Challenge your ideas

When writing for a magazine, the key is to be original - bring a fresh take to an old topic. You want to stand out from the crowd to ensure a regular stream of assignments (and income).
Can you introduce a new idea or concept that hasn't been tackled before?
Will the target market (readers of this particular magazine) connect with the subject matter? Do your research and put together a readership profile for each magazine you want to work with. File these for quick and easy reference later on.
Will it hold the reader's attention? Make sure your article has substance and keeps them wanting more.
Surprise your readers with an amazing fact, figure or funny anecdote, but avoid going out of context and sidetracking them.
Can you bring it home to the reader? The point of any type of writing is to make an impact. Give your reader something to think about.
Be sure to challenge each new idea using the above guidelines, so you stand a fighting chance of avoiding the dreaded Editor's slush pile!