Navigating the Challenges of Publishing on Medium
Written on
Chapter 1: The Disillusionment of Sharing Opportunities
When I began sharing publication opportunities for writers, I genuinely believed I was on to something worthwhile. My intention was to assist others in achieving their writing aspirations and expanding their networks. However, I quickly realized that the response was far from what I expected.
My posts received minimal engagement. For instance, a piece focused on Medium publications garnered merely 34 views, while others aimed at broader publication options went largely unnoticed. In stark contrast, writing a meta post about Medium itself attracted significant attention, highlighting a disconnect between my intentions and the audience's interests.
The first video, "Why Are So Many Medium Publications Leaving??" discusses the shifting landscape of Medium and the reasons behind the decline in publication interest.
Despite my efforts to promote various writing contests and opportunities—like poetry submissions from magazines—interest was disappointingly low. In response, I even created a dedicated blog to curate these opportunities, but the lack of traction led to a significant decrease in my motivation to continue.
Section 1.1: Reflection on Blogging and Publishing
This isn't my first attempt at blogging, but I find myself still learning the ropes. The disheartening stats have left me questioning the viability of my blog. Perhaps if I establish a consistent publishing schedule, it might foster growth. Alternatively, I wonder if a platform like Substack would be a better fit for my content, though I find it somewhat perplexing.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Thrill of Publication
I have experienced the joy of being published in a magazine and genuinely thought that others would share in that excitement. The exhilarating feeling of seeing one's work in print is something I believed many writers would aspire to. But is this the prevailing mindset among Medium users? Do they simply aim to create content for social platforms and chase monetary rewards?
Section 1.2: The Broader Landscape of Writing
This cannot be the entirety of our ambition! There are numerous published authors on Medium, many of whom have self-published their works through Kindle Direct Publishing. They are still striving for more recognition and success.
Personally, I dream of achieving financial independence through writing and escaping reliance on government support. While I recognize the challenges ahead, I remain committed to honing my craft and pursuing greater opportunities. Medium serves as a starting point in my lifelong writing journey, and I refuse to give up on my aspirations.
Chapter 2: The Current State of Writing Platforms
The second video, "Is Medium Still Worth It in 2024? (from a Top Writer + Boost Nominator)," provides insights into the current relevance of Medium for aspiring writers.
I am disheartened by the trend on platforms like NewsBreak, which appears to favor AI-generated content, likely due to the oversaturated market. Vocal seems to mimic Medium's model without the same depth, while Substack feels more limited in its newsletter approach.
I invite you to share your thoughts on external publication opportunities! Do you have a preferred platform for submitting your work? Any resources you would recommend for fellow writers?