Welcome New Writers to ILLUMINATION #11: Your Journey Begins
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Chapter 1: A Warm Welcome
Greetings, new writers! We are thrilled to announce your acceptance into the ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications on Medium. Thank you for joining our community, and we eagerly anticipate reviewing, publishing, and promoting your stories.
Our network supports over 24,000 writers, many of whom actively contribute to ILLUMINATION on Medium.com. This diverse and inclusive community amplifies the voices of ethical writers who seek to captivate their readers.
We utilize a moderated collaboration platform via Slack, where new writers will receive invitations after being added to our publications.
Section 1.1: Onboarding Process
Don't fret about acceptance; we embrace all ethical writers. If you encounter issues viewing the publications, it might be a technical glitch. Please notify us on Slack, and we will assist you. You can directly reach out to Dr. Mehmet Yildiz if you need further help.
Once you have access to Slack, it confirms your registration. If you can't access Slack, please reapply, as your initial attempt may have ended up in spam or been submitted with incorrect details.
Upon joining, your first task is to familiarize yourself with the onboarding pack, which contains essential information. If you're an experienced writer, you may already know most of the details, but new users should learn how Medium operates.
As of August 2023, significant changes have been made to Medium's Partner Program, emphasizing quality over quantity. Therefore, please submit only one high-quality story each day. You can stay updated on recent changes through our monthly updates.
Chapter 2: Understanding Submission Guidelines
Why do editors return certain stories? There are various reasons, the most common being that a submission might not align with the new guidelines, contains too many language errors, or lacks image captions.
The editors usually send a private message explaining their decision, which can be viewed by clicking the star icon at the top right of your story.
Remember, a returned story does not indicate rejection. We value all ethical writers and respect their contributions, provided they follow the platform's guidelines. You might be asked to revise your work or submit it to another publication that is a better fit.
Section 2.1: Submission Guidelines Overview
Each publication has its unique rules. Please find the links to all submission guidelines included in this message. Bookmark them for future reference if you're considering contributing to more of our publications.
ILLUMINATION-Curated has been recognized as a boost-nominating publication, allowing us to nominate stories that meet boost criteria. If you believe your stories align with our standards, contact Dr. Mehmet Yildiz for a review.
We have also updated our submission guidelines to reflect our commitment to quality. Please ensure you review the guidelines for the publications you contribute to.
Section 2.2: Updated Submission Guidelines
Chapter 3: Practical Guidance for New Writers
To assist you in navigating your new role, we have compiled key points summarized in four sections, detailed in the master onboarding pack:
- How to Submit Your Stories: Draft your story, click on the three dots at the top right, select "Add to Publication," and choose ILLUMINATION or another relevant publication. Editors will review your submission and provide feedback if necessary.
- Image Use and Captions: Always use copyright-free images and include captions. Failing to do so can lead to significant repercussions.
- AI-Generated Content: We do not accept AI-generated content, except for our dedicated publication, the Lampshade of ILLUMINATION.
- Joining the Slack Community: Slack is a private collaboration tool that facilitates communication among writers and editors, providing support and a platform to share links for greater visibility.
Chapter 4: Recent Updates and Announcements
We encourage you to check our recent updates on Medium. Our editor, Mike Broadly, has detailed some critical issues that may have affected writers' earnings.
As we welcome new writers today, take this opportunity to explore their stories and connect with them. Remember to submit only one high-quality story daily to maximize your chances of being featured.
Section 4.1: Meet Our New Writers
Join us in welcoming the following writers who have recently joined our publications: Pernoste & Dahl, Shyam Suma Francis, and many more. Explore their work and connect with those whose stories resonate with you.
Section 4.2: Introduction and Collaboration
Consider introducing yourself in a story shared within ILLUMINATION or other publications. This can help you gain new followers and expand your audience.
For more guidance and resources, feel free to reach out to Dr. Mehmet Yildiz on Slack. We're here to support you as you embark on your writing journey.
We look forward to the meaningful and high-quality stories you will share with our community. Welcome aboard!