Chapter 1: Understanding the Struggles of Medium Writers

While I may not consider myself a professional writer, I've honed my ability to articulate my thoughts through writing. Throughout my time on Medium, I've come across numerous insightful articles. However, I’ve noticed that several talented writers claim they haven’t been able to monetize their work effectively on this platform.

Some of these writers hold advanced degrees and teach academic courses, while others have backgrounds in journalism and have authored several books. Yet, there are assertions that those who lack authenticity in their writing are thriving on Medium.

One writer who stands out is Peter White, who achieved the $1,000 milestone within his second month on the platform. I doubt he needed a formal education in creative writing or experience in publishing to succeed in his Medium endeavors.

What, then, might be the missing elements for others? Here’s my perspective—feel free to share your thoughts.

After submitting a few articles to a specific publication (which I’ll mention respectfully), I found their audience to be quite engaging. In my twentieth month on Medium, I had submitted around three or four pieces to them. When I sent my fifth draft for review, I received extensive feedback and ultimately decided to self-publish my article.

I was disheartened by the editorial process. My initial submission was reviewed by one editor who suggested shortening my headline. After a few hours, another editor provided additional feedback, instructing me not to bold certain words—something not indicated in their submission guidelines—while I had noticed other published pieces that used bold text.

After incorporating the feedback from both editors, I resubmitted my article, hopeful that it would be accepted. To my surprise, a third editor stepped in with even more critiques, questioning my paragraphs and suggesting changes that felt excessive.

I thanked this editor for their feedback but ultimately decided to self-publish my work. It was disappointing to receive conflicting critiques from three different individuals, highlighting how varied interpretations of guidelines can hinder a writer's ability to publish.

So, how does this experience relate to the broader message I wish to convey? It appears that many editors become entrenched in their established rules. They lean towards structured, formulaic writing rather than embracing the market's demands. This overemphasis on rigid structures often overlooks the essence and emotional impact of the writing.

Examples of these rules include:

• Adhering to correct punctuation
• Using appropriate vocabulary
• Following specific argumentative structures
• Crafting sentences according to prescribed formats

An excessive focus on these rules can diminish the soul and purpose of writing. If you find yourself bogged down by these constraints, it may be time to unlearn these habits and explore a more fluid approach to writing.

I will continue to use tools like Grammarly for refining my articles, but I believe readers seek value and meaning rather than mere adherence to format.

Suggested Reads:

• You Will Never Get Rich With These 3 Kinds of Middle-Class Thinking
• I Did This Unintentionally on LinkedIn — And It Became a Steady Flow of Extra Income for Me
• Life Lessons Learned From a 79-Year-Old Retired Doctor

Chapter 2: Embracing Authenticity Over Rigidity

In conclusion, it is crucial for writers to prioritize authenticity and emotional resonance over strict adherence to arbitrary rules. Fostering a genuine connection with your audience will ultimately lead to greater success on platforms like Medium.