Research academic journals in your area of specialization and in related areas of interest. Take time to read a few issues of the journals that capture your interest the most, and research the submission requirements for each one of these journals.
Develop an article topic that is in line with both the overall mission of the journal as well as the articles that have been previously published in the journal. You should customize your article for the journal to which you will submit, as much as you possibly can.
Recognize and reference the work of other scholars on the same topic, particularly those who have been published in the same journal. By doing so, you will help to place your article within the context of the larger, scholarly conversation on your chosen topic.
Develop a strong article that adheres to the conventions for academic journal articles in general, and the specifications of your chosen journal in particular. Make sure that your article falls within an appropriate length, not too short or too long.
Request feedback from a few colleagues, and incorporate any helpful revisions that they suggest. Remember to recognize their assistance in your article. Take care, as well, that all of your sources are properly cited and documented, and that your article is thoroughly and carefully proofread.