Don’t Fall for the “Earn $1,500 a Month Writing for These Publications” Hype
Harsh realities these stories won’t tell you
There’s a certain publication renowned for housing clickbait titles like these, telling stories about how they earn $X thousand per month…
…writing clickbait titles like these.
I’m not going to tell you what this publication is because I’m sure if you’re anything like how I was when first starting out on Medium, its name has already found its way to your feeds.
Its stories follow the exact same structures, no matter who the author is. This symbiosis ensures the winning recipes for their own success, designed just like your favourite Chinese takeaway:
They’re quick, cheap, and hold enough MSG to get you hooked on content with zero nutritional value.
I’m Sick of Seeing Them
Sure, they may well point you in the direction of some Medium publications that can really help you get noticed if you’re new and larger ones that include the work of established and famous writers who have thousands of fans and earn $ thousands per month.
Harsh reality #1:
Publishing there doesn’t guarantee any of this for you.
They might also give you lists of off-Medium publications that pay you $100 or higher per story.
Harsh reality #2:
It doesn’t guarantee you’ll even get your work accepted there.
Harsh reality #3:
It takes even the most established writers months if not years to build their credibility high enough for the big-name editors to even open your email pitches, let alone get published with them. I know this having worked in PR alongside journalists for almost 3 years.
Harsh reality #4 — this one maddens me the most:
They’re telling you stories about how they’re earning money… from you… as you read them.
Yes, YOUR curiosity, no matter if their stories help you or not, is earning them YOUR money.
False Hope Sells
Sadly, innocent writers guilty of having big dreams get exploited by individuals more interested in feeding their hungry Stripe accounts than expanding their audience’s minds.
There are thousands upon thousands of new writers on this platform clinging to these stories as if pages in a bible. I hate to be the one to tell you… but no one holds the one true answer to writing success. Claiming that writers will earn in absolutes by following advice and guidance written in their stories is wildly inaccurate and unjust.
There’s no gaming the system without manipulating the rules — just as the writers and editors of this publication have blatantly done.
Don’t fall for their hype. It’s fake hype designed to lead you on and leave you with achievement blue balls.
It instils false hope followed by rude awakenings when they fail to deliver what’s promised. It might also lead to individuals thinking they’re not good enough to “crack the code”.
Do you know what I say…?
F**K Cracking the Code
What makes a good writer isn’t their ability to hack their way to gains. It’s their drive to push themselves further in their craft.
Maybe take a writing course, learn to edit down to your best writing, and read more work from writers on and off Medium who actually inspire you to become better.
But for the love of all that’s pure in the world, please DON’T fill your heads with this trite.
It won’t make you rich within x days or months and it won’t make you a success — your own skill will determine that.
You’re not a fish. Don’t take the clickbait.
Are you a writer looking for your tribe? Love to read? Want full access to Medium? I’ve got you covered.