Summary

The provided content offers essential advice for writers on correctly using images and links when submitting stories to publications to increase acceptance rates and avoid infractions.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of adhering to publication guidelines regarding the inclusion of images and links in submitted stories. It highlights common mistakes, such as failing to credit images or using excessive or promotional links, which can lead to story rejections. The author stresses that proper image attribution and judicious use of links are critical for writers aiming to have their work accepted by publications on Medium. The article also suggests using images from approved sites and limiting outgoing links to improve the chances of a story being curated or published.

Opinions

The author believes that editors may reject stories without explanation due to improper use of images and links.
Publication editors are particular about image credits and link usage, and writers should be mindful of these rules.
Medium's concern about copyright and trademark infringements makes proper image attribution a significant issue.
Writers are advised to use less common images from sites like Unsplash to avoid overuse.
The article suggests that the number and type of links in a story can affect its acceptance by publications.
The author opines that adhering to these guidelines can lead to more stories being accepted for curation and publication.
There is an emphasis on the importance of following publication rules, likening it to adhering to club rules if one wishes to join.
The author recommends using no more than two outgoing authority links and avoiding excessive promotional links.
The author indicates that affiliate links should be identified or avoided in stories submitted to publications.

5 Valuable Tips About Images And Links When Submitting Stories To A Publication

This could help you earn a lot of money

Most publications are extremely insistent when it comes to the story submissions they accept, particularly when it comes to two things: Images and links. Sometimes, without realizing it, new writers might sometimes forget to follow the rules about including these things in our writing.

Have you ever submitted a story to a publication, only to have it rejected without an explanation? The reason might have been for one of the offenses listed below, but the editor didn’t have time, or didn’t bother to tell you.

Take a few minutes to read and see why these are such critical issues and why you might be having your stories overlooked.

Popularity Of Publications

I write a lot of stories that offer my advice and opinions on different topics, but mostly I provide writing advice that will help you see an improvement in the number of publications your stories get accepted by.

Is your goal to have your stories accepted by a publication, or better yet, curated by Medium?

While this is not the only way to enjoy your Medium writing experience, accomplishing these objectives is still the primary focus for many writers on the platform.

For those writers who hope to write for more, or larger publications, please pay attention to ALL of the following writing tips. This information is not just my personal advice and opinion; this is what publication editors have indicated to be the case.

Now that I pay particular attention to the things I mention below, I have more and more of my stories being accepted for curation, and also being accepted into various publications. In fact, be sure to read my story on the topic of submitting to publications. The following title is due to be published in a day or so.

In another related story, I shared things about how I was able to be super productive, and publish a high volume of stories in a relatively short time. This was mostly through the publications I wrote about in the above mentioned story, as well as via my own profile and publications.

Crediting All Images

One of the biggest issues that can create a problem for a writer is the use of images. The Medium site insists that we give credit for images, all images, and most of the time, most of us do. But the other percentage of time and writers is where the problem comes in.

Publications don’t feel like trying to track down whether your image is allowable or not, especially when you get it from “JoeBlowsBlogsite” or because you forget to give it any kind of attribution at all.

Some editors will take the time to write and alert you to the fact that you left out an image credit. Some may feel like they don’t want to bother, or perhaps that they shouldn’t have to bother, and rightly so.

Whatever the reason for them not calling the error or oversight to the writer’s attention is not the issue. We writers have to remember how important this is to the Medium site, and thus to most publication editors, if not all of them.

The fact of the matter is, Medium doesn’t want to risk any type of copyright or trademark infringements, and that is perfectly understandable.

So we have to really understand why all the caution, especially writers (like me) who might be used to using images improperly and failing to consistently provide attribution.

This is a BIG DEAL, and a BIG DEAL BREAKER, when it comes to the stories you submit.

Be sure to only use sites that Medium accepts images from. There’s a great story written by Casey Botticello and it gives you a really detailed list of acceptable image sites to use.
If you decide to use Unsplash, try to select less used images. Since Medium provides access to Unsplash images by default when you write directly on the platform in draft mode, some of the images on the first couple of pages tend to get overused.
Be sure to provide the photo credit on all images, even if the image is yours, which you can indicate by saying “Photo Provided by Author”

Using Links Appropriately

Another issue that has come to my attention (or rather brought to my attention) is about the links our stories contain. Some publications are particular about them, and probably enough of them, to the point that you should err on the side of caution.

Play it safe and don’t get carried away with the links that your story contains. Just because you can insert as many links as you want in the stories you publish yourself, doesn’t mean that’s the case with the publications.

In fact, I know it’s not, because many publications will mention it in their submission guidelines.

Something else to consider about links is this:

If publications — especially the more prominent ones — are concerned about the use of links, it’s probably safe to say the same is true of Medium, when it comes to the stories they curate.

Maybe some of your awesome stories are not getting accepted because of this very simple little thing. This is something to keep in mind for future stories.

I know we all like to find creative ways to promote the links to our stories, but I also know that we tend to overdo it. I certainly did, before I started paying attention and listening to the editors.

Remember, these limitations are mainly when dealing with publications, and if you want to join the clubs, you have to abide by the club rules.

So be selective when submitting stories that contain a lot of your promotional links, and make sure the publication doesn’t have a problem with it.

Here are some good tips to keep in mind about links, when submitting to publications:

Use no more than two outgoing links to relevant sites — preferably authority links.
Don’t use too many promotional links, even to your own stories and stories that promote other writers.
Don’t use, OR be sure to identify ANY affiliate links, including those you benefit from like your Amazon book links.

Final Thought

The points in this story are meant to be used as a guide in understanding how the publications feel about the use of links and images, when they’re not used appropriately.

Don’t risk letting your stories get sidelined because of one of these minor infractions. Do all you can to help your stories find homes in the publications of your choice, and who knows, maybe even on the front page of Medium.

Be sure to look for this upcoming story in a few days. It may help existing writers who have been here a while find a way to get new eyes on old stories.

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