How Wikipedia Editors Evaluate Notability (A Clear, Insider Guide)

One of the biggest misconceptions about Wikipedia is that pages are approved based on how successful, famous, or accomplished someone is. In reality, Wikipedia editors do not evaluate people — they evaluate sources.

Understanding how Wikipedia editors evaluate notability is the key to getting a page approved and avoiding deletion. This guide explains the process in simple terms, so you know exactly what editors look for and how decisions are made.

1. Notability Is About Coverage, Not Achievement

Wikipedia’s notability guidelines are clear:

A subject is notable if it has received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources.

Editors do not judge:

✖ how impressive your resume is

✖ how many followers you have

✖ how long you’ve been in your field

Instead, they ask:

“Has the world written about this subject in meaningful ways?”

If journalists, scholars, or independent authors have documented your work, Wikipedia considers that evidence of notability.

2. What Wikipedia Editors Mean by “Significant Coverage”

Not all mentions count.

For coverage to be considered “significant,” it must

✔ discuss you in depth

✔ go beyond a name mention

✔ focus on your work, research, or impact

A short mention in a news article or a passing quote does not establish notability.

Editors look for multiple articles that explore different aspects of your career, published over time.

3. Reliable Sources Matter More Than Quantity

Ten weak sources are worse than two strong ones.

Wikipedia editors prefer:

✔ major newspapers

✔ reputable magazines

✔ academic journals

✔ books by established publishers

✔ respected industry publications

They usually reject:

✖ press releases

✖ sponsored articles

✖ personal blogs

✖ company websites

✖ self-published content

Editors often check the publication itself before even reading the article.

4. Independence Is Non-Negotiable

Sources must be independent of the subject.

Editors reject sources written by:

• the subject

• their employer

• their PR agency

• their organization

• 
  

Even glowing media coverage can be dismissed if it is clearly paid or promotional.

True notability is demonstrated when others choose to write about you without your involvement.

5. Patterns Matter More Than One-Time Coverage

One major article is rarely enough.

Editors look for a pattern of coverage, meaning:

✔ multiple publications

✔ spread over several years

✔ from different authors and outlets

This shows sustained relevance, not a one-time spike in attention.

6. Different Fields Have Different Notability Thresholds

Wikipedia does not use a single standard for everyone.

For example:

• Academics are evaluated on citations, publications, and scholarly impact

• Companies are evaluated on market presence and media coverage

• Artists are evaluated on reviews, awards, and exhibitions

• Public figures are evaluated on newsworthiness and public roles

  
  

Editors apply field-specific guidelines while still following the core notability rule.

7. Why Editors Reject “Almost Notable” Pages

Many pages are rejected even when the subject is close to qualifying.

Common reasons include:

• coverage is too recent

• sources are borderline reliable

• articles are press-driven

• the page is written in a promotional tone

  
  

Editors often label these as “notable, but not yet.”

Conclusion: Notability Is Proven, Not Claimed

Wikipedia editors don’t ask whether you deserve a page. They ask whether independent, reliable sources have already documented your impact.

If the coverage exists, the page can be written.If it doesn’t, no writing style can compensate for that gap.

The safest path to approval is simple:

✔ build genuine media coverage

✔ wait until notability is clear

✔ write neutrally

✔ cite strong, independent sources