Level Up Your Writing
A Calculated Risk With A Powerful Result
ILLUMINATION-Curated was no surprise.
ILLUMINATION was the result of a carefully thought out plan, flawlessly executed.
The Concept
I was inspired by an article Arthur G. Hernandez wrote at the beginning of this exciting journey. He described four skills that were identified as essential at the beginning of ILLUMINATION and wrote this powerful study.
Arthur describes how the team envisioned the project, remained true to the concept, collaborated, and connected with the team, and managed the follow-through. They gave each other the *Cowboy Nod, then went for it.
“In this particular endeavor, it was the writing, the typing, the editing, and the publishing. Before this work, the publication was still only an idea. Now it has substance, weight, and a growing influence.” Arthur G. Hernandez
When we look back, we can see the results of their combined focus under the leadership of Dr. Mehmet Yildiz.
A tangible vibrant publication called ILLUMINATION.
Where do I fit in?
As an editor, you can often find me in the queue. This is a reader’s paradise, a never-ending feed of possibilities, inspiring ideas, and enlightened thoughts. I almost always find a gem to polish and I’m always entertained.
ILLUMINATION is a publication that allows writers to find their voice while we try to support them as they hone their craft.
New writers or writers whose first language is not English are supported in their first attempts to become published. Writers who like to try new things may discover a place to test their ideas here at ILLUMINATION.
We won’t do the writing for them, and we may offer them a chance by allowing them to do the work and resubmit their article for another look.
It’s a satisfying result when a writer replies to one of our ‘delicately worded’ editorial suggestions with a huge thank you. Here are some actual notes.
My note: “I’d like to suggest you break up your large blocks of text. Readers are intimidated, especially when they are trying to read on their phone.”
“Thank you so much for telling me that. No one ever told me that before!”
My note: “These are great tips but make this more interesting by telling us why we should listen to your advice. I’m not sure a reader would be engaged enough to read a list.”
The reply: “Thanks a lot Tree, that’s great feedback. I’ll have a rethink.👍”
My note: “Hey there. This draft needs your attention. Several editors have made suggestions. Tell you what. I’ll return it to you. It’s not a refusal. You polish it and return it to us and we will have another look. No hard feelings. We want you to succeed.”
The reply: “Oh absolutely yes, no problem. To be honest I forgot it was still in your submission queue! I guess it’s clogging things up. I’ll send you the revised draft when it’s ready.”
It’s not always peaches and cream. We sometimes find writers who are determined to pass someone else’s work off as their own. That’s plagiarism, by the way, and a real no-no under Medium rules. We do our best to identify and refuse all plagiarism. No cheating allowed.
One change that I’m particularly proud of is the work we’ve done to streamline operations and support our editors. We changed our submission requirements, effective 01/09/2020, and are continuing to tweak them as required.
You can sometimes find me on our Slack channel, answering questions, and reading posts. I tweet articles and often post them to the Facebook page as I’m an admin there. My goal is to raise the visibility of our writers and contribute to their success.
Collaboration is a two way street. Join the conversation and be a part of this meaningful change.
ILLUMINATION embraces other publications.
Most of our writers’ have small publications that benefit from our encouragement. ILLUMINATION is committed to supporting these little guys and asks that you support them as well.
We encourage our writers to write for other publications on Medium and don’t discourage them from testing new opportunities as they arise.
This concept of collaboration is huge and has resulted in some interesting synergies. It’s unusual to find a situation where editors of one publication encourage their writers to support another publication, but that is what we do here.
“The whole point of collaboration is that you give and take from each other, and that’s how you create things that are totally new.” Virgil Abloh
Dr Mehmet Yildiz maintains our diversity is enhanced by sharing information within our community and we will all benefit in the long run. I agree.
Back to The Concept
The original four skills used to create ILLUMINATION were:
- Envisioning the project,
- Remaining true to the concept,
- Collaboration, and connection with the team, and
- Management of the follow-through.
When you add support of our writers endeavors and of other publications, the creation of ILLUMINATION-Curated is no surprise.
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz has been called a Wrangler of Possibility. That’s a unique title that is well deserved. Congratulations on your excellent follow-through. Now you’ve created the ultimate in cross-pollination, Illumination-Curated.
The ultimate in cross-pollination, Illumination-Curated.
It’s a hybrid of sorts, with all of the best features of ILLUMINATION and more. Like best friends with benefits, the two publications are independent yet unique in themselves.
It’s a two-tiered approach. Beginners and intermediate writers are supported and encouraged at ILLUMINATION, while the highest quality work is collected in one place at ILLUMINATION-Curated.
It’s an opportunity for writers who haven’t been curated to shine as well.
The ultimate in cross-pollination occurs when a writer for ILLUMINATION is able to polish a piece and attain a spot at the new publication. We’re happy to welcome you there.
The creation of ILLUMINATION-Curated was a dramatic move with a predictable result.
Editing duties at the new publication.
As an editor for ILLUMINATION-Curated, my approach is different. The bar is set higher and I don’t expect to have the sorts of conversations I have with writers at ILLUMINATION.
I expect to see your best work, publish ready, with no exceptions.
We’ve created a set of guidelines and a path for writers to follow to ensure they have the tools to create a successful Submission to ILLUMINATION-Curated.
As a lifelong learner, I’m always trying something new. This set of detailed directions includes advanced-story-templating techniques that can be applied to your writing if you’re interested in leveling up.
Some of my older curated articles are finding a new life on ILLUMINATION-Curated. A large new contingent of readers are looking for quality writing and this publication satisfies their need.
Recently I had a poem published at ILLUMINATION-Curated.
The next day, it was distributed to #Poetry on Medium.
Coincidence? Possibly. Either way, I’m happy with the result.
Distributed to #Poetry by Medium, Curated by Illumination-Curated
The best part about ILLUMINATION-Curated is the opportunity to read the best work from so many talented writers! As an editor, I have a front-row seat for the most interesting and engaging work on Medium and I’m delighted to be here.
ILLUMINATION invites our top writers to join ILLUMINATION-Curated.
Tag me @treelangdon or add a message to this post if you’d like to connect. I’m a‘Top Writer’ in Poetry on Medium. Find me on Twitter and Facebook
References:
Online document:
29 Rodeo Terms You Should Know Before Your First rodeo In Kissimmee. n.d. Retrieved Sept 19, 2020, from https://rncfr.com
*Cowboy Nod: Indicates to the judge to start the clock and open the chute gate.