I just wanted to say that I love reading everything you write and I appreciate all the love you give to words and the people who create and consume them. Happy Friday 13th. The world is a little less scary with you in it.
I've had a couple editors spend a huge amount of time helping me improve articles. When that happens, I see if they've written a book and I go and review it. The claps and comments suggestion is a good one too. "My reflections on how to make money online..." I don't know whether to laugh or cry!
What a great idea to review their book if they have one. You'd be stunned at how many people think adding "my reflections on..." makes any post a reflection. lol
I hear you Linda - some of the pubs have stopped adding new writers because of the amount of writers trying to take advantage of the boost (I mean you can't really blame them) but it is the amount of low quality stuff as well as AI stuff that's making them make tough decisions - oh well - but yea - loved the twist in the title to suit your pub - I mean reflections on making money - lol props for creativity 😂👍
I wish I could explain to those people that the best way to get boosted is to write killer stuff and submit it to the publication that best fits what they wrote. One guy sent a submission and said in the comments that he's submitted it to 5 different publications, so if I want it, chop chop, it's going to the first acceptance. lol. Thanks, but no thanks.
I know, right? Some days I can laugh it off. Other days I close email and go for a walk in the woods. Because trees are not so strange as some of us humans. lol
It reminds me of that quote by an old time movie star, maybe Mae West. The more I know about men - change it to humankind - the more I prefer dogs. And trees. :)
I love your writing too, and I have never tried to invade your publications as I don't think my topics are an ideal fit ("A Visit to the Penis Museum"? "Walt Disney Slept Here"? "Rocking Edinburgh Castle"? "The Height of Tom Cruise"?) Nope. I don't think I write right for your pubs.
How exhausting! It sounds like a real life horror story, excerpt you’re being haunted by the words, “can you add me?”
It’s crazy how quickly things change when a publication can nominate articles for a boost. I’ve been writing for a fiction publication and usually they post my stories straight away.
However, after becoming a boost nominater, they’ve been getting so many submissions. One of the editors told me that their spots have been filled. I almost thought my story wouldn’t publish this month but thankfully they enjoyed my story a lot that they scheduled it.
I hope the writers who have been writing for publications for a while don’t get knocked out by others.
I think good writers who understand what vibe a publication is going for probably won't have to worry. Because that's another thing. I have some people that submit truly great writing, but it's just not a fit for the publication. That happens a lot. But when a strong writer finds a publication where their work fits, I think the editors will recognize their name pretty quick. :)
You would think, right? I think people who actually love reading and writing do read them. But there are people whose motivations come from a different place. I read that when vocal runs writing challenges, 1/3 of the submissions are off topic and it's clear they didn't read the submission guide. Print magazines get the same thing. lol. It's not just at Medium.
Oct 31, 2023·edited Oct 31, 2023Liked by Linda Caroll
I love your words, Linda. xoxo
You're right. I'm completely overwhelmed with my two pubs. But the problem is more that writers (not all, but some) think I should edit their piece like they're paying me. And a handful of them ask me why I didn't nominate them for a boost. I tell them the truth--that it didn't make the cut. And some of them can't believe that their superior writing didn't make the cut. And for some of them, I edit more than I should, but still, no appreciation. Just complaints (because, again, they think there's no way their writing wasn't good enough).
I do get alot of writers who appreciate it, though. It's so nice when they do and these are the writers who improve. They now submit to my pub regularly. And I'm so grateful cuz they've improved and their essay has become boostable! Yay.
So, I think it's more about the caliber of the writers.
Also, I get alot of submissions that don't fit my magazine or not well-crafted, etc. Most writers don't read my publication guideline and also they don't bother to get my free writing guide (it's all there, how to write boostable stories).
Now I only nurture relationships with writers who submit stories that have potential. I no longer bother with those who don't appreciate my editing. For those who don't, it's a blessing when they no longer submit to my pubs lol. You really need to create a strong boundary when you're an editor, otherwise you'll get stepped all over.
