How to Get Into the Biggest Publications
Hint: It’s not that hard
There are countless articles on Medium glorifying big publications, their reach, and why you need them to get views. In addition, you’ll find advice on how to get into them, motivating posts about not giving up, and tips to get your drafts accepted.
It sure sounds like it’s almost impossible for a newbie to write for publications with many followers when you just started your writing career.
ANYONE Can Write for the Best Publications
Let me tell you a secret; it’s not that hard. I’d even argue that any new writer can get their stories in front of hundreds of thousands of readers without needing any superhero-like writing skills, a “Forrest Gump” life full of amazing stories, or bribing editors (just kidding).
You just need to follow three simple steps to get accepted in the publications of your choice.
Step 1: Know Their Audience
Do some research first. Review the kind of articles that get published. Who do they address? What are their audience’s problems, fears, hopes, and thoughts?
Once you have a good idea of the publications’ readers, analyze the stories a bit deeper. Do they solve problems? Are they motivational, educational, or entertaining? What is the general tone?
Step 2: Follow the Requirements to Submit Stories
Almost all of the top publications have requirements for submitting a story. Typically, articles need to be in a certain length, in a specific format, and within a range of topics (see step 1).
Since hundreds of writers try to get their stories published, the best publications also have application periods for new writers — for example, every Sunday from 2 to 4 pm.
Take notes, set reminders, and make sure to follow their guidelines (you can find them on their website).
Step 3: Write Your Story
The last step, actually write your story and write it specifically for the publication. It’s that simple.
Getting into major publications is a lot like doing business.
If you have a generic product and try to sell it to everyone, nobody will eventually buy it. So instead, create a unique product (your story) tailored to a specific audience (the publication), and you most certainly will spark their interest and make a sale.
Not successful?
Have you followed the three steps and still got denied?
You can always publish your story in a similar publication with the same audience or publish it yourself.
After all, you now have a great article written explicitly for an audience with hundreds of thousands of people. People will find it.
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