Should Medium Open Its Doors to Novel Publishing?
Written on
Chapter 1: The Case for Novels on Medium
I have a deep appreciation for Medium, and as a writer currently crafting a novel, I find myself wishing to share it on this platform. However, the unfortunate reality is that Medium does not currently support the publication of full-length novels. This policy leaves a gap that I believe could be filled to the benefit of all parties involved: Medium, authors, and readers alike.
Imagine the possibilities! Allowing novel publication on Medium could create an entirely new revenue stream. For context, Amazon pulls in approximately $30 billion annually from e-book sales; even a modest share of that market could significantly boost Medium's financial success.
Moreover, publishing novels on Medium would enhance visibility for writers, while also granting readers convenient access to fresh literature. Another point to consider is the discomfort many authors feel towards Amazon's business practices. Some writers seek an alternative outlet for their work—one that Medium could easily become.
Implementing this change wouldn’t be overly complicated. Here are three modifications that could facilitate novel publishing on Medium:
Introduction of a "Novels" Tab on Writer Profiles
Each author’s profile currently features tabs like Home, Lists, and About. Adding a "Novels" tab would allow readers to easily find books authored by them. Curiously, while there is an option for a "Books" tab that directs to Amazon, it misses the opportunity to showcase novels published on Medium itself.
Chapter Organization
The novel's page could be structured to allow writers to publish their work by chapters, such as Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and so on. This would be akin to the existing "pinned stories" feature, but instead of individual articles, it would categorize book chapters.
"Next Chapter" Navigation Button
To improve reader experience, a "Next Chapter" button at the end of each chapter would enable seamless transitions to the following chapter, eliminating the need to return to an index page.
Implementing these three enhancements could usher in a new era for Medium, transforming it from a digital magazine into an online library, allowing readers to explore and enjoy novels at their leisure.
Readers, what are your thoughts? Should Medium broaden its platform to include novels?
And as for you, Coach Tony, should this idea lead to billions in revenue for Medium at Amazon's expense, a small token of gratitude would suffice—perhaps a million or two! 😉
The first video titled "Is Medium Still Worth It in 2024? (from a Top Writer + Boost Nominator)" delves into the current value of Medium for writers and readers alike, discussing its evolving role and potential opportunities.
The second video, "The Art of How To Build An Author Platform," offers insights into establishing a strong presence as an author, which can be crucial for those considering publishing their novels on Medium.