The very best thing you can do to help get your article published is to read and follow the submission guidelines.  The guidelines cover everything from the topics we’re looking for to the length and style of articles we publish. Articles are often rejected, not because they are not good articles, but rather because they do not fit.
A perfect article would be:

• well written
• the right length
• on time
• informative
• realistic
• encouraging
• focused
• well paced
• easy to follow

Common Mistakes

The following are the most common mistakes we see.  Before submitting your article, check it against this list.

1. Tone. The wrong tone can completely ruin a great article.  Is the tone too casual?  Does the audience feel like you’re talking down to them? Does it sound like something you’d overhear friends discussing rather than something that has been crafted?  Alternately, is the tone overly formal?   Does it sounds like it belongs in a textbook?
2. Grammar. I cannot stress this enough – edit your work.  Have someone else edit it.  When you think it is perfect, edit it again.
3. Length.  Does the piece fit the guideline for length?  If your article far exceeds the guideline you may find that it can be split into two pieces.  If your article is much shorter than the guideline, you may need to flesh out your ideas further.
4. Topic. If the topic is not something we’d publish then no matter how well is it written, we have nowhere to put it.  If you find yourself in this situation consult your copy of the Writer’s Market Guide to find a publication that does cover your topic.
5. Accuracy. Are the facts of your piece correct?  Have you let bias creep in and crowd out or obscure the truth?
6. Libel. Have you named names without express written consent?  If are telling someone else’s story as part of your own we need the other person’s permission.

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