# Welcome New Writers to ILLUMINATION #23 — Embrace Your Journey
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Chapter 1: Welcome to ILLUMINATION
Dear New Writers,
We’re excited to announce that you now have access to publish your work with ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications on Medium. Your acceptance marks the beginning of a creative journey, and we can't wait to see your stories come to life. Before you dive in, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our checklist and onboarding materials to ensure a smooth submission process.
As part of our thriving community, you will join over 24,000 writers dedicated to sharing their unique voices. ILLUMINATION fosters a diverse and inclusive atmosphere that honors every ethical writer’s desire to captivate their audience. Be sure to check out our latest newsletter to keep updated on our publications.
Section 1.1: Monthly Insights from the Editorial Team
In our monthly updates, we aim to provide you with valuable insights into our achievements and future plans for both writers and readers alike.
It’s essential to connect with our established writers through curated collections, presenting a fantastic opportunity for collaboration. Here are some recent volumes to explore:
- New Curation Service by ILLUMINATION — Volume 7
- New Curation Service by ILLUMINATION — Volume 6
- New Curation Service by ILLUMINATION — Volume 5
Subsection 1.1.1: Collaboration via Slack
ILLUMINATION offers a free, moderated collaboration platform through Slack. As a new writer, you will receive an invitation after joining our publications, allowing you to easily connect with editors, collaborate with fellow writers, and share your story links across various channels. Additionally, we will soon introduce a new Discord service for further engagement.
Section 1.2: Registration Confirmation
Once you gain access to Slack, your registration is confirmed. If you haven’t received an invitation within 48 hours, please reapply as there may have been an issue with your initial submission. Your application might have ended up in spam, or the provided email address could be incorrect. If uncertain about your Medium ID, simply share a link to one of your stories, and we will assist you in locating your profile.
Chapter 2: Onboarding Essentials
Before submitting your stories, please review the onboarding materials, which outline crucial information for new contributors. While experienced writers may be familiar with most of the content, newcomers to Medium will benefit greatly from understanding how the platform operates.
Master Copy: Onboarding Information for New Writers
Medium has implemented recent changes impacting the Partner Program and the submission process. The focus is now more on quality than quantity, limiting each contributor to one high-quality story per day. For more details on the latest updates, please refer to our monthly communications.
Section 2.1: Reasons for Story Rejections
Several reasons may lead our editors to return stories, such as non-compliance with new submission rules, excessive language errors, missing image captions, or the use of copyrighted material. We now refrain from publishing content related to Medium itself and do not accept AI-generated submissions, except for our designated publication, the Lampshade of ILLUMINATION.
Our editorial team will provide feedback through a private message regarding any returns. Please remember, a returned story does not equate to rejection. We value the work of ethical writers who adhere to our guidelines and may suggest revisions or recommend other publications that align better with your work.
Easy Access to Submission Guidelines
To enhance the quality of submissions, we have updated our guidelines. Please review the following documents before submitting your work:
- ILLUMINATION-Curated: New Submission Guidelines 2023
- Submission Guidelines: ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications
- SYNERGY: Submission Guidelines 2023
Section 2.2: Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners
Here are some common inquiries from new members:
How to Submit Your Stories
After drafting your story, click the three dots in the upper right corner, select “Add to Publication,” and choose ILLUMINATION or the relevant publication before submitting. Your story will enter our review queue for evaluation.
Using Copyright-Free Images
It’s crucial to use copyright-free images and include captions. Failing to do so may result in serious legal consequences and delays in publishing.
Understanding Slack
Slack serves as a dedicated platform for collaboration and communication, distinct from traditional social media. It allows for immediate access to our editorial team and facilitates easy sharing of your story links for increased visibility.
An Introduction to Slack for ILLUMINATION Writers
Joining our Slack workspace opens up numerous possibilities for collaboration and community engagement.
ILLUMINATION does not accept AI-generated content, with the exception of the Lampshade of ILLUMINATION. This policy ensures that we maintain high-quality standards while providing a platform for writers exploring AI-assisted storytelling.
Chapter 3: Boosting Your Stories
ILLUMINATION-Curated has been recognized as a boost-nominating publication, allowing us to nominate stories that meet specific criteria. If you believe your work qualifies, reach out to our chief editor, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, for guidance on the submission process.
Recent Case Studies and Writing Insights
We encourage you to explore various case studies and insights from seasoned writers to enhance your understanding of effective storytelling and content generation.
Collaboration and Promotion Opportunities
Our Slack workspace fosters collaboration among writers, sharing of story links, and direct communication with our editorial team. We invite you to introduce yourself through a story and connect with other writers.
New Writer Introductions
Let’s welcome our new writers to ILLUMINATION today. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore their work and follow them if their content resonates with you.
Molly Toner | Healing From Healing Culture
Victoria Lavezzari | Lateefah Messam-Sparks
Zarine Swamy | Cinzia Elena Soh
Please remember to submit only one story per day to maintain quality and increase your chances for recognition by Medium.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Journey
We are thrilled to have you join our community, and we eagerly anticipate the meaningful stories you will share. For any questions, reach out to Dr. Mehmet Yildiz on Slack. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
Critical Policy Documents for Our Writers
Every contributor must familiarize themselves with our guiding policies before submitting stories. We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism and advocate for respectful and ethical content sharing.
Helpful Resources for New Writers
We invite you to explore our writing challenges, prompts, and extensive resources designed to support your writing journey and enhance your engagement with the Medium platform.