Publications Are Just Ignoring My Work. What Should I Do Instead?
The 11 Stages of a Journey of Rejection
Do you ever feel like you’re shouting into the void when submitting your hard work to Medium publications, only to be met with radio silence?
You’re not alone.
The truth is, Medium publications ignoring our work is an ongoing issue that many writers face.
It’s frustrating, it’s annoying, and it makes you want to give up writing altogether because everybody knows that we NEED those pubs if we wanna make it here.
But before you throw in the towel, take a deep breath and let me walk you through a Journey of Rejection.
1. Consider Patience, Young Grasshopper
Okay, I know.
Sitting at the computer, refreshing email every two minutes, waiting for that acceptance letter or some constructive feedback won’t help.
Still, I do it.
But embracing my inner Yoda, I take a step back for a minute.
And I imagine myself sitting in a restaurant where a waiter comes and asks for my order, and as I’m about to give it, I notice that I’ve only been seated for two minutes and didn’t even take my coat off.
I don’t usually throw a tantrum. Just ask for a minute to settle and read the menu.
Well, the same principle applies to submitting articles to publications.
Editors are busy humans. First, with their real-life jobs. And then with their Jedi virtual duties.
And some receive hundreds or thousands of daily submissions.
“Patience you must have, my young Padawan.”
2. Consider Time Travel
So, it’s been a couple of hours since submitting.
…
And then, Timberlake moment: Perhaps my work is being ignored because we’re not operating NSYNC.
Maybe editors are still asleep, or just waking up, or drunk in a pub.
Just because I’m up and ready to go viral doesn’t mean everyone else is.
Time zones are a thing. Better keep that in mind next time.
Especially living in an unusual one.
But then there is THE Tim Denning — he lives with Marty McFly in the future…well, technically, Australia. He gets published all the time…
Should I consider moving down there? Or maybe buying a DeLorean?
“Marty, you’re not thinking fourth dimensionally!”,
shouted Doc Brown about the broader implications of time travel.
3. Consider the K-factor, Schmactor
(Inner voice)
— Hmmm that Tim guy, he seems to have a ‘k’ behind the follower count.
That could be a considerable factor between us, because my number also is three hundred and something. And the reason he seems to be published always and everywhere.
— Don’t be a whiner and get too caught up in the k-factor. Better do your part and focus on writing something worth reading, you sucker.
Sure, having a large following can help, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Quality over quantity. And no excuses.
— But having a large follow certainly opens doors f…
Don’t let follower envy get in the way.
Write what you’re obsessed about, and the audience will come.
Remember Captain Skyhook Kareem’s words:
“Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in installments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out”.
4. Consider the Gurus
Well, those hours are piling up, and I’m ready to go to bed.
And published.
Maybe I should take a page from Tony Robbins’ book Unshakable and focus on my mindset.
Write down my fears, but don’t dwell on them. And reframe them as possible opportunities for growth.
Blablabla.
Or maybe give Elon a call. Or a Tweet. He’ll make sure to inspire me with his tenacity and willingness to take risks and conquer Mars.
If they fail, it’ll be time to talk to the real guru.
Mom always knows that I am the best.
5. Consider Joining the AI Circle
Wake up, check the phone before opening my eyes.
No news, bad news.
5 submitted drafts still unattended in oblivion.
Maybe I should write about ChatGPT, like everybody out there.
Or go even further: ask ChatGPT if writing about CHatGPT is what I need:
Hmmm, not sure.
Maybe I should go a step further and just let AI do all the work and write for me:
- The Upside: I won’t feel like a waste, and I can always blame OpenAI for such a lame tool.
- The Downside: That’s just not me.
6. Consider The Kitty in The Room
Okay, okay, I get it.
The waiting is tough, and sometimes you have no clue why your work hasn’t bit.
But it’s been more than 24 hours since my world-altering masterpiece is lingering in the metaverse of online writing.
Editors are just too busy watching cat videos, right?
Just kidding…or maybe not.
Truth is there’s no way of knowing what goes through their lives and minds.
Let’s give those people the benefit of the doubt and wait some extra hours (or days).
7. Consider I’m an Imposter
It’s like an unwritten rule for writers: from time to time, feel you’re not good enough.
Especially if you start comparing yourself with other writers.
48 hours of silent treatment gives me that feeling.
But then I remember that I’m only my own competition.
It almost seems like a requirement for any given profession, really.
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.”
— Yoda, once again to save the day
8. Consider the Adaggio: It’s Not You, It’s Me
So, that’s enough with the excuses.
Time to face reality: if, after 4 days, there is more noise in a Tibetan monastery than in my drafts, maybe my work is missing a spark.
There’s always room for improvement.
I just need to stay humble and remember:
— ‘You are a writer, and the more you write, the better you get.’
There’s no other formula that somehow separates you from the ‘real’ writers.
Just keep writing and ignore that voice telling me I’m not good enough.
“If you only do what you can do, you’ll never be more than you are now” said Master Shifu.
9. Consider Range of Pitchment
So, if one publication isn’t biting, why not try another?
Robin Wilding seems to know everything about them.
And also that some big-gun pubs like The Writing Cooperative are charging to get priority reviews for submissions.
Time to do the research and find other publications that do align with my style, my interests, and most of all, my stage in the Writers Journey.
Don’t be afraid to pitch.
It may take a few tries, but eventually, someone will take notice.
“The greatest teacher, failure is.”
Yoda, point on is always.
10. Consider The Secret Souce of Data
Just like in any creative pursuit, iteration is the key that transforms mediocre articles into desired, effective, and engaging content.
Time to analyze data like the Sherlock Holmes of the writing world.
Dig deep into those subjects and styles that struck a chord with my audience. Get to know them better than my favorite pair of sweatpants.
Pay close attention to those read counts, highlights, and comments.
Those little breadcrumbs will lead to a treasure trove of reader preferences.
And armed with the insights of adoring fans, embark on follow-up articles, explore related topics, and immerse in the nuances that captivated their hearts.
The winning articles might undergo a metamorphosis and emerge as Pub-likable.
11. Consider The Unconditionals
It might take some extra time, but most publications DO pay attention.
They might publish or not.
Anyway, I am grateful for the time they take to provide constructive criticism.
Take Paula Romeu. She’s a kick-ass writer and thorough editor for PracticeInPublic.
She doesn’t mess around and gives clear, straightforward feedback. And it’s unconditionally supportive.
Medium needs more Paula Romeu editors.
Don’t Quit. Refuel.
Writing and publishing articles can be a challenge, and even more when you are trying to join the game.
It’s easy to become discouraged by rejection or a lack of response.
But it’s just part of the process: it doesn’t define you as a writer.
With determination and the right mindset, you can push through and continue creating content that matters.
In the end, it’s about connecting with readers and sharing your stories with the world.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the perfect publishing opportunity.
Give it some time.
Just because your article hasn’t hit the big leagues yet doesn’t mean it won’t eventually find its way there.
