Summary

The author has transitioned from meticulously crafting articles over three days to embracing the publication of first drafts to meet Medium's preference for consistency and quantity over perfection, which has led to increased productivity and earnings.

Abstract

The author began their writing journey on Medium after a friend's suggestion, particularly during the Covid lockdown. Initially, the writing process was slow and methodical, taking three days to complete a single article with extensive research, editing, and proofreading. Two years on, the author has adapted to Medium's algorithm, which favors frequent publishing, and can now produce articles quickly while maintaining quality. The shift to publishing first drafts, which are '85% good enough,' has been a strategic choice to align with Medium's emphasis on volume and consistency, which seems to drive engagement and financial success on the platform. The author emphasizes the importance of not compromising on the integrity of the writing, despite the faster pace, and encourages other writers to embrace the imperfection of first drafts to achieve their own success on Medium.

Opinions

The author values quality but acknowledges that Medium's platform prioritizes quantity and consistency in publishing.
Initially, the author spent a significant amount of time perfecting each article, a process that was time-consuming but beneficial for learning the craft.
The author observed that some successful writers on Medium produce content with less effort or quality, which was initially frustrating.
Medium's algorithm appears to favor frequent posting over the polish of the content, as evidenced by the success of less refined articles.
Despite understanding Medium's preference for more content, the author maintains a commitment to writing with heart and soul, refusing to compromise the art form.
The author encourages other writers to publish their first drafts if they meet a 'good enough' standard, suggesting that this approach can lead to unexpected success.
The author promotes their Medium membership link, indicating a vested interest in the platform's growth and the success of other writers.

I Have Been Publishing My First Draft of Articles for Months Now

Give Medium what it wants — more.

When I started on Medium, I was very new to writing in general. I decided to explore it after an old friend casually mentioned it over dinner. He said it was a great place to write about whatever you want and get paid for it.

I figured I would give it a shot, and had more time than I anticipated once Covid hit.

During lockdown, I spent most of my days writing.

At this time, it would take me three days to produce one article. Yes, you read that correctly.

The first day, it would take me about two hours to do adequate research, put something together, and format it.

I would come back the next day to edit and make it more concise.

I knew it’d turn out the best to sleep on it and come back one more day fresh to revisit and finalize.

I wanted everything to be 100% perfect before I sent it out into the internet.

It was not a good system, but it helped me get my feet wet.

Why Should You Care?

Well, two years in, and I can produce a 7-minute article in under an hour with pictures, alt text, tags, and all.

Impressive compared to what I had grown from.

I am able to crank out articles faster than I ever could. I have a goal of publishing 1–2 articles per day in April.

I attribute my increased writing ability to one major thing.

I publish my first draft of everything I write.

But please allow me to clear the air.

I write to inform, educate, entertain, and make a living.

I write to the best of my ability and never cut corners, especially on a research-intensive piece.

I proofread a lot! I don’t put out garbage.

I Proofread Every Story I Write Out Loud Before Publishing

You should too — here’s why.

writingcooperative.com

I am constantly studying and learning new things to elevate myself on Medium, grow my audience, and help other writers do the same.

I Started Putting Articles Out That Were 85% Good Enough

I learned the hard way that Medium favors consistency over quality.

I noticed writers who were doing better than me (in terms of engagement, growth, and earnings.)

When I read their work, some of them were awesome, and oh so deserving. That’s fantastic and I’m happy for them! I strive to learn from them and earn my way to the top, too.

Then I came across others who were (are) objectively worse at writing than me.

(I am my own worst critic, so when I say this, it’s a big deal.)

It made me angry, as one could imagine.

We are talking typos in the title, 1-minute reads, and 4k+ claps. Uh, WTF? I could literally write that while I’m on the toilet.

But Medium doesn’t seem to care.

Medium rewards consistency. It’s how they make more money.

Plain and simple.

I will never stop giving 110% of my heart and soul into everything I publish on the internet.

I love writing too much to make a fool of the art form.

But I’m learning to play by Medium’s rules.

Every single article of mine that you read from the past 6 months was literally my first draft.

Of course, they could have been better. But Medium doesn’t reward better. They reward more.

And at this time in my life, Medium helps to pay the bills.

“If you can’t beat them, join them.” — Jim Henson

So today I invite you to hit ‘publish’ on your first draft, so long it’s 85% good enough. Let me know how it goes. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Best,

🆂🆄🆉🍊

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