Summary

The author's last four articles, covering a diverse range of topics, were selected for further distribution on Medium, indicating that publication in respected outlets and a unique writing voice can lead to broader visibility on the platform.

Abstract

The author reflects on the recent success of their last four articles on Medium, all of which were chosen for further distribution. Despite the varied subject matter, from personal development to marketing case studies, the articles shared common traits that may have contributed to their selection. The author emphasizes that topics are not a deciding factor for distribution, as their articles spanned a wide array of themes. Instead, publication in respected Medium outlets, such as Better Marketing and Better Advice, seemed to play a significant role. Additionally, the author's distinct, introspective writing voice and the ability to convey clear lessons in each piece were crucial elements. The articles were not only diverse in topic but also personal in nature, showcasing the author's unique experiences and insights. The author suggests that honest writing and authentic storytelling, combined with the support of established publications, can enhance the chances of an article being distributed more widely on Medium.

Opinions

Topics on Medium are not a barrier to distribution, as a diverse range of subjects can be selected.
Publications are instrumental in achieving further distribution; being associated with leading Medium publications can be beneficial.
A unique writing voice, reflecting the author's individuality and experiences, is essential for standing out on the platform.
Each article should present a clear lesson or takeaway, providing practical advice without lecturing the reader.
The author values honest writing and authenticity over views and monetary success, suggesting that the love for words should not be overshadowed by ambition.
Self-publishing can still lead to distribution if the content is compelling and resonates with readers.
The author believes in the power of personal storytelling, where the writer's experiences can offer universal lessons to the audience.

My Last 4 Articles Were Chosen for Further Distribution

Was there any blueprint?

Curation tag, once a holy grail of Medium.

But then curation morphed into distribution, topics disappeared and the shining trophy became more of a diploma.

Curation used to be the star of the show, distribution is more of the sidekick. A desirable, useful sidekick.

None of us Medium writers would refuse the offer of their article being distributed across the platform.

So, how do you get distributed?

My last 4 articles achieved this goal. It’s the longest streak of curated/distributed articles I’ve had so far on Medium.

What do these four musketeers share? What’s the secret ingredient in the mysterious cocktail of distribution?

Well, before we discuss the common traits, let’s deal with the difference.

Topics Don’t Matter

Topics were all over the place.

My streak started with a call-out by Michael Burg, MD to support the writing community. I responded with a confession and asked you, my writing peers, to never expect results that contradict your actions.

The second article was an introspection. I contemplated the lowest period of my life and analyzed how I pulled myself out of the misery. It’s the breakdown of how I got back on track.

The third piece is a firsthand experience of an exhausting fitness challenge. It is a testimony from one weekend when just I ran and ran.

The last bit of this streak is a marketing case study. My favorite electronic duo recently announced the end of their career, so I examined their rise to stardom and how their unique aura magnetized millions of people.

Topics included tags such as community, personal development, life lessons, running, fitness, challenge, marketing, and music. What a colorful palette of subjects.

Takeaway:

Medium editors don’t discriminate topics. Unless you write about Medium (my streak ends now), you can get distributed regardless of the subject.

Publications Matter

Respected publications published three of my articles, I self-published the remaining one.

I had my debut with two leading Medium publications: Better Marketing and Better Advice. Seeing my articles on their homepages was a pleasant surprise and it may even be the start of a fruitful, Better relationship.

Relationship with In Fitness And In Health, which published my article about the 4x4x48 challenge, is already an established one. Scott Mayer and his team have been a great support in my Medium journey.

I believe that three respected publications were instrumental in securing the coveted Chosen for further distribution tag.

What about the fourth article?

I was amazed that even self-publishing can lead to distribution. But I attribute this to the mesmerizing aura of Michael Burg, MD, also known as Dr. F. He is almost like a human publication.

Takeaway:

Well-known publications are essential for the further distribution of your work. The mere fact that your article is associated with one of the leading ones can push it forward or even result in automatic distribution.

Your Voice Is Crucial

I wrote all four articles in my distinct voice. They are honest, introspective pieces.

When I read them back, I’m sure no one else would write them this way. It doesn't mean a better or worse way. Just not this way. Not my way.

You know the saying; we are all unique. There has never been and never will be someone with the same cocktail of traits, skills, and experience as me. As you.

There will ever be just one me and one you.

Although it’s possible to imitate one’s voice, you can’t replicate the person behind the keyboard. Put your mind, heart, and soul into your writing and it will shine through.

I believe I did this in my distributed pieces.

I’d like to be showered with views and dollars, but only as a by-product of honest writing. Wanting to be successful is fine. But your ambition and desire for recognition should never overshadow your love for words.

Takeaway:

Your voice is a result of everything that has ever happened to you. Chip away the ballast and aim to cultivate it.

Then let it shine through your writing. People, including editors, will notice.

Present a Lesson

In all articles, I used my voice to present a lesson. While the topics differed, each article concluded with a clear takeaway. They were:

Be true to yourself and don’t expect results that contradict your actions.
To pull yourself from a failure you must acknowledge you are down, identify what brought you there, grab the first chance you get and work hard to keep climbing.
Every time you interrupt your effort, you rob yourself of momentum. Always strive to maintain it.
When creating art, make your fans the stars of the show. Don’t create the cult of your persona, let your art speak for it.

One article, one solid takeaway.

Readers (I’m one of them) don’t want you to lecture them. Nobody cares about writers shouting would-be wisdom from their pedestal. We, readers, want to read inspirational stories, which happened to the writer but could have happened to anyone.

So, keep your eyes open and you will catch lessons everywhere. Let your brain do the hard work and it will dissect these lessons into practical advice.

Make your soul speak through your writing voice and you will present the advice as only you can.