Inviting all writers to ILLUMINATION-Curated
Self-nominated Curation: Not Just For Top Writers
An opportunity for ILLUMINATION writers to showcase their best stories in a special collection of ILLUMINATION-Curated
2023 Update
Dear writers, Medium recognized our special publication, ILLUMINATION-Curated, serving experienced writers as a formal boost-nominating publication. Joining this publication requires proof of your experience in submitting high-quality stories. If you believe your stories meet our requirements in the submission guidelines, please contact me on Slack so I can review your stories and invite you to this publication.
Making quality our priority now, we updated our submission guidelines as listed at the end of this story. The changes are reflected in our new submission guidelines. Please review the submission guidelines for the publications you contribute to.
You can learn more about boosting in the attached story.
Background
We created ILLUMINATION-Curated when ILLUMINATION was about six months old. The six-month period provided tremendous lessons. The need for a special collection was crystal clear. Hence, I made an informed decision.
We analyzed the feedback from our customers — our readers and writers — and created an innovative publication design for ILLUMINATION-Curated. This design helps us reach our goal of offering high-quality content to our readers while meeting the needs and aspirations of our writers.
We initially invited top writers only. It was a privilege to have the support of 600+ top writers who helped us to establish and create the foundations for ILLUMINATION-Curated. Within less than a month, we built the foundations of the platform.
The first phase of the pilot project went smoothly and created excellent outcomes. We are moving to the second phase.
In this first phase, we collected and hosted hundreds of curated and outstanding stories compiled in 17 volumes. These volumes are distributed daily to 10,000+ beta readers. Some stories gained excellent visibility. Here is a short snapshot of the trending stories today.
Here is a screen capture showing the key metrics of trending stories on ILLUMINATION-Curated.
Purpose of ILLUMINATION-Curated
ILLUMINATION-Curated is a strategic initiative.
It is not a usual publication. It has a specific mission, clear goals, values, and a strategic roadmap. It is not indeed a “spam-sham” as a couple of jealous and selfish idiots call it. ILLUMINATION-Curated hosts outstanding stories of accomplished writers consisting of Medium superstars, industry leaders, and prominent researchers at the doctoral level.
We have a proven track record now. The platform is fully functioning. You can check editors, writers, and unique stories hosted on ILLUMINATION-Curated.
Our ultimate goals are to increase views and reading times of stories authored by ILLUMINATION writers and offer outstanding content to our valued readers.
The Pilot Process
We established a process to publish stories in this publication.
We used three ways for articles to be included in ILLUMINATION-Curated.
1 — The first one is for Medium-curated articles published in ILLUMINATION. Our writers can remove their articles and add them to ILLUMINATION-Curated. We also give our writers the flexibility to move their articles back to ILLUMINATION if they so choose.
2 — The second option is related to articles published in ILLUMINATION but not curated by Medium. If these non-curated articles meet our submission guidelines and Medium curation guidelines, they can be selected by our editors using a set of criteria. The editors approve the article for publication in ILLUMINATION-Curated and inform the writer. The writers can then transfer their article from ILLUMINATION to ILLUMINATION-Curated. Writers will need to request access to the new publication.
3 — The third option is the direct submission by approved writers for ILLUMINATION-Curated, meeting all submission guidelines and approved by our editors. We have already selected many top writers as part of this pilot implementation, and we are eager to extend our offering to more writers.
During this pilot, we tested the process and proved that it worked.
Now what?
We offer the fourth option: Self-nomination.
We proceed iteratively. Step by step!
We are in the second phase of the pilot now.
It is time to extend our service to all writers. Not just the top writers.
We want to give a chance to all writers who deserve visibility and recognition as long as they take personal responsibility.
We established rules and prerequisites, as described in the next section.
We created the platform and will facilitate the process, but the writers need to take personal responsibility for their success. It is a collaborative effort. One way does not work.
We want proactive, responsible, collaborative, and optimistic writers, not the ones who blame others for their misfortunes. The platform is designed for the success of all participants. It is designed for high performers, not for mediocrity.
