New Medium Writer? Here’s 6 Facebook Groups You Need To Join Right Now

…and what to do once you’ve joined to get the most out of them

New to writing?

New to Medium?

Or maybe both?

This was me a few months back.

The good news is you don’t have to go at it alone

In fact, I would advise against it.

Medium is a wonderful platform for writers to hang out on, as long as you understand how the platform works and use it strategically to further your personal goals.

Fortunately, there are people at every stage of the game right now, from those who started when Medium was a nascent fledgling all the way to those who just joined yesterday.

When it comes to the future of content however and Medium’s role in it, it’s safe to say I’m a believer. Which is why I started the publication Writing Is Cheaper Than Therapy, to help folks as you learn about and succeed at using the platform regardless of what your personal goals might be.

There’s so much information to get up to speed on, plus considering the fact that algorithms and UI’s change all the time, that it’s in your best interest to immerse yourself amongst others who have figured out what you might be currently struggling with, or simply to support one another.

One of the biggest things that helped me along the way is Facebook groups

Medium-centric groups are still relatively small at the time being, but they are growing every day. I’ve found them to be wonderfully supportive and helpful, as well as super generous in giving advice within a few minutes.

Whenever I found myself stuck on something, or some random question about Medium popped into my head, I would simply turn to Facebook and pop my question into the box.

It was fairly common I’d get a response or two within an hour or at most half day.

I’m hooked.

I want to share those groups with you first, and then go over all the different ways you can use them along your Medium writing journey.

Here are the 6 groups you should be a part of

*Most of these groups are closed, so you’ll have to apply to get in. If you’re writing about sensitive issues or using pen names or worried about crossing different professional streams are likely to want to stick to closed.

1. Medium Mastery — 1600+ members (closed)— Ask technical questions, submission to publication questions, starting your own publication questions, formatting, etc. Has daily share thread (kindly asks to limit one link per thread).
2. Medium Partner Program Friends — 550+ members (closed)— This group is one of my favorite ones. It is a shared community specifically for writers on Medium’s Partner Program. The moderators here do a fantastic job with daily threads, not just for sharing but interesting conversation topics as well for keeping the motivation going. They also have a publication, 1-One-Infinity as well as a subreddit.
3. Blogger & Medium Support — 520+ members (closed)— One post per day, but has a 24-hour spacing rule between posts to ensure everyone’s post gets seen.
4. Medium Writers and Bloggers — 330+ members(closed) — Smaller group, share your posts with the group
5. Medium New Writers — 260+ members (public)— for entry-level writers in their first experiences on Medium creating stories, writing articles and sharing poems and being creative. Information, tips, advice, and also daily share threads. They don’t define who qualifies as a new writer, so if you think you are one, sign up.
6. Writers Guild — 230+ members (closed)— These guys have a publication which publishes Medium writers and their stories as they hone their craft. No share thread as of right now, simply add your story to share with others.

Joined? Good. Here’s what to do next

You’re ready to become a part of some really great communities. Here’s what you can do to engage with others in the groups. Writing is mostly a solitary activity, so it helps to have others on the line in case you need someone to talk to. Just remember, friends don’t let friends write alone!

1. Ask a question —New to the scene? Chances are someone has been in your footsteps before. Don’t worry, even if it’s a dumb question, I’ve found everybody is incredibly supportive in these groups. Just remember to help those who come after you, and the system just works beautifully. You can ask anything related to Medium whether it’s a technical question to asking for support if you find yourself at a low point while you’re trying to get the hang of things.
2. Share your articles — All of these groups allow you to share your recently published stories, either in share threads or directly as a post. Group members are wonderfully supportive and you can make some amazing friends along your journey here on Medium.
3. Share your wins — Even if good things don’t happen to us personally, we all like to share in the glow of personal success. So don’t keep it to yourself. Share what happened and help others replicate your success.
4. Support other writers — Read and clap for others. Every little bit counts, especially when you’re just starting out.
5. Celebrate their wins — A win for the group is a win for you.
6. Grow together — Everyone is here to write, learn, and grow in the process. And you will too with other incredible writers who are just beginning or early on in their practice of writing.

Ready?

I’m excited for you. It’s been a great journey for me thus far, and I know it will be for you too. Medium as a platform is just getting started and there plenty of room for growth for everyone, no matter what your interests are.

Join us on Writing Is Cheaper Than Therapy, where we host stories about other people’s experience on the Medium platform to share with yours.

If you’d like to share your story with others, we’re looking to collect them here. Simply drop a comment below — something along the lines of “Hey Joann, I’d like to share my story” and I’ll add you!

PS. Know a friend also writing on Medium? Or perhaps should? Share this story with them!

*These Facebook groups are the ones I’ve found so far. Did I miss any? Please let me know and I’ll add them to the list!