Buzz
Whether you're an experienced writer or just toying with the idea, that’s fantastic. We’d love for you to contribute to Mytour. Even better, we’re offering to pay you $100 for your work. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned author or just starting out—Mytour values voices like yours. If you’ve already crafted a top 10 list, you’re all set! Skip ahead and visit our submission page to get started.
Not ready to submit yet? No problem—we’re here to guide you. Start by bookmarking our author guide for future reference. Go through it thoroughly, as it’s packed with tips to ensure your list gets published. While the guide covers everything, having a few extra pointers can make the process smoother. As a fellow writer, here’s my step-by-step approach to creating content for Mytour.
10. Find Inspiration
Easy, right? Well, maybe not. Let’s be honest: This is often the toughest part of writing. You’d think with all the strange and unusual events happening globally, brainstorming a single idea for a top 10 list would be a breeze—especially when you’re earning $100 for it. But landing that spot on Mytour’s front page isn’t as simple as it seems.
So, stop stressing over finding the perfect idea. Instead, go about your routine. Visit your favorite sites, read your usual books, and watch your go-to shows. But keep a small part of your mind alert, asking, “Could this be a great list idea?” If you’re still stuck, explore new areas. Love science? Dive into LiveScience, NatGeo, or Phys.org. Fascinated by unsolved crimes? Check out The New Yorker, Harper’s, or NPR for deep dives into mysteries. Into odd history? Look up the DC poison squad or Smithsonian’s quirky history of the Ouija board.
Inspiration is everywhere, just waiting for you to discover it. For instance, none of the stories linked above have been featured on Mytour yet—so there’s your chance to stand out.
9. Focus on a Central Theme
We adore lists that revolve around a clear, central concept. Typically, this theme will shape your list’s title or at least its core message. It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, but it should grab attention. After all, it’s the first thing readers will notice. Every entry should connect back to this main idea, which is why it’s crucial to define it before diving into the details.
Want to ensure your list gets accepted by both us and our readers? Here’s a pro tip: Take your idea and give it a twist. Instead of a generic list like 10 Unsolved Murders, try something unique like Robin Warder’s 10 Mysterious Disappearances With Bizarre Clues. Rather than a straightforward take on Abraham Lincoln, explore 10 Reasons Lincoln Was Secretly A Terrible President. Surprise your audience by presenting a fresh, unexpected perspective.
Don’t stress about the final title just yet—focus on nailing down the overarching theme. A well-defined theme will make your research process much smoother. The more precise your theme, the stronger your list will be.
8. Dive Deep Into Research
You’ve got a strong concept and a unique twist that will leave Mytour readers stunned and amazed. What’s next? The internet is an endless ocean of information, and finding the right details for your list can feel like trying to hit the Moon with a pebble.
This is where your theme comes in handy. Consider it your lifeline, keeping you grounded as you navigate the vast sea of information.
To simplify future list-making, create a personal database of reliable sources. For science-focused lists, I rely on sites like Wired, LiveScience, Phys.org, MNN, and NASA. If I’m working on a topic like insect zombies, I can search these trusted sites directly instead of sifting through endless Google results.
If urban legends are your thing, bookmark sites specializing in eerie tales. For politics, stick to reputable outlets like CNN, BBC, New York Times, and The Guardian. Google Books is a fantastic resource for historical topics. Even the sprawling internet has its niches of expertise.
While researching, always save links to your sources—you’ll need to cite them. Avoid using Wikipedia or unreliable sites like The Daily Mail or The Metro. If you start with Wikipedia, verify the information with a credible alternative. For more on acceptable sources, check the author guide.
Thorough research can determine the success of your list. Sometimes, you might gather numerous entries only to realize the overall concept doesn’t hold together. (If this happens, keep reading for solutions.) Don’t let it dishearten you—it’s part of the process.
7. Start Crafting Your Outline
While researching, keep a Word document open to jot down potential entry titles and their sources. This helps build the framework of your list. My outlines often look rough and incomplete, but they provide a clear starting point. If I end up with more than 10 entries, I can refine them to include only the strongest options. If the entries start leaning toward a different theme, I can split them into two separate lists and decide which one to pursue later.
How you organize your outline is entirely up to you. If you’re new to writing for Mytour, this method is a great way to structure your ideas. It might require extra effort upfront, but it ensures a smoother process overall. Think of it as gently guiding your ideas into place.
When you come across a potential entry idea, do a quick search on Mytour to ensure it hasn’t already been covered. (You can use the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of this page or refine your Google search to focus on Mytour.) We typically avoid repeating topics unless there’s substantial new information to share. This simple step can save you from rewriting an entry if the idea has already been featured.
6. Craft a Single Entry
Yes, just one entry for now. Forget about the other nine—they can wait. Focus on your keyboard, 150 words, and the research you’ve gathered. Choose an entry from your outline that excites you—perhaps the one that sparked your list idea—and dive into it. Start with the most compelling fact, the one that defines the entry and grabs attention.