Invitation to ILLUMINATION Writers to Participate in ILLUMINATION-Curated
The purpose of this post is to invite all our writers to join ILLUMINATION-Curated actively. This initiative is also an opportunity for aspiring writers to be recognized and level up using this process.
Prerequisites
1. You need to have at least five quality stories on ILLUMINATION.
2. You need to request access to be added to ILLUMINATION-Curated.
3. Stories must meet Medium rules and Medium curation guidelines.
You can request writer access to ILLUMINATION-Curated via this link or leave a comment on this story.
Self-Nomination: How To Create Your Collections
For this phase of the pilot, we recommend writers to self-nominate between 1 and 10 articles selected from the best stories. They don’t have to be curated by Medium, but they must meet Medium curation guidelines.
We created several resources to help you improve your content. The links are provided at the end of this story.
To create your collections, please follow these steps:
Step 1 — Select your best stories
Step 2 — Update your stories to meet Medium curation guidelines.
Step 3 — Add your story links to a story using the syntax provided in the next section.
Step 4 — Provide an abstract of the story describing the purpose, impact, and audience of the story.
Step 5 — Explain in a few sentences why your story is to be curated and added to a special collection.
Step 6 — Submit the story to ILLUMINATION-Curated.
Template for Story
Title for Nominated Story: Self-nominated Stories by [Insert your account name].
Subtitle for Nominated Story: My best stories selected from ILLUMINATION
Please use the following syntax for each nominated story.
1. Title of your story to be in heading one format
2. Name of the nominated topics for distribution. E.g. #relationships #self (you can select up to three topics). More information for topics please see the topics list at the end of this story.
3. An abstract of the story in italic quotes around 75 to 100 words
4. An embedded link to the story.
You can use the syntax I used in this sample collection.
I believe that there will be many collections as part of this initiative. Therefore, please tag me at the end of your story so that I can be notified and add it to our process flow for review.
Review and Publishing Process
We have 40 editors dedicated to reviewing and curating your stories on ILLUMINATION-Curated.
Once your story is nominated, our editors will review, discuss, and vote for the inclusion of your story.
We will host selected stories in a particular landing zone as featured articles. I will share the details in a different post as it will be beyond the scope of this story.
Once we publish your story, our editors will leave a brief private message on your story. If you turn off your private messages, you wouldn’t be notified.
If your story is good but requires minor updates, editors may also leave a private message requesting your work on the story for improvement.
Please consider using the power of our Slack channel to collaborate and get your self-nominated stories to be peer-reviewed by your fellow writers. If you are not on our Slack yet, please request access via this link.
Conclusions
We have a functional platform with supportive writers and readers to help our writers to succeed.
If you take personal responsibility and take advantage of our platform, readers, and process, you can gain new followers, turn your followers into your fans, and get visibility for your stories.
We are here to help you.
Thank you for reading and collaborating.
To join our vibrant publications, please send a request via this link.
Here are sample curated collections on our publication.
ILLUMINATION Reading Club, Curated Book Chapters of Illumination #01, Outstanding Stories — Volume 87, Outstanding Stories — Volume 86, Outstanding Stories — Volume 87, Outstanding Stories — Volume 88.
Outstanding Stories — Volume 91
Selected stories from top writers of ILLUMINATION-Curated
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As part of my creative non-fiction writing goals, I’d like to share a few stories that might warm our hearts with a bit of humor into weighty topics.
Sample Humorous Stories
Finally, After Burning Her House, Georgia Found Enlightenment
Hilarious Tips to Prevent Brain Atrophy and Keep the Gray Matter Giggling
8 Psychological Points I Had to Unlearn and Relearn the Opposite
Based on my writing experience and observations, I documented findings and strategies that might help you amplify your voice, engage your audience, and achieve your desired outcomes in your writing journey.
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Here are the links to the updated guidelines for my publications.
Recently Updated Submission Guidelines
ILLUMINATION Videos and Podcasts: Submission Guidelines 2023
Publishing and Conduct Guidelines for the Lampshade of ILLUMINATION