Have you ever seen a recipe in a magazine and thought to yourself, "Mine are much better, but I don't know how to submit them. Well, here are six tips that will help you to polish them enough to perhaps get acceptance in your favorite publication and make money, also.

1. Make them simple as possible.

The average reader is busy and wants recipes that are easy-to-make, quick and with ingredients readily available in their local supermarket. Don't send in recipes that require any hard-to-find ingredients.

2. Make them your own.

If you see a recipe in a magazine or any other place that has been published, you cannot just copy it and claim it as your own. However, if you change it enough and make it with your special sauce or seasonings, etc. that's fine.

3. Have your family and friends taste it first.

Don't just send in your recipe without it being tested by at least one family member or friend. If you just taste it yourself, you might be biased and it could actually not be the best. If you can find someone who will give you an honest assessment of its merits or shortcomings, that is what is most helpful. Try not to be offended if he or she doesn't like it. Thank that person, knowing that this feedback can help to improve the recipe so it will have a better chance of being accepted.

4. Check the publication before submitting.

Check the publication's previously published recipes. No matter how good your recipe is if something similar has already been published, the editor won't be able to accept it.

5. Keep a list of the publications you wish to send your recipe to.

I have a list that I keep by my computer with magazines that take reader recipes. Here is a sampling:

Recipes

Capper's
1503 SW 42nd St
Topeka, KS 66609
They pay $5 per recipe.