Why Assemblage Had To Remove Its Submission Requirements
How To Get Better, Not Bigger
Once upon a time, it made sense to have well thought out submission requirements that writers would read before making a decision on whether or not to apply to be a writer to a publication on Medium. Then the tide shifted and a deluge of “writers” descended on these screens like ants to an errant apple. And here we are.
As of today, October 2, 2020, Assemblage is removing its submission requirements from all of its publications. No, that does not mean it is now open for anyone to apply. Exactly the opposite. Submissions are closed indefinitely. Because this is what it has come to.
Widespread plagiarism, disastrous creative “coaching”, and the overwhelming entitlement of the Internet writer have all led to this. When you spend half of your publishing time each day reviewing submissions from “writers” who didn’t read the guidelines, tout their favorite Medium writer as themselves, or say they are applying to grow their audience first, you get a little tired.
Not to mention that the more you uphold journalistic and creative standards as a bastion for your publication, the more sour “writers” bemoan the fact that you are restrictive and elitist. The amount of email flagellation that goes on because of the word no is beyond…
