Chapter 1: Getting Started on Medium

Starting out on Medium can feel overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you might think! I began my journey on this platform in February, and I’ve gathered some valuable insights that can help newcomers navigate their way. Here’s a handy guide for all the aspiring writers out there—welcome aboard!

Write Your First Article

This may seem obvious, but your article doesn't need to be a masterpiece or groundbreaking. Don’t stress too much about perfection!

Finding a Publication for Your Work

There are numerous publications available on Medium. While you can opt for self-publishing, submitting your work to a publication can significantly expand your reach. If your article has a specific theme, look for specialized publications like The Riff for music enthusiasts or The Memoirist for personal narratives. Alternatively, you might consider a broader publication such as New Writers Welcome.

Before submitting, check the publication’s homepage and their 'About' section to find submission guidelines. If they’re hard to locate, try searching online for terms like “how to submit to XYZ publication on Medium.” The guidelines usually outline how to become a contributor, although this may warrant a separate discussion.

Be sure to verify whether they are accepting new writers, as some publications may have a backlog of submissions. Remember, the editors are often volunteers juggling multiple responsibilities, so be respectful of their time.

If the publication has posted a pinned article stating they are not currently accepting submissions, it's best to follow that directive.

To become a contributor, follow the instructions provided by the editor, such as leaving a comment on the submission guidelines article and including your Medium tag (e.g., @Belcairn). If you’re unsure where to find this tag, it’s located on your Settings page. Patience is key; it might take a couple of days to see your name added to the publication list.

Adhere to Submission Guidelines

Once you've been added as a writer, ensure your submissions align with the publication's requirements.

To confirm your status as a contributor, click the three dots next to the publish button and see if the publication appears in your list.

Organizing Submission Guidelines

Create a reading list for all your submission guidelines. You’ll want to reference this frequently to avoid frustrating your editor with submissions that don't meet their standards.

Ensure your articles are polished and ready for review—check formatting, captions for images, and proper credits (e.g., Jo Patel on Unsplash).

Proofreading Your Work

Always check your grammar and spelling. Consider using a free tool like Grammarly to help with this process, regardless of your skill level.

Optimize for SEO

In the 'More settings' section, under the three dots in the editor, add relevant tags and ensure your SEO description accurately reflects your article's content.

Submitting to a Publication

When you're ready, select the publication you wish to submit to and hit publish!

At this stage, you can add tags to enhance your article's visibility. When typing a tag, for example, ‘self-improvement,’ you can see how many users follow that tag. Aim for tags that will maximize your reach!

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, it’s time to cultivate an audience. Engage actively by reading, clapping, and commenting on others' articles. You can give up to 50 claps per article—show your appreciation! Tag your followers in your articles to foster a supportive community.

For further insights, check out this informative piece by Scot Butwell on building an audience on Medium.

Building Connections on Medium

Developing your audience is much like dating; there are stages to navigate.

For a more in-depth guide, refer to the article by J.J. Pryor below.

Share Your Tips!

Do you have any additional advice? Share your thoughts! Enjoy your journey on Medium!

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