Summary

The author expresses a strong preference for publishing with the Illumination publication on Medium due to its respect for writers' work, prompt publishing process, effective promotion and support, the sense of creative freedom it provides, and the opportunity to connect with fellow writers and editors.

Abstract

The article titled "The Five Reasons Why I Only Publish with ILLUMINATION" details the author's positive experiences and reasons for their exclusive publishing relationship with the Illumination publication on Medium. The author began writing on Medium with great enthusiasm, initially treating the platform itself as their personal publication. As they gained confidence, they sought out a publication that aligned with their values and found Illumination to be brilliant, welcoming, and inclusive. The author highlights the importance of their work being respected and unaltered, which they find at Illumination, where they also serve as an editor. The quick turnaround time for publishing articles is another significant advantage for the author. They praise the publication's founder, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, for his extensive promotion of stories across various platforms and his personal engagement with the writers' work. The author also appreciates the support provided through the publication's Slack channel. Illumination is likened to a theater where the author feels free to express themselves, akin to the dreams of playwrights like Molière and Shakespeare. Lastly, the author values the sense of community and the friendships formed with other writers and editors within the publication.

Opinions

The author values the integrity of their work and appreciates that Illumination does not alter their articles.
Prompt publication of articles is highly valued by the author, which Illumination consistently delivers.
The author commends Dr. Mehmet Yildiz for his dedication to promoting stories and engaging with writers, enhancing the visibility and support for their work.
The author feels a strong sense of creative freedom and pride in having their work featured in a single publication, Illumination.
The community aspect of Illumination, including the Slack channel and the relationships with other writers and editors, is highly regarded by the author.
The author criticizes those who unfairly attack Illumination and suggests they should focus on their own writing instead of disparaging the publication.

The Five Reasons Why I Only Publish with ILLUMINATION

The publication is truly a writer’s best friend

When I started writing on this platform, I was ecstatic to be able to share my work. It brought me so much joy, my days were transformed by just being on this site.

In my eyes, Medium was my publication. Even though my first stories rarely got claps, I was grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Writing helps me see the clarity in my thinking.

After a month on Medium, my confidence grew and felt that maybe it was a time to stop being so self-centered and start challenging myself.

I checked many publications, read a lot more and concluded that Il was the right fit. Brilliant, welcoming and inclusive!

So when I got accepted as a writer, I felt like the queen of the world and celebrated with my family.

Even though I published two of my stories with other publications, I do not feel the need to look elsewhere. My motto is: Why change something that works well?

“Oh, how fine it is to know a thing or two” (Molière)

I only know one publication and I am fine with it!

There are many reasons why I chose to stay with Illumination but the following five are definitely the most important to me.

1. Illumination respects the writer’s word

I am very protective of my work so when I was hearing stories on Medium of how certain publications would rewrite some articles I got a bit scared.

Writers tell their stories and it’s unfair when someone changes things according to his or her views.

Instead of going through possible arguments, I choose to only publish with Illumination where I know my articles wont be “corrected”.

This has always been my state of mind, being an editor at the publication is just the cherry on top of the cake.

2. The article gets published fast

Writers want to see their articles published as soon as possible. Illumination more than deliver when it comes to this aspect.

If a story is good, it should be published immediately. The publication creates a marvellous relation with its writers when their work is published within 24hrs.

3. Promotion and Support

It’s amazing the number of views a story gets when published with Illumination. Credit goes to the remarkable Dr Mehmet Yildiz who makes a point of promoting all the stories in various platforms like Pinterest, twitter, Facebook and Flipboard (to name just a few).

He doesn’t have to do all this but it reveals how committed he is to the writers.

His support is astonishing as he actually reads stories (150 per day!), claps and never forgets to leave words of encouragement.

The slack channel is very helpful for writers starting with Illumination as questions are always answered in a thoughtful manner.

4. Illumination is my theatre

My dream is to be like Molière or Shakespeare and own a theatre. I love how they wrote, found actors and directed their plays. To me, this is inspiring.

Illumination provides me the freedom to express myself, I am comfortable with how things are handled.

Seeing my work in one publication is enough to bring me pride and joy.

5. Connection with fellow writers and editors

I can genuinely say that I have made friends thanks to the publication. I never thought it was even possible to do so but Illumination proved me wrong.

I have talked to some amazing writers as well as editors and created a bond with them. We exchange ideas, laugh and show real interest in each other work.

I am grateful and inspired by their talent.

Final thought

Illumination changed my writing life and I will forever be grateful to Dr Yildiz.

The publication is a writer’s best friend unfortunately some people cannot stand this and unfairly attack the publication.

They should concentrate on their writings instead of trying to smear one of the most inclusive publication on Medium.

Keep shining ILLUMINATION!