Oh man. Running a publication is HARD. I used to try edit, but I don't anymore because there's just not enough time in the day. If a post isn't well crafted or doesn't fit the publication, I just don't publish them. Here's what dawned on me. Some writers take the time to read the guidelines. They write on topic. They edit their own writing and submit well crafted posts. If they can, the others can too.
For me, the hardest publication is On Reflection. Because people submit beautiful personal stories, but they aren't reflections. Those are hard to reject, but I do because if I don't, the meaning of the publication will run away on me. And you're right. Boundaries are the only way to not throw in the towel and just give up.
I'm sorry to hear this is happening, Linda. I hope your writers appreciate what they have (even if they don't!!!)
That said, I have to add this to my list of "things that Medium SHOULD have seen coming"
When that woman from Medium listed those 60 pubs who have boost powers, I remember thinking "Those editors are gonna get flooded with applications"
How could they not? As soon as money is involved, people are going to grab for it, do whatever it takes and generally try everything to get some of it (which doesn't involve little things like reading publication guidelines, I guess)
It's another way that the Medium platform is broken. They keep adding more and more things that either make no sense or are not properly thought through.
To be fair, they gave us the option. There are many editors and publications in the boost program that opted not to have their name or publication posted. And I totally understand the "do what it takes" when money is involved because I'm a single mom and I've been doing what it takes for years. What they don't realize is that "what it takes" is reading submission guides and writing the best damn post possible so that editors can't add them fast enough.
It’s hard not to come to the conclusion that Medium under Tony has little to no commitment to writers as they cut what we can make and rely on stupid stats like claps. Tony comes from the self-help world so it is unreasonable to expect Medium to cut back on that stuff and it appears they are not. Honestly, I love the platform but that love is not being returned. I really don’t think they have a plan or strategy.
And this is why I write only for my own publication. No fuss, no muss. No begging to be added. They don’t want me? That’s fine. I don’t want them either.
It's a good idea having your own pub. Problem is then others come along and want to join. Then you spend your time editing etc instead of writing. Otherwise it's a great idea. Stops all the "please add me" drivel.
I wrote a little about this from both angles a little over a week ago. It hurts to get rejected or ignored as a writer. But it's hard to keep up the publication while spending the time to be kind as an editor or owner.
Something's got to give.
Personally, I think the solution is that writers develop a thicker skin and start empathizing. Editors and owners, keep sharing your views so writers can catch glimpses of what it's like on that side of the line. And when you've got to close submissions, close them. Protect your sanity and let people be upset; they'll get over it eventually. And if they don't, well, it's content for them.
I don't understand these people who don't check the submission guide. Did they never have to apply to a school or a job or something which also has application guidelines? Or maybe they got through those by having someone hold their hand.
Sending love and gratitude. Your commitment is noticed and appreciated. I don't know how you do it and stay sane. Bless you for your huge heart and presence. 🙏🏻
You reminded me of why I started my publication, FOCUS!, on Medium. I wanted to connect with other writers who were as interested in animation as I was. I found some- enough to keep it going, but it wasn't like I was being buried in submissions every day.
I guess it pays to specialize there more than trying to appeal to the general interest.
I hate it when people tried to jump the queue to get advantages with publication editors like that. You do yourself and the editor no favors that way. Just try to give them what they want and be reasonable in your demands.
Thank God that on Substack it can be just me writing- unless I choose to have a guest writer. And sometimes I do...
I just wanted to say that I love reading everything you write and I appreciate all the love you give to words and the people who create and consume them. Happy Friday 13th. The world is a little less scary with you in it.
What a really truly nice thing to say, Sean. Thank you. Happy Friday the 13th to you, too. :)
Sean, I second your emotions. Thank you.
What Sean said!! I feel every bit of that gratitude, and don't see how I could improve on that wording :-)
Thank you, Jan.
I've had a couple editors spend a huge amount of time helping me improve articles. When that happens, I see if they've written a book and I go and review it. The claps and comments suggestion is a good one too. "My reflections on how to make money online..." I don't know whether to laugh or cry!
