Breaking into a magazine is one thing, but becoming a regular contributor is another. Here are five things I've done to keep editors coming back for more long after they published my first story.

1) Say "yes" to every assignment. Yes, you heard me correctly. I know other professional writers would encourage specializing to create a niche market. This is a great way to market yourself but let's face it, if you're saying "no" to your editor, he or she is moving on to someone else. If you're concerned about your own knowledge base and whether you can write on the requested subject, remember, it's up to the sources in your story to provide the expertise. It's your job to quote them accurately and write a nice story.

2) Study the magazine's format and follow the guildelines. You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard editors bemoan writers who've submitted stories that would have been a better fit for another magazine. When you study the magazine's style, you'll get a sense of whether the stories are concise and punchy, long narratives or big on mentioning celebrities or other famous figures to appeal to tabloid readers. Remember, the magazine has its own mission to appeal to a certain audience. If your story doesn't speak to the readers, it won't be a good fit for the publicaiton.

3) Stick with the word count. Believe it or not, it drives editors crazy when you submit a 2,000-word story when it was supposed to be 300 words. It's very easy as writers to fall in love with our work--even to a fault. But sometimes we need to let go of content we love just to make it saleable. You can't promote "War and Peace" to a magazine that likes to keep things short and snappy.

4) Meet your deadline. This might sound like a no-brainer but again, you'd be surprised how many writers don't honor this. In the world of publishing, time waits for no one. Keeping an editor up at night while he or she wonders if your story will arrive in time to edit, fact check, layout and pair with photos is no way to get on the "go-to" list.

5) Say "hi" every once in a while. If you're the type of writer who is by nature an introvert (many writers are), get out of your shell and pick up the phone or send your editors e-mails. Do whatever it takes to remind them you're there, you're interested and you can't wait to write their next story.

If you follow these simple tips, I guarantee you'll be on your editor's "go-to" list in no time. Happy writing.

Judy Asman Communicaiton

www.judyasman.com