Cut through years of research and give them the gist. Get specific, but not pedantic. Expect our readers to be shrewd analyzers and skeptics about facts and figures you present to support a viewpoint. If part of your story can better be told with a drawing or diagram, provide it or sketch it well enough that we can give it to an artist to develop further. Assume that readers have basic skills with tools and home equipment, but don't assume they know the jargon of a particular hobby or skill.
Shorter stories are fine.
If you can forward both hard copy and a computer disk with your story, all the better. We use Microsoft Word 6.0 but can convert from other formats. Photos of people and places described in your article are essential. If the article has a seasonal flavor, include seasonal graphics if you have any. We need medium close-up shots of men, women and children.