If you’re relatively new to article writing, there’s nothing worse than spending time writing an article that you’re really pleased with only for an email to pop up in your inbox from a moderator of one of the article directors with the word ‘Rejected’ in the subject line. If it happens once it’s pretty annoying but if it keeps happening it can really knock your confidence as a writer. Follow these 8 tips to avoid your articles being rejected.

Tip #1 – Read the submission terms and guidelines

All article directories will have their own terms for submission and publishing. Make sure that you read them and follow them. Don’t assume that having read one that the terms will be the same for another directory.

Tip #2 – Don’t submit duplicate content

Most article directories make it quite clear that they don’t want duplicate content. That means you can’t have the same content on your site and in an article directory

Tip #3 – Don’t plagiarize other writer’s work

Although there are many pages across the internet written on the same subject, you should never be copying someone else's work and passing it off as your own. You run the risk of your account in an article directory being closed down.

Tip #4 – Use accurate grammar and spelling

Different directories have different standards of what is and isn’t acceptable for article writing. However, most expect a good level of English and writing that makes sense.

Tip #5 – Don’t offer potentially offensive content

There’s sometimes a fine line between writing something that is controversial and something that is offensive. Check the directory terms. No moderator is going to accept an article that is potentially offensive to particular groups e.g.racially or religiously offensive.

Tip #6 –Don’t offer dangerous advice

Articles that give dangerous advice are likely to be rejected. I once saw an article on how to smuggle banned items onto an aeroplane. This was totally against airport rules and should never have got past a moderator. However, it was later removed at my request. Don’t waste time offering dangerous advice.

Tip #7 – Avoid writing blatant sales copy

The aim of article writing is to share information, advice and tips. The aim isn’t to promote specific products or services. Most article directories have very strict guidelines about this. Articles that are just sales copy are likely to be met with rejection.

Tip #8 – Use correct links

Different directories have different rules about the type of links you can use within your article and the pages you can link to. Make sure you follow the guidelines.

Summary

These are some of the most common reasons why articles can be rejected. If you're new to article writing, learn how to write articles people will want to read and follow these tips to avoid making mistakes that will cause them to be rejected. Remember to read the terms of publication for each article directory you use.