Tip #1: Write for them not for you.

Publications usually offer submission guidelines at their websites.  Don’t ignore them. If you are lucky you will get a kind editor who will guide you through their submission process.  But don’t count on it.

Each publication whether it is in print or online will have their own style. Read the publication and take notes on what kind of articles they publish.  Do they offer short tips in sidebars or boxes? Offer them five shorts tips on how to save money. How long are the feature articles? Each publication is different. The New Yorker magazine has fairly long pieces but a magazine like People may have shorter stories,

Writing online can be different then in print.  As example, for Beliefnet I had to chunk down the text into more concise sections because of how their articles appear online. The same article appeared at another site where I could be more wordy.  Neither one is wrong or right.  Each publication has their own tone and style.  If the style does not suit you then don’t submit to them.  On the other hand flexibility is the key to successful publication.

Remember if you are getting paid you must offer the client what they want.

Tip #2: Don’t take it personally.

Beliefnet article