Too Many Writers Fail The Easiest Test And I Honestly Don't Get It
I wish I could ask them why, but I guess the answer doesn't matter.
Here’s what I woke up to this morning...
Some writer left a comment on one of my History of Women posts on Medium saying “can you add me as a writer?”
Sorry. That’s not how it works.
In the nav-bar of every History of Women story, there’s a link that says “write for us.” It’s a 3 minute read. There’s a form at the bottom of the page for new writers.
But hey, why read the submission page? I guess a 3 minute read is too long?
Here’s what I woke up to yesterday...
Some writer actually did go to the “write for us” page. I know, because he used the submission form on that page. But he submitted a story that was already published.
In the notes section, he said I don’t know if you accept pre-published stories but if you do, this fits your publication. It did not fit the publication. It was a current news story. Also? We don’t accept pre-published stories.
Again — the submission page is a 3 minute read. Sometimes it makes me so frustrated I don’t even know how to deal. Like, just read the page!
Here’s what I woke up to the day before yesterday…
I also have a “write for us” page on The Book Café. It’s also a 3 minute read. Someone left a comment ON the write for us page asking how to get added. Wtf? You’re already there. On the page. Read it. It tells how.
I don’t get it.
I wake up to stuff like that every day.
When I first created the “write for us” pages on my publications, I honestly thought I was writing them to tell people how to be a part of something I created. Like, if this resonates with you, here’s how to join me and do this together.
I didn’t realize those page would also exist to eliminate people who can’t be bothered to read them, much less that it would happen on a daily basis.
I don’t understand their headspace. Do they think they should be added because they can use a keyboard and make words appear? That sounds mean, but I don’t mean it to be mean. It truly boggles my mind. Who can’t read a 3 minute read?
It reminded me of something I read years ago, long before Medium existed.
I used to read the newsletter of some guy who was an seo consultant. He looked at people’s websites and told them why their Google rankings suck. In detail. Which is kind of brilliant because it meant he didn’t have to do the actual work, he just told them what needed doing. Then they could do it themselves or hire someone.
Anyway — on his contact page, he had a note that said if you’re serious about wanting to work with me, use the word bat in the subject line.
I didn’t want to work with him, but I was curious. So I emailed.
The subject line of my email to his was “Why bat? lol” In the email, I said I’m not looking to hire him. I’m just curious. Can’t help myself. Why bat?
He wrote back and said no reason. He just picked a word he thought would stick in people’s heads. It’s not about the word. It’s that if someone doesn’t use the word in the subject line, they eliminate themselves. He said he already knows he doesn’t want to work with them. They’re going to be a nightmare. They don’t read and can’t follow the simplest instruction. You can’t work with people like that, he said.
He’s not wrong. I think about that story every time someone wants to write for one of my publications but can’t be bothered to read a 3 minute submission guide.
Sometimes I’d like to ask them why, but I guess the answer doesn’t matter.
***
P.S. I’m thinking of starting a publication for personal essays. Not memoir. There are tons of great memoir publications on Medium already. One for personal reflections. If you’d be interested, let me know in comments, okay?
On Medium…
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xo,
Linda
I totally get what you’re saying.
Will you add me as a writer?
🤣😂🤣
Hey Linda! I don't run any publications but as a writer it makes no sense to me that someone wouldn't read the submission guidelines--you provide them so there's no guesswork! I remember in the early days of Medium you often had to hunt around to find a way to submit for the more popular pubs. I think your new publication idea sounds great--definitely interested!