Need an example? Suppose you’re writing a list about 10 people who defied death, and one of your entries is about a woman who brewed tea after surviving a .38-caliber bullet through the skull. Your entry might begin like this:
With her deceased husband lying on the floor and blood pouring from two gunshot wounds in her head, Tammy Sexton needed something to calm her nerves. She brewed a cup of tea and waited for the police to arrive.
Right away, you’re hooking readers with a gripping opening. From there, you can delve into the story’s details. Before you realize it, you’ve completed an entire entry. Repeat the process, and each time it becomes easier as you inch closer to finishing the list. It’s tempting to see the entire list as overwhelming, but breaking it down into individual entries makes it manageable. Take it one step at a time.
Feel free to use the example above—it’s yours to explore. Try crafting a unique and captivating list around it and submit it.
5. Essential Guidelines
We receive approximately 100 submissions daily, and while many are excellent, some don’t meet our standards. Here are the primary reasons lists get rejected:
1. The English isn’t up to par (or is entirely absent). This is the most common reason for rejection. While we don’t expect you to be an English professor, we do require native-level proficiency. Over 70% of rejected lists fail due to this issue.
2. The topic has already been covered by us or other websites. The best submissions are original and avoid rehashing old lists or content from elsewhere.
3. The topic doesn’t align with our focus. We often receive lists on topics like veganism (hint: you shouldn’t!), yoga for mental health, personal wardrobe favorites, or obscure travel destinations. These simply don’t fit our audience.
4. No Funny Business
You’ve got a great sense of humor—I can tell. But remember, Mytour focuses on facts, not comedy. While originality is key, forcing jokes into your list can backfire. A touch of humor can keep things engaging, but clarity and accuracy come first. That’s what our readers expect, and we strive to deliver it every time.
If you’re determined to include humor, weave it into the information itself rather than adding standalone jokes. Trust me, what seems hilarious in your mind might not land the same way on paper. For inspiration, check out this list about condoms, which nails Mytour’s style of humor—subtle, clever, and tied to the content. The goal is for readers to remember the facts, not the punchlines. When in doubt, leave the joke out.
3. Ignore Everything I Just Said
Ultimately, you’re the writer. While we have some basic guidelines, we encourage you to infuse your list with your unique perspective and voice. This diversity is what makes Mytour special—our collaboration with talented writers who bring fresh, creative ideas to the table every day.
What I’ve shared is my personal approach. It’s a solid starting point, but I encourage you to take these ideas, let them marinate, and then craft something entirely your own. I’m just one writer here; learn from my process, but don’t treat it as gospel. Adapt it to suit your style and needs.
Not a fan of outlines? No problem—focus on one entry at a time and let your list grow organically. If it helps, write as you research each point. The key is to find a method that works best for you, and only you can determine what that is.
For additional insights, check out Morris M.’s list on 10 Tips for Getting Paid to Write for Mytour, where he shares his expertise as a seasoned contributor.
2. Visit the Mytour Forum
You’ve made it. Your list is written, submitted, and published on Mytour’s front page. That $100 payment is safely in your PayPal account, and the world feels like a brighter, more exciting place. You’ve tapped into your inner writer, and everything seems full of potential. Life has never tasted sweeter.
So, what’s next?
If you’re up for it, dive right back in and start another list. There’s no cap on how many lists you can write or how much you can earn. If that first list gave you a thrill, you’re exactly where you belong—that excitement never fades.
After publishing your first list, you’ll receive an email granting access to the Mytour forum. This is where writers and editors connect, share ideas, and support each other. It’s a welcoming space filled with fellow writers who understand the challenges of list-writing. No one will belittle your ideas here; we’re all in this together, navigating the same creative waters.
Even better, there’s a section of the forum called World of Ideas. If an editor or writer stumbles upon an interesting tidbit but doesn’t have time to develop it, they’ll post it there for others to claim. It’s like an idea goldmine. You can also pitch ideas directly to Micah, our Head Honcho of Words. Despite the title, he’s approachable and provides personalized feedback, either giving you the go-ahead or explaining why an idea might not work.
1. Proofread Everything
Your list doesn’t need to be flawless, and we don’t expect perfection. Very few lists are ready to publish immediately. While our editors are skilled and will polish your work, a clean submission speeds up the process. You’d be surprised how many errors you’ll catch just by reading through your list once after finishing it.
Misspellings, repeated words, or sneaky changes made by spellcheck—these small mistakes often stand out during a quick review. If you miss a few, our editors will catch them, but the process runs smoother when we all work together as a team.
Besides, wouldn’t you want to take pride in your work as a writer? If you’ve followed these steps, you’re now a certified professional writer. Head over to the Mytour submission page to share your work with us. And remember to fill in the “Paypal or Bitcoin Address” field—that’s how we ensure you get paid.
Now take a deep breath . . . and keep breathing forever, because that’s how you stay alive. Alive as a writer, you champion, you.
