They do not want to waste their time completing work that has not been assigned. Instead, learn how to demons trate your writing ability and present your ideas in a focused proposal letter called a query. Splurge on good stationery with your name and address at the top. Always enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for reply. Appearance and professionalism does count.
Effective marketing is as important as good writing.
Writing is a business, and only those who realize this will have a chance of succeeding. Use your query to explain to the editor why the readers will be interested in your topic and how they can benefit from your words. Unpublished writers have the greatest difficulty selling their work. You can make it easier to become published if you don't try for the national magazines right away. If you have to, write for the local shopper newspaper for free, but do the very best job you can do.