How to submit a story to a publication

Because publications are independently run by Medium members, the process for being added as a writer for a publication varies. Some publications may choose to have writers submit a story via Medium's publication submission process, while other publications may opt for another submission process. Each publication will have specific requirements. Look at the publication’s Submission guidelines or About page to find out how their process works.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of publications accepting submissions. 

Submit a story to a publication

Web App

 

1. Open the story you want to submit to a publication. Click the  three-dot button at the top, then Edit story to enter the edit mode.
2. In the edit mode, click the  three-dot button in the top-right corner of the page to open your story settings.
3. Select Submit to publication from the menu.
4. Choose the publication you intend to submit to and confirm. You can select between Contributing and Following.
5. Click the Submit button.

1. Open the story you want to submit to a publication. Tap on the 3-dot menu in the top right corner and select Edit.
2. In the edit mode, tap on Next in the top right corner.
3. In the publishing screen, tap on Publication.
4. Select the publication you want to submit the story to and then tap Save.

Submission options

Contributing and Following publications

Writers have the option to submit to Contributing and Following publications. Publications shown under the Contributing tab accept submissions from approved writers (those that have been already added as a writer of the publication). Publications listed under the Following tab accept submissions from all writers who follow the publication. Publications may choose to close their publication to submissions as well. 

Story type

Publications may accept only drafts, only published stories, or both.

Number of submissions

Publications that are "Open to all" are limited to three active submissions per guest writer. Approved writers have no submission limit. 

Each publication's submission settings will be different. We recommend reviewing each publication’s Submission guidelines or About page to find out how their process works.

Read more about what editors can set in their publication submission settings.

Submission statuses

You can access all of your drafts, published stories, unlisted stories, and submissions here: https://medium.com/me/stories

On this page, the Submissions tab displays the story, the publication to which it has been submitted, and its review status. The status options are: “Pending review,” “In review,” “Edits requested,” and “Declined.” When a story is scheduled or published, it will automatically be marked as “Approved.” Review statuses will be updated as the publication editors make changes. 

What happens after I submit a story to a publication?

The editors of the publication will review your story and decide whether it’s a fit for their publication.

• If you are submitting a draft as a publication writer, the editors of that publication will need to review your draft and publish it. The draft will remain unpublished until the editors approve it, and you will not be able to publish it before that happens. If you would like to publish your story immediately, you will need to remove your draft from the publication.
• If you are submitting a draft as a publication owner or editor, you must then click the Publish button at the top of the screen to publish your draft as a story in that publication.
• If you are submitting a published story as a publication writer, the editors of that publication will need to review your story and accept it into the publication.
• If you are submitting a published story as a publication owner or editor, you will need to publish the changes after submitting it. 

What happens when a story is published in a publication?

• Your story's URL will change to include the publication name or domain.
• Your story will still be visible on your profile page.
• Your story will be visible on the publication homepage.
• You will be credited as the author of the story and retain all rights to your content.
• If you are part of the Partner Program and the story is eligible for earning money, it will continue earning for member engagement as usual.
• You will be listed as a writer for that publication.
• Your story will be distributed in the feeds and digests of your followers, plus the followers of the publication.
• Publication editors will be able to edit, save changes, and view notes on your story. Writers will not receive notification of published changes.
• Your original pre-publication URL will still point to your story.

How to remove a story from a publication

You can remove a story from a publication at any time by following the steps outlined below.

1. Find the story you want to withdraw or remove from the publication on your Stories.
2. Click on the 3-dots menu and then on Withdraw submission if the story has not been accepted yet, or Remove from publication if it is already published.