Author: Eric McMillin

Introduction

Cover letters are essential for literary journal submissions. There are a number of reasons for this. One reason is that a cover letter is a sign of professional courtesy, since it indicates the writer comprehends the process and takes it seriously. After all, editors might read hundreds of submissions per month and a polite, concise cover letter goes a long way.

Additionally, a cover letter provides essential details such as the word count, title, and genre concisely. Doing so saves editors time. A strong cover letter also makes a positive first impression on the editors. Naturally, the writing itself is most important. However, a well-written cover letter sets a positive tone.

Now, let’s begin by diving deeper into a literary journal cover letter’s purpose.

The Purpose of a Literary Journal Cover Letter

Naturally, a literary journal cover letter is far different from a cover letter for a job application. The expectations are completely different. As stated previously, a literary journal cover letter shows a level of respect for the editorial process. Also, as previously mentioned, it informs the editors of some key details about the work the writer is submitting.

These details may include the work’s title, its work count, the genre it belongs to, and even whether or not the writer has submitted the work to other literary journals. Additionally, the cover letter serves as a brief introduction to the writer. However, it does not oversell the writer and ensures the focus remains on the work itself.

Let’s continue by discussing an important part of writing a literary journal cover letter: research.

Research Before Writing the Cover Letter

It is essential that the writer researches the literary journal they’re submitting their work to before they write a cover letter. The writer should know the audience, genre, and tone of the literary journal before submitting there. This is not all.

The writer should also research the literary journal’s submission guidelines. These usually differ from one literary journal to another. That is why researching these guidelines is necessary.

Some details the writer should learn include the format the literary journal prefers, what length of work they accept, and whether they prefer email submissions or submissions on another platform such as Submittable. Ensure proper research to avoid making mass-submission or generic errors. A cover letter free of such errors is far more persuasive.

With that said, it is time to move onto examining the core elements of a strong cover letter.

What