5 Reasons Your Article Might Get Rejected by Medium Editors

Writing Tips
Pen & Pixel
Published in
4 min readMay 4, 2023

Writing an engaging and informative article can be a challenging task. As you pour your heart into your words, hoping to share your knowledge and experiences with the world there is always a chance that your efforts may not make the cut.

Below, we’ll explore five reasons why your article may be rejected by Medium editors. We’ll also offer some tips and examples to help you create content that stands out and increases your chances of being published.

1. Poor Grammar and Spelling

One of the most common reasons for article rejection is poor grammar and spelling. Medium editors are looking for well written content that is easy to read and understand. If your article is riddled with errors it will detract from the message you’re trying to convey and can make it difficult for readers to follow along.

To avoid this issue, proofread your article multiple times before submitting it. You can also use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to help catch any mistakes you might have missed. Additionally have a friend or colleague review your work for a fresh perspective.

Example: Instead of writing “Their going to the store to by some bred” write “They’re going to the store to buy some bread.”

2. Lack of Originality and Value

Medium editors seek content that is unique and provides valuable insights to their readers. If your article is rehashed information that can be found elsewhere it’s unlikely to be accepted. Editors are looking for fresh takes on topics, innovative ideas and thought provoking insights.

To ensure your article stands out try to approach your subject from a new angle or share personal experiences that can add depth to your writing. Be sure to provide actionable advice or useful information that readers can apply in their lives.

Example: Instead of writing another generic article about productivity tips share a personal story about how you overcame procrastination and developed your own unique productivity system.

3. Inappropriate or Offensive Content

Medium is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive community. Articles that contain inappropriate or offensive content such as hate speech, excessive violence or explicit adult material will likely be rejected. Additionally avoid making sweeping generalizations or perpetuating stereotypes about specific groups or individuals.

When writing about controversial or sensitive topics approach them with care and respect. Be mindful of your language and avoid making assumptions about your readers’ beliefs or experiences.

Example: If you’re writing about mental health avoid using stigmatizing language or making blanket statements like “all people with depression are lazy.” Instead focus on providing helpful information and support while acknowledging the diverse experiences of individuals living with mental health conditions.

4. Poor Structure and Formatting

An article that is difficult to read or follow can be a significant deterrent for both readers and editors. Ensure your article is well structured and formatted to improve readability and keep your audience engaged.

Use headings and subheadings to break up your content into easy to digest sections. Incorporate lists and bullet points to highlight key points and create a clear flow of ideas. Additionally, use images, quotes or other visuals to break up large blocks of text and make your article more visually appealing.

Example: Instead of writing a long unbroken paragraph detailing the steps of a process break it down into a numbered list with clear headings for each step.

5. Failure to Adhere to Medium’s Guidelines

Medium has specific guidelines that all articles must adhere to in order to be published. These guidelines cover a variety of topics, including content, formatting and sourcing requirements. If your article fails to meet these guidelines it may be rejected by the editors.

Before submitting your article review Medium’s guidelines and ensure that your content complies with them. Pay special attention to their policies on self promotion, plagiarism and intellectual property.

Example: Avoid using copyrighted images without permission or proper attribution. Instead use royalty free images from sources like Unsplash or Pixabay.

In conclusion, understanding the common reasons for article rejection can help you create content that is more likely to be accepted by Medium editors. Focus on producing well written original and valuable content that adheres to Medium’s guidelines and respects their community standards. By doing so you’ll improve your chances of success and make your work more enjoyable for readers to engage with.

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Writing Tips
Pen & Pixel

Hey there! I'm here to share my personal experiences on Medium and offer some help on how to succeed and flourish on this platform-Let's grow together!