As an editor for an on-line directory, I can tell you that I read a lot of articles that never get published. That means that they don't get read, which means it won't generate the traffic you've worked for with all your effort. It also means you won't get that link back you've so cleverly crafted in your resource area.

So how do you get your article published and read? Here are some tips:

1. Write a Great Title

Your title needs to be coherent. By that, I mean it must be clear. Having said that, though, I've read some good articles whose title didn't really give away the content. Far from putting me off, it actually piqued my curiosity to read the article!

But if you can't be clever, be clear. Your title should be descriptive and contain your keywords. The title of any document should tell the reader what they can expect from the piece.

2. Write an Interest Generating Summary

This is absolutely necessary if you come up with some clever title that while interesting, doesn't give away the content of your article. An interesting summary will give a short synopsis of your article and persuade the visitor to read it. A good way to generate interest in your article is to ask the questions that the targeted reader would be asking. Then tell them they'll find answers to their questions in your article.

3. Write a Useful Article

Articles that help the reader understand are the most useful articles. Believe me, you know more than you think you do and there are a lot of people out there who would benefit from your knowledge. If you're in business, this is even more true.

What may seem like second nature to you, a subject you are really passionate about (really interested in) is what others want to learn, or learn more about. Visitors to article directories are a hugely varied demographic. There are visitors who want to find out how to throw a bridal shower, and visitors who are looking for information on a health issue or disease. Still others are looking for a quick answer to an immediate question such as how to clip their cat's claws.

When making a number of points in your article, use numbered items to break the information down easily for the reader.

4. Submit Your Article Properly

While I edit for a general content directory, many of my colleagues do not. Their article sites are very focused and so they do not accept articles that are not written for their target audience.

I'm not saying do not submit to directories of a general nature, I'm saying submit to the proper niche directories as well as long as your article fits the niche. If you have an article on great wines, submitting to a health article directory is just a waste of time. Yours and the editors!

5. Always, Always, Always Edit Your Own Article

Editors despise misspellings and poor grammar. They don't want to publish something that makes them look bad, like a poorly written article. By all means, use a spell-checker in your favorite text editor, but it is imperative to re-read your article before sending it off for submission. You'll catch many mistakes before you submit. My biggest peeves as an editor are things like "your" when it should be "you're".

Writing and submitting articles is a time consuming task, but one that can reap huge benefits if done properly. Do yourself and article editors a favor and follow these tips to get your article published and read.