fanbase, and now she’s bringing that sharp wit to the world of traditional publishing.
Aurienne is a genius healer; Osric is an assassin with a secret illness. They’re from opposing Orders, and naturally, they hate each other. But when Osric bribes her for help, a reluctant partnership sparks a delicious enemies-to-lovers slow burn.
With snark, simmering tension, and “evisceration as a love language,” this romantasy is clever, chaotic, and completely addictive. If you ever swooned over Dramione fanfic, you’ll fall hard for this magical, mature evolution.
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
This sweeping romantasy debut is inspired by Reylo fanfiction—specifically Landscape With a Blur of Conquerors, a beloved fic from AO3. Author Thea Guanzon, known as “diasterisms” online, captivated the fandom before transforming her work into an original trilogy.
The Hurricane Wars follows Talasyn, a fierce soldier who wields light magic, and Prince Alaric, the empire’s shadow-wielding heir. Forced into a political alliance, they clash with swords, wills, and undeniable tension. However, saving their war-torn world may depend on trusting each other.
Though the published version only keeps traces of its fanfic origin, the emotional depth, magical world-building, and enemies-to-lovers angst remain. This stunning debut proves fanfiction-inspired books can deliver epic stakes and swoony tension with cinematic flair.
Why We Love Books That Started as Fanfiction
Books that started as fanfiction aren’t just fun—they’re proof that passionate storytelling can lead to mainstream success. These authors turned fandom love into bestselling books, unforgettable characters, and entire franchises. Honestly, we’re here for it.
Whether you’re new to fanfic-inspired reads or a longtime AO3 lurker, there’s always more to discover. From magical kingdoms to slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, these books bring all the tropes we love—with a glow-up.
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