Edit your paper. Ask someone who works in the writing industry or hire a professional through a freelance site, such as Elance.com or Guru.com.
Ask yourself: Does the paper offer useful or new information? Does the paper have a tight focus?
Most papers will explain a current problem and offer solutions. Learn from published professionals in your field by reading scientific or trade journals, whichever applies to your work. In Monitor Magazine, Kathryn Hewert quoted Nora S. Newcombe, PhD, of Temple University with this advice about editing your paper: "Recruit two objective colleagues: one who is familiar with the research area, another who knows little or nothing about it. The former can provide technical advice, while the latter can determine whether your ideas are being communicated clearly."
Format your paper. While business papers are shorter, most professional academic papers contain more sections, as follows:
Title
Abstract
Introduction
Study Area and Background
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Jeff McDonnell from Oregon State University wrote that the introduction is the most difficult to write, followed by the discussion and then the abstract and title.
Write a cover or query letter. Begin the letter with your professional credentials, your writing experience, your experience with the topic and the selling points of the paper. Keep the cover letter to one page. If your paper is only a few pages long, you can include it with the cover letter. Each year the "Writer's Market" has a Query Letter Clinic in the front that shows both good and not-so-good letters.
Check a current copy of "Writer's Market" for magazine guidelines, what percentage of papers each publication accepts from new writers, pay, and what they're looking for. Also, check the magazine's website and a hard copy of the magazine. The editor will notice that you did your homework before submitting.
Often, people want to get a paper published in a magazine or journal they read. In that case, you're already familiar with the magazine and its material. You might be familiar with a genre but want more information. Visit a local library and review the available magazines for your topic. For academic papers, visit your college library. Many magazines and journals list their editorial calendar along with submission guidelines, or you can call their office to inquire about their article needs.
Check what material to submit. Different publications will ask you to send different material. Some might want just a query (proposal) letter, an outline, part of the paper, or all of these items. An important item is the SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) for the response.
Remember, you're sharing your knowledge, so be confident in yourself and what you've learned. Write a paper you would want to read because it offers useful knowledge to your given field.