Why We’re Excited About Niche Topic Publications For The Boost Nomination Pilot

Medium's Boost Nomination Pilot is a program where independent publication editors nominate high-quality stories for broader distribution across the platform. This is a crucial initiative for Medium in 2024, focusing on delivering thoughtful and insightful content. But what makes a publication a good fit for this pilot program? The answer lies in four key attributes:

• Focused Publication Topic: Publications should have a well-defined niche with a targeted audience, ensuring a strong community of readers interested in the specific content.
• High-Quality Writing: The publication should maintain a high standard of writing, aligning with Medium's quality guidelines, ensuring a captivating and valuable reading experience.
• Editor Expertise: The editor should have demonstrable expertise and knowledge in the publication's niche, adding credibility and authority to the content.
• Clear Publication Submission Guidelines: Having a clear and accessible submission process is vital for attracting writers and maintaining a consistent flow of high-quality content.

Focused Publication Topic: The Heart Of The Boost Nomination Pilot

The Boost Nomination Pilot emphasizes the importance of publications with a strong focus on a specific topic. Publications that cater to a niche audience have a higher acceptance rate for story nominations and achieve greater readership. This means finding your unique corner of the internet and building a loyal audience around that specific interest.

• Examples of Focused Publications: "Runner’s Life," "Code Like A Girl," "The Unexpected Autistic Life," "Cantor’s Paradise," "Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age," and "Long COVID Connection."

Quality Of The Publication's Stories: Meeting Medium's Standards

When evaluating publications for the Boost Nomination Pilot, Medium examines the quality of the stories published. Does the content adhere to Medium's Quality Guidelines? Have any of the stories or writers already been recognized with Boost? The pilot seeks publications that prioritize quality, demonstrating a commitment to delivering engaging and impactful content.

• Key Takeaway: Maintain a high bar for story quality, reflecting your dedication to your publication's standards.

Editor Expertise: Credibility And Authority In The Niche

The Boost Nomination Pilot prioritizes publications led by experts, professionals, and individuals deeply immersed in the subject matter. The editor's experience and knowledge in the publication's niche are essential, lending a level of authority and credibility to the content.

• Examples Of Nominating Editors With Deep Connections To Their Topics: "Live View" (a working photographer), "Pink Hair & Pronouns" (a parent of a gender nonconforming child), and "EduCreate" (a professor and creator with a PhD in writing and rhetoric).

Clear Submission Process: Engaging Writers And Maintaining Quality

A well-defined and accessible submission process is crucial for a publication's success. The pilot seeks publications with clear submission guidelines, ensuring a smooth process for writers and contributing to the ongoing production of high-quality content. The submission page should be easily accessible from the publication's homepage, outlining the expectations for content and the submission process.

• Examples Of Clear Submission Pages: "Submission guidelines for A-Culturated," "Guide to writing for Code Like a Girl," and "Guide to writing for EduCreate."

Creating A Thriving Ecosystem Of Diverse, High-Quality Publications

The Boost Nomination Pilot seeks to foster a thriving ecosystem of diverse and high-quality publications. By adhering to the program's guidelines, publications can increase their chances of being selected for the pilot program. The program focuses on quality, editor expertise, and audience engagement, not popularity, seeking to elevate unique voices and hidden gems within the Medium community.

• Application Process: Editors interested in participating in the Boost Nomination Pilot can apply through a dedicated link. Medium has streamlined the application process, aiming to respond to applicants within a few weeks.
• Key Takeaways: Publications should focus on quality content, demonstrating editor expertise in a niche topic, and ensuring a clear and accessible submission process. These factors are paramount in the selection process for the pilot program.