25 Steps to Crafting the Perfect Medium Story

A countdown, so it seems more dramatic.

Hard Work

Writing the perfect Medium article doesn’t just happen. It takes hard work, luck, and a lot of trial and error.

In fact, it’s so rare, it’s actually never happened to me — but I’m still trying. Here’s my method.

25. Although you have a long list of possible article ideas, those are probably no good. Go outside for even more inspiration and ideas. But not for too long, or you’ll forget to come back and write.

24. Always carry a notebook with you. Write down what people say, and then ask them to confirm the spelling of their name and title. When they say, “What are you doing? This is a job interview,” compliment them on their sense of humor and wit.

23. Don’t think about how your cousin who went to pharmacy school is set for life now and has a huge house and had her wedding in Hawaii. Don’t think about how she pays more in taxes than you earn. Definitely do not think about that from time to time.

22. Check your stats. Your last article only had two views? That means your next one has to be successful.

21. Leave a few comments when you should be writing. Ideally, 30 or so comments. You’re not procrastinating; you’re networking.

20. Check social media, repeatedly in case anything new shows up. Maybe you’ll find something great to write about, and won’t waste the rest of the day.

19. Realize that all the great ideas are taken, and there’s no hope of writing anything good now. Start to feel doubt that you will ever crack $100 in one month on Medium, especially since there’s stiff competition, and you just spent three hours on Facebook.

18. Actually sit down and think about writing a story. Unique ideas are best. No one else on Medium has ever written about self-improvement, right?

17. Don’t check your stats! Oh no, too late. Well, they haven’t changed, so it doesn’t count.