When it comes to writing professionally, it's not about crafting entire stories right away; it's about pitching raw concepts to significant publications. Once a pitch receives approval, then the writing process begins.

For instance, Medium can compensate writers up to $500 for a well-pitched story.

Have you ever envisioned seeing your work published in a Medium partner outlet? However, the pathway to that opportunity isn't straightforward.

Medium publications have distinct styles, tones, and overall voices, managed by skilled editors who prioritize one core element: high-quality writing. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the types of stories they typically publish.

Tim Denning spent a year submitting pitches to Medium before one of his pieces was accepted. Articles that make the cut often receive enhanced visibility on popular lists, the homepage, and in featured sections.

Persistence is key; you'll need to submit numerous pitches and wait three to four weeks for feedback. Many writers give up after a couple of tries, but remember: write, pitch, and maintain your faith. Don't lose heart.

So, what does it mean to pitch your idea? Essentially, you can compose an email directed to the publication, detailing your story concept and including a link to your draft or a previously published piece. It's perfectly acceptable to pitch stories that are already online.

Medium publications focus heavily on their audience, aiming to treat readers as VIPs with exclusive access and life-enhancing potential through their content. ~ Tim Denning

However, ensure that you're not sending just any story; submit only your best work—pieces that are compelling enough to be hard for editors to turn down.

Avoid inundating Medium with recycled ideas. If you do, they may ignore your future pitches, even if they are original. Editors are on the lookout for the most inspiring and unique concepts.

“My advice: Stick to your expertise. Write and pitch on subjects you know best. This approach will establish you as a credible writer and help you gather some clips.” ~ Peggy Bennett, former editor of Entrepreneur

Understanding the preferences of these editors is crucial—it’s akin to researching who’s on the interview panel for a job. You can find their favorite stories here.

The presentation of your idea, encapsulated in your headline, is essential. Aim to structure your email like this: <a catchy title> — <your pitch> — <your name>. Additionally, include a link to your profile at the email's end.

Here's a potential email outline:

Hello <publication name=""> Editors,

My name is <insert your name> and I am an avid reader of <publication name="">. I write about <topic one=""> and <topic two="">. I would like to propose a story idea for your publication and am open to any suggestions or revisions.

Here’s a link to my draft or a previously published story: <insert link here>.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you for the wonderful content.

Best regards,

<your name>

<link to your profile>

Don't lose motivation before you've even begun pitching. Good luck on your journey.

Here are today's top 10 stories from writers who should actively pursue pitching their work:

1. How Eight of My Stories Were Selected for Further Distribution in 48 Hours

   I penned this one. Initially, I thought it was a fluke. But, remarkably, every story I submitted has been chosen for further distribution. This can't be a coincidence. It seems that in teaching you how to write well, I learned in the process as well.

   Before my morning coffee, I check my stats. For the entire previous month, I hadn't seen any story title with the lovely grey text below it that reads, “Chosen for further distribution.” My curation rate hovers around 50%, and I’ve authored the most straightforward curation guide.

2. How to Discover the Topic Your Article Was Curated In

   Sabana Grande states, “If you are seeing this message, I have returned from the future to share wisdom with the masses.” He is a talented writer with an informative and engaging style. Be sure to check out his other works, particularly his advice channel on curation aimed at achieving 80% Medium curation rates for everyone.

   There are two primary ways to determine in which topics your article has been curated by Medium.

   You will know your article was curated if it states “Chosen for further distribution” beneath its title on your Stats page.

3. Keeping Your Readers Engaged

   Akarsh Nalawade is a lively writer who shares his thoughts on books. He’s an excellent writer with an honest, thought-provoking style.

   Social media can be seen as a global psychological manipulation tool, creating an addiction. It exploits our psychological cravings for attention, variety, and unpredictable rewards. Our brains don’t release dopamine and serotonin by chance; they do so because they find it enjoyable.

4. How Watching Television Can Enhance Your Writing Skills

   Nia Simone McLeod finds inspiration in television over books. She observes that through TV shows, she encounters a wider variety of compelling narratives than she ever has from literature.

   Watching TV allows her to analyze storytelling techniques, similar to how filmmakers study the works of Martin Scorsese or playwrights learn from Shakespeare.

5. When Writers Break the Norm

   Rob Janicke, a father and record label owner, shares his insights on writing.

   "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." – Oscar Wilde. It’s a simple statement, yet it poses a significant challenge to practice.

6. Writing from the Heart Without Hurting Loved Ones

   Natalie Frank, Ph.D., specializes in behavioral health topics and serves as Managing Editor for LVP Press.

   She often receives inquiries from novice writers about how to express personal experiences without causing harm to those involved.

7. Lessons from a Bubble Tea Shop

   Trista Ainsworth, an abundant minimalist, explores local food and drink venues, turning her discoveries into engaging articles for News Break.

   Ingenuity is the ability to creatively solve complex problems. – Pearl Zhu

8. Insights from Billionaires

   Luke Beling has spent five years observing wealthy individuals, learning from their lifestyles which can be both enlightening and stifling.

   Observing these “super-humans” navigate life reveals their carefree spending and ability to earn money effortlessly.

9. The Impact of Your Bedtime Routine on Morning Success

   Jazz Parks emphasizes the importance of a consistent bedtime routine to achieve a successful morning.

   Morning rituals set the tone for the day, focusing on priorities and self-improvement.

10. A Simple Method to Combat Negativity and Foster Positivity

Bill Abbate addresses the pervasive nature of negativity in today’s media landscape.

Is society partly to blame for the prevalence of negativity due to our attraction to it? Does negative news yield better ratings and profits for media outlets?

This post is part of the Top 10 Series — discover over 500 top writers through these links.

If your story made it to the Top 10, please share another piece along with a brief introduction and a short review in the comments. Remember to write the review in the third person and start with your name.

I may not have read every story on Illumination and Illumination-Curated, as I strive daily to explore all the masterpieces.

Join our private Facebook group for Illumination writers and follow my publication, positive minds.

To be featured as a top 10 writer, carefully review these curation guidelines.

link:	medium.com
summary:	A step-by-step guide to ensure further distribution

You can read my curated stories here.