With all three drafts complete, you’re ready to publish. This step can be the most exhilarating, as seeing your work out in the world often sparks new ideas and can inspire your future pieces.

Publishing isn’t just about getting your work out into the world; it’s a process that can give your ideas a new home outside of your mind. By embracing the practice of publishing, you’ll not only improve your writing but might also find a community of readers who connect with your words. Ultimately, every piece you publish contributes to your journey as an expert.

When it comes to publishing, choosing the right platform is key. Think about where you’d like your work to live and how you want your audience to engage with it.

Take a moment to think about your goals and preferences:

• How often do you want to publish? Are you aiming for regular posts, or would you prefer to publish when inspiration strikes?

• Do you want to be part of a writing community or have more control over your content? Some platforms make it easy to connect with other writers and readers, while others give you full ownerships

• How visible or shareable do you want your writing to be? This might influence whether you focus on platforms with built-in audiences or lean towards those requiring more direct promotion.

For example, if you’re just starting out on Medium and don’t yet have a large following, you can share links to your post via LinkedIn or with friends to invite readers into your world. This small action helps you grow your audience while also building confidence in sharing your ideas.

Choosing a publishing platform

There’s no one-size-fits all answer when it comes to where to publish - it depends on your goals and what feels right for you. Here’s a quick look at some popular options:

• LinkedIn – Posting articles or sharing links here can connect you with a professional network already familiar with your work. For example, some writers create a dedicated section on their LinkedIn profile to showcase their writing, making it easy for followers to engage with their content.

• Medium – Medium is known for its clean, user-friendly interface. It’s perfect for experimenting with your writing style and topics. With built-in stats, you can see which pieces resonate most with readers. And if you want, you can even enable a paywall, giving readers the option to support your work.

• Substack – Substack is ideal if you love the idea of creating a direct connection with readers through newsletters. You can share essays, stories, or insights straight to someone’s inbox, building a dedicated audience overtime. This platform is especially popular for writers who want to foster a community and share longer-form content regularly.

• Your own website - Want total control? Your own website lets you design the space exactly who you want. It’s a great way to build your brand and house all your work in one place. While it takes more effort to promote, it also give you total creative freedom.

THe Exercise: PuBlish

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Write a 500 word piece reflecting on the publishing process. Use the prompting questions below to help!

• How often do you share your work, and what holds you back if you don’t? If you rarely share, ask what’s stopping you. Is it fear of judgment, perfectionism, or something else? This reflection can help you take gradual steps toward sharing more. 

• In 12 months time, what do you hope you will be saying about your writing practice? Defining your goals - whether building an audience, sharing knowledge, or becoming a published author—helps you approach publishing strategically, choosing platforms and formats that align with your ambitions.

• What are the steps you can take to achieve your goals? Breaking the goal into smaller, more discrete tasks can make the process less overwhelming and help you stay accountable.

Take action: Consider publishing one of your Dental Drafts.

Up next: The Wrap Up