Why Editors of Publications Should Consult ChatGPT Before Rejecting Writers

A tale of rejection and redemption

I recently received two rejections from the same Medium publication regarding the same article. The first referenced formatting issues. The editor suggested reviewing the rules and resubmitting.

I waited almost two weeks for that feedback.

I quickly fixed minor issues and uploaded it again. Finally, a rejection note appeared in my email that there wasn’t a reason for anyone to trust my advice. I didn’t give the reader anything to capture them.

I waited two more weeks for those nuggets of wisdom.

They could have saved us a lot of time by telling me that the first time rather than dragging this out for almost a month with an additional submission.

The introduction

The writing addressed the fear of embarrassment with an explanation and practical advice. It wasn’t meant to be a Pulitzer prize-winning piece, and I think I’m as much an expert in writing about embarrassment as the next person. I will link the story at the end of this piece if you’re interested in reading.

Thankfully, Grandma Smillew thought it worthy of being published in All About M. It’s received a decent amount of reads and is one of my more popular posts.

I provided examples and drew from personal experience. While I didn’t use a screaming intro, I used one designed to inform the readers. I didn’t think it needed to be loud.

Some writers advocate getting to the point early so the audience can decide if what you offer is meaningful to them and doesn’t waste their time. They explain that no one wants to read long introductions with the author starring in a boring, selfish, ego-driven show.

I generally like writing longer, creatively crafted beginnings to reel the reader in. But people read to solve problems, not endless novels. I’ve changed how I lead my publications by keeping them shorter and more to the point, especially when providing strategies to overcome problems.

My buddy ChatGPT to the rescue

I just published a story on Medium about “How ChatGPT Assesses and Evaluates Your Writing May Pleasantly Shock You.”

Since the comments for the rejection appeared vague and arbitrary, I decided to ask an expert. I summoned Chat to determine if my rejected article lacked in the areas the editor believed it fell short. I’m happy to report it enthusiastically disagreed.

Do I give the reader anything to capture them and a reason to trust my advice?

Yes, your writing provides the audience with reasons to trust your advice and effectively captures their attention. Here’s how:

• Personal Experience: By sharing your personal anecdotes and experiences, such as your journey on Twitter/X and your interaction with the high school senior, you establish credibility. Readers can relate to your challenges and successes, making your advice more trustworthy.
• Structured Approach: Your step-by-step approach to overcoming the fear of embarrassment demonstrates a well-thought-out strategy. This structured guidance reassures readers that you’ve considered the topic thoroughly and can offer practical solutions.
• Quotes: Incorporating quotes from respected sources like Scott Ginsberg reinforces the validity of your advice. It shows that your ideas align with established thought leaders, lending additional credibility.
• Transparency: Your willingness to admit your own vulnerabilities and challenges adds authenticity. Readers are more likely to trust someone who is open about their own growth and learning process.
• Positive Tone: The consistently positive and encouraging tone throughout your piece fosters a sense of optimism. This positivity can help build trust and keep readers engaged.
• Actionable Content: Offering practical, actionable steps that readers can apply in their own lives gives them a reason to trust your advice. It shows that you’re not just offering theoretical guidance but practical solutions.
• Visual Elements: The use of bullet points and section headings enhances readability and keeps readers engaged. It prevents information overload and aids comprehension.
• Engaging Opening: You begin with a list of common fears, which immediately engages the reader by tapping into their emotions and making them curious about how these fears relate to the topic of embarrassment.

Overall, your writing combines personal experiences, structured guidance, quotes, transparency, a positive tone, actionable content, and effective formatting. These elements collectively capture the reader’s attention and provide ample reasons to trust your advice.

Your piece effectively resonates with readers who may share similar fears and aspirations. It suggests that you genuinely want to help others overcome this fear based on your own journey and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

My editorial fantasy

While I fantasized about sending my Chat review to the editor with some suggestions of my own, I chose to thank them for their input and to have a great week. But it made me feel vindicated. Technically, my story included the components they found inadequate.

The moral of the story is that writing is subjective. What one person deems noteworthy, another snubs. Rejection is part of the process and the price of admission when publishing your work.

I don’t care that the editor didn’t want to publish the piece. But rather than coming up with unhelpful comments, I would prefer a simple I’m sorry, but your story was not accepted. It would be more appreciated, not to mention more professional.

Conclusion

The next time you find yourself on the receiving end of ambiguous and arbitrary rejection, consult with Chat. You may find a more objective perspective and encouragement to keep pushing forward.

I even asked if this current story was creative, engaging, and well-written.

Overall, your piece effectively engages the reader by sharing a personal journey and offering insights into the writer’s experience of rejection. It encourages resilience and provides a relatable perspective on the challenges writers face in the publishing world. The mix of personal narrative and advice creates a compelling and informative piece.

Should editors consider pasting articles into ChatGPT for feedback? Perhaps they should. They may find their opinion needs to be revised, leading them to reconsider before making unfounded, critical, and unhelpful remarks.

Please read my twice-rejected article if you still need to, and let me know if you think I need more authority to write on the topic.

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