New Changes Are Coming to ‘About Me Stories’
Expanded submission guidelines (and more!) — Coming October 18, 2021
Update: The new submission guidelines have been released! Check it out here!
About a year ago, Medium made a few changes that made it easier to focus on the most essential aspect of the platform — the writers.
For one, the writer profiles switched to a long-form view instead of a compact view, which meant fewer story headlines on a profile page. This change directed the focus of the reader to two things: the profile banner and the pinned story the writer chose.
The profile banner had enough room for a short bio — a whopping 160 maximum characters. I mused that the bio 160-character limit was hardly enough room for a bunch of people who spent their free time pouring an endless amount of words onto digital paper.
One day, I was looking at my emails and observed something interesting. I opened one of those emails that come from Medium, telling you how many followers you’ve gained in the past week. What stood out to me was at the bottom of these follower number emails — “People are finding you from your profile page. See more of your followers.” I realized that people followed you, not because of the content or quality of what you wrote necessarily, but because they found a connection with you as a reader from your words.
My realization about the importance of a connection between writer and reader is what led me to create ‘About Me Stories.’ The publication was built with the intent of encouraging writers to introduce themselves to the Medium community and network with each other. I was completely stunned by its rapid growth!
Additionally, the publication provided a unique outlet for writers to talk about themselves candidly while informing their followers on who they were and what they wrote about. I didn’t anticipate how much of an emotional reaction some writers experienced when they opened up and talked about themselves to a bunch of internet strangers. The emotional reactions varied and ranged from how liberating, strange, weird, brutal, refreshing, etc., it was to reflect inward on their journey at this point in their lives.
As a person that grew up lacking confidence in myself, I totally understood. Talking about yourself isn’t easy sometimes. To some, it seems narcissistic. To others, talking about oneself seems boastful or rude. To many, reflecting inward just doesn’t come naturally or exposes weaknesses that people are uncomfortable seeing within themselves.
However, I would say that self-reflection, understanding who you are, and undertaking a self-discovery journey is extremely vital for one’s growth. Articulating self-awareness, whether it’s verbally with others or through writing, refines our thoughts and perceptions of ourselves. Self-awareness pushes our self-imposed boundaries, stretches us to be better versions of ourselves, and helps us accept ourselves for who we are.
While some of the more well-known writers on the platform have mastered the art of communicating self-awareness to their followers, I’m proud to see ‘About Me Stories’ become the first stomping grounds for many new and veteran writers-alike undertaking their own journeys of self-discovery. And here’s the thing — I want to continue and expand that journey for everyone!
On October 18, 2021, the publication will roll out a new update and a few other announcements! I won’t spoil the surprise, but the publication will be expanding our submission guidelines! (You can probably guess what types of stories…)
In the past year, the publication has grown past my wildest expectations. As of writing this, About Me Stories has grown to more than 3,100 followers, averaging more than 500 visitors daily, and garnered more than 72,000 views in the past 90 days. I am so incredibly humbled by the support and contributions of many talented writers!
If you haven’t yet, I highly encourage you to consider submitting your own About Me Story here! About Me introductory stories will not be disappearing and are here to stay. We accept all writers and submissions as long as they match the guidelines.
I’m super excited about the publication’s next stage and sharing this journey with each of you. Stay tuned for the new submission guidelines on October 18. I honestly chose that date for two reasons: It’s the anniversary of ‘About Me Stories’ and it gives me 10 days to finish setting up the new publication guidelines (I’m a procrastinator).
As I’m wrapping up the details, let me know what you hope to see in the submission guidelines or what you think in the responses below. Lastly, subscribe here to see when the latest changes take place!
Cheers and happy writing, folks!
Update: The new submission guidelines have been released! Check it out here!
Quy likes to grow brands, businesses, and people. In his spare time, he enjoys NFT gaming, taking photos of the starry night sky, and writing on Medium. If you enjoy his work, subscribe to his list here and never miss a story!
Become a Medium member for only $5 a month to support Quy and thousands of other writers. Play Splinterlands, the latest NFT card strategy game with this referral link!