Summary

The article advises writers to focus on consistent writing and developing their unique voice rather than seeking immediate recognition from large publications.

Abstract

The author of the article emphasizes the importance of persistence in writing and suggests that writers should not waste time and energy trying to get published in large publications. Instead, they should concentrate on honing their craft and finding their own style. The article argues that by doing so, writers will naturally attract a dedicated readership, and their work will eventually reach broader audiences through the readers themselves. The author shares personal experience, highlighting the journey from being obsessed with getting into top Medium publications to understanding the value of creating high-quality content. The article encourages writers to trust in their unique voice and style, promising that with sustained effort, their work will speak for itself and lead to success.

Opinions

The author believes that the pursuit of publication in large outlets is often a distraction and can lead to frustration.
Quality and uniqueness in writing are more important than immediate exposure for long-term success.
Readers play a crucial role in amplifying a writer's work if the content resonates with them.
Creating a personal brand or publication can be more beneficial than contributing to established ones.
The writing process cannot be rushed or "hacked"; it requires patience and dedication.
Rejection should not be seen as failure but as a stepping stone to improvement and resilience.
Writers should write for the sake of learning and self-expression, with the understanding that an audience and income will naturally follow.
Each writer has a unique voice that will find its audience, regardless of the style (casual, formal, academic, or humorous).
The journey of writing is likened to discovering a treasure, with the writer's voice and style being the ultimate prize.

Just Stop Trying to Reach Large Publications — Just Keep Writing

Don’t look for them they will find you

Once and for all stop trying to reach large publications. It is a waste of time. Don’t look for them. If you really love writing, be a lone wolf for a considerable period.

There will be the right time and place in your writing journey where they will find you as long as you keep writing. I promise you.

As a Latin proverb says:

Still waters run deep

Be a silent writer. Be yourself and writing, you have a treasure. Keep writing in a constant and sustainable way as much as you can.

I bet to say that most of us newbies and seasoned writers over one time have thought on ways of how to hack the writing process. We become obsessed to get instant results. Things don't work that way at all!

Readers will do the work for you

Whilst you are doing tiny but constant writing progress, you are digging deep to find a treasure — Your voice and style. In the end, the best writer version of yourself.

As long as you keep writing and delivering masterpieces your readers will love them and they will do the work to reach large publications.

They will find you once your pieces begin to be read, viewed, and shared everywhere.

Stop trying to hack the writing process

I have been writing seriously for about a year. Yet, I started out writing my first pieces three years ago.

English is not my native tongue. I started off writing without any English background. You can’t imagine how far I have gone since then.

Yet, for me has been a really challenging and amazing journey.

In the beginning, I was obsessed with trying to reach Medium top publications. I looked for them and made a list. Then I tried to be accepted as a writer every time I finished a new piece.

I wanted to reach a wider audience and get traction through them. I wanted to hack the writing process and use a shortcut to reach a certain level of success.

No doubt, I was completely wrong.

To reach and touch thousands of people through your pieces you will need to create high-quality content, find uniqueness and real value for the reader.

For the average people like me, all those requirements are impossible to meet in the short-term. They will demand you a huge commitment, effort, hundreds of posts, and thousands of words with meaning.

As Ayo says, “Play the long-run”, my friend.

Bet on yourself — create your own publication

While it is true you can publish your pieces under your name is a better idea to create your own publication.

A publication is a brand. People love brands.

A publication has the odds to become the cornerstone of your success.

You don’t know what you don’t know — Socrates

One day I was checking a new publication I had created on my own and I was shocked because I saw that all posts on it were curated. It was a great insight.

So then I went to an amazing publication with almost more than 70k followers but my post there wasn’t curated.

Having said that, a large publication is not a guaranty to get huge claps, views, and readings. Thus don't rely on the publication but on the gold content you have created and how helpful can be for readers.

Don’t waste limited resources: Your energy and time

In the obsession to reach top publications, I ended up tired and frustrated. Believe me, every rejection made me feels I was a failure completely.

I spent a lot of hours and days trying to reach those publications and being accepted. I was spending my limited time and energy on something worthless at that point of my incipient writing career.

I just wanted to reach a wider audience and increase my stats and therefore my income.

I got lost the main point of writing:

Write to learn not to build an audience and money. Both will come as part of their own nature. Full stop.

Trust in your style and just keep writing

Although it is true that you should learn other writers’ style, learn and steal from them also it is really true your reader should remember you by for your unique way to convey the message — the advice or motivation.

Each one of us has a unique voice we just need to figure it out over the writing process.

Stick to your own style. There are thousands of readers who will love your style no matter if it is a casual, formal, or academic, or joking way.

Final Thoughts

Writing is the best ever treasure I came across a little bit late in my life. But I don't want to spend time and energy reaching large publications just to reach a wider audience with the aim to get more money or fame.

As long as you keep writing you will find your own voice and style. As a result, readers will do the work for you. They will spread your work everywhere.

Keep strong after every rejection. The more you get the stronger you become.

The editor has unlimited blank pages waiting for you. Once you delivered one, focus on the next round.

Also, stop trying to hack the writing process. This is a long-run game. It’s a way to find yourself first so then you can find your reader.

Just keep writing!

Thanks for reading!