What a great idea to review their book if they have one. You'd be stunned at how many people think adding "my reflections on..." makes any post a reflection. lol
I hear you Linda - some of the pubs have stopped adding new writers because of the amount of writers trying to take advantage of the boost (I mean you can't really blame them) but it is the amount of low quality stuff as well as AI stuff that's making them make tough decisions - oh well - but yea - loved the twist in the title to suit your pub - I mean reflections on making money - lol props for creativity 😂👍
I wish I could explain to those people that the best way to get boosted is to write killer stuff and submit it to the publication that best fits what they wrote. One guy sent a submission and said in the comments that he's submitted it to 5 different publications, so if I want it, chop chop, it's going to the first acceptance. lol. Thanks, but no thanks.
Ha! Can’t say I’ve ever gotten one of those. Let’s hope it stays that way!
I actually laughed. Sometimes comic relief shows up in funny ways
"My reflections on making money on Medium." Laughing and sighing, sighing, sighing. The hutzpah! My GOD
I know, right? Some days I can laugh it off. Other days I close email and go for a walk in the woods. Because trees are not so strange as some of us humans. lol
It reminds me of that quote by an old time movie star, maybe Mae West. The more I know about men - change it to humankind - the more I prefer dogs. And trees. :)
lol. Me, too.
Trees. The source of paper. They laugh at what gets sacrificed to make pixels to make blogs possible.
Yeah, real deep stuff! Lol
I love everything you write, Linda. This was the perfect day to post this. People are strange, indeed. Trees and nature can be rejuvenating.
They are indeed, Joy. And thank you. :)
I love your writing too, and I have never tried to invade your publications as I don't think my topics are an ideal fit ("A Visit to the Penis Museum"? "Walt Disney Slept Here"? "Rocking Edinburgh Castle"? "The Height of Tom Cruise"?) Nope. I don't think I write right for your pubs.
How exhausting! It sounds like a real life horror story, excerpt you’re being haunted by the words, “can you add me?”
It’s crazy how quickly things change when a publication can nominate articles for a boost. I’ve been writing for a fiction publication and usually they post my stories straight away.
However, after becoming a boost nominater, they’ve been getting so many submissions. One of the editors told me that their spots have been filled. I almost thought my story wouldn’t publish this month but thankfully they enjoyed my story a lot that they scheduled it.
I hope the writers who have been writing for publications for a while don’t get knocked out by others.
I think good writers who understand what vibe a publication is going for probably won't have to worry. Because that's another thing. I have some people that submit truly great writing, but it's just not a fit for the publication. That happens a lot. But when a strong writer finds a publication where their work fits, I think the editors will recognize their name pretty quick. :)
I can’t imagine how exhausting that must be!! You would think that writers, of all people, would read!!
You would think, right? I think people who actually love reading and writing do read them. But there are people whose motivations come from a different place. I read that when vocal runs writing challenges, 1/3 of the submissions are off topic and it's clear they didn't read the submission guide. Print magazines get the same thing. lol. It's not just at Medium.
I love your words, Linda. xoxo
You're right. I'm completely overwhelmed with my two pubs. But the problem is more that writers (not all, but some) think I should edit their piece like they're paying me. And a handful of them ask me why I didn't nominate them for a boost. I tell them the truth--that it didn't make the cut. And some of them can't believe that their superior writing didn't make the cut. And for some of them, I edit more than I should, but still, no appreciation. Just complaints (because, again, they think there's no way their writing wasn't good enough).
I do get alot of writers who appreciate it, though. It's so nice when they do and these are the writers who improve. They now submit to my pub regularly. And I'm so grateful cuz they've improved and their essay has become boostable! Yay.
So, I think it's more about the caliber of the writers.
Also, I get alot of submissions that don't fit my magazine or not well-crafted, etc. Most writers don't read my publication guideline and also they don't bother to get my free writing guide (it's all there, how to write boostable stories).
Now I only nurture relationships with writers who submit stories that have potential. I no longer bother with those who don't appreciate my editing. For those who don't, it's a blessing when they no longer submit to my pubs lol. You really need to create a strong boundary when you're an editor, otherwise you'll get stepped all over.
Oh man. Running a publication is HARD. I used to try edit, but I don't anymore because there's just not enough time in the day. If a post isn't well crafted or doesn't fit the publication, I just don't publish them. Here's what dawned on me. Some writers take the time to read the guidelines. They write on topic. They edit their own writing and submit well crafted posts. If they can, the others can too.
For me, the hardest publication is On Reflection. Because people submit beautiful personal stories, but they aren't reflections. Those are hard to reject, but I do because if I don't, the meaning of the publication will run away on me. And you're right. Boundaries are the only way to not throw in the towel and just give up.
I hear you. I'm going to do the same from now on. You're right. If others can follow directions, they can, too.
I'm sorry to hear this is happening, Linda. I hope your writers appreciate what they have (even if they don't!!!)
That said, I have to add this to my list of "things that Medium SHOULD have seen coming"
When that woman from Medium listed those 60 pubs who have boost powers, I remember thinking "Those editors are gonna get flooded with applications"
How could they not? As soon as money is involved, people are going to grab for it, do whatever it takes and generally try everything to get some of it (which doesn't involve little things like reading publication guidelines, I guess)
It's another way that the Medium platform is broken. They keep adding more and more things that either make no sense or are not properly thought through.
To be fair, they gave us the option. There are many editors and publications in the boost program that opted not to have their name or publication posted. And I totally understand the "do what it takes" when money is involved because I'm a single mom and I've been doing what it takes for years. What they don't realize is that "what it takes" is reading submission guides and writing the best damn post possible so that editors can't add them fast enough.
OMG! I feel for you!
People are strange... I work with them one-on-one. I know.
You may send them Rules, talk about rules. Nothing helps...
The only way: My way, or highway...
Kind of rude, I know.... But they can "eat you alive" sometimes.
Boy, did you hit the nail on the head. So true. And thank you.
It’s hard not to come to the conclusion that Medium under Tony has little to no commitment to writers as they cut what we can make and rely on stupid stats like claps. Tony comes from the self-help world so it is unreasonable to expect Medium to cut back on that stuff and it appears they are not. Honestly, I love the platform but that love is not being returned. I really don’t think they have a plan or strategy.
And this is why I write only for my own publication. No fuss, no muss. No begging to be added. They don’t want me? That’s fine. I don’t want them either.
It's a good idea having your own pub. Problem is then others come along and want to join. Then you spend your time editing etc instead of writing. Otherwise it's a great idea. Stops all the "please add me" drivel.
I wrote a little about this from both angles a little over a week ago. It hurts to get rejected or ignored as a writer. But it's hard to keep up the publication while spending the time to be kind as an editor or owner.
Something's got to give.
Personally, I think the solution is that writers develop a thicker skin and start empathizing. Editors and owners, keep sharing your views so writers can catch glimpses of what it's like on that side of the line. And when you've got to close submissions, close them. Protect your sanity and let people be upset; they'll get over it eventually. And if they don't, well, it's content for them.
I don't understand these people who don't check the submission guide. Did they never have to apply to a school or a job or something which also has application guidelines? Or maybe they got through those by having someone hold their hand.
In my experience, it’s a sense of entitlement more than anything else.
Sending love and gratitude. Your commitment is noticed and appreciated. I don't know how you do it and stay sane. Bless you for your huge heart and presence. 🙏🏻
You reminded me of why I started my publication, FOCUS!, on Medium. I wanted to connect with other writers who were as interested in animation as I was. I found some- enough to keep it going, but it wasn't like I was being buried in submissions every day.
I guess it pays to specialize there more than trying to appeal to the general interest.
I hate it when people tried to jump the queue to get advantages with publication editors like that. You do yourself and the editor no favors that way. Just try to give them what they want and be reasonable in your demands.
Thank God that on Substack it can be just me writing- unless I choose to have a guest writer. And sometimes I do...