10 Tips Getting Started
Do you like the idea of being paid to write? 10 tips getting you started are right here. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In case you hadn’t heard, the platform is on the lookout for fresh talent. If you have an idea and a knack for arranging words, we’ll pay you US $100. No joke. Our submissions page is completely open, and anyone can enter. That means you.
1 Write What You Know
The golden rule of list‑writing is simple: write about something you already understand. You don’t need a fancy degree or a wall of experience. Whether you’re fascinated by Chinese culture or obsessed with space photography, you can turn that passion into a list. A broad topic like “10 Bizarre Aspects of Chinese Culture” works just as well as a laser‑focused one such as “10 Astounding Examples of Pareidolia in Outer Space.” The key is to trust that you already have a usable idea, and then shape it into a list that fits the platform’s style.
2 Find an Unexpected Angle
Once you’ve settled on a subject, give it a twist that catches the eye. The more surprising the perspective, the more likely editors will bite. Think of titles like “10 Medicines That Made Things Worse” or “10 Bizarre Theories About the Earth That People Still Believe.” Even controversial angles work well; an article titled “10 Reasons Creationism Should Be Taught in Schools” sparked a flood of comments and debate. Your job is to locate that little hook that makes a familiar topic feel fresh and provocative.
3 Follow The Editorial Guidelines
Every publishing site has a house style, and the platform is no exception. Before you type a single word, download the author guide and study it. Ignoring the rules is a fast way to get a polite rejection. My second article was a disaster because I wrote exactly what I wanted, disregarding format, length, and tone. Treat the guidelines like a roadmap; they tell you how to structure your list, how many items to include, and what kind of language the editors expect.
4 Keep Language Simple And Punchy
Great writers such as Orwell, Hemingway, and McCarthy proved that complex ideas can be delivered with short, direct sentences. Avoid tangled sub‑clauses and fancy vocabulary. Readers are usually scrolling through a break at work or a classroom, looking for quick entertainment. Short, digestible points let them feel smart without wading through academic jargon. Break each fact into a crisp sentence and let the list do the heavy lifting.
5 Adopt An Informal, Conversational Tone
The platform’s voice is deliberately relaxed. Slip in a joke, sprinkle a bit of slang, and write as if you’re chatting with a friend over coffee. This approach makes the content feel approachable, even when the subject is weighty. Readers enjoy feeling like they’re getting insider knowledge from a peer rather than a professor delivering a lecture.
6 Craft A Killer Title
The title is the first—and sometimes only—chance to grab attention. Aim for a five‑word shock that tells the whole story. Examples like “10 Things the Nazis Got Right” pull readers in with controversy, promise, and intrigue all at once. Your headline should be bold, concise, and promise a surprising payoff.
7 Handle Rejection Gracefully
Even seasoned writers get turned down. A rejection could mean the angle wasn’t fresh enough, the piece overlapped with a recent article, or simply didn’t fit the current editorial mix. Don’t take it personally. Review the feedback, tweak your approach, and submit again. Persistence pays off; every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
8 Learn To Deal With Comments
The comment section can be a rollercoaster. Positive feedback can inflate ego; harsh criticism can sting. Some writers ignore comments entirely, while others read them for insight. Either way, remember that strong reactions—good or bad—mean you’ve struck a nerve, which is exactly what you want from a list that aims to provoke thought.
9 Provide A Contact Email
Leaving a way for readers to reach you opens a channel for deeper engagement. Emails from fans can range from personal stories to heartfelt gratitude. One reader once told me that an article about the siege of Sarajevo helped them process their trauma. Those connections remind you why you write and can lead to future opportunities.
10 Keep Writing And Submitting
After 40 articles, the formula is simple: pick a topic you know, find a fresh angle, follow the guide, keep the prose tight, be conversational, craft a magnetic title, expect some rejections, engage with comments, share your contact, and repeat. Each submission sharpens your skill, expands your portfolio, and brings you another $100 reward. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ideas, write a list, and start getting paid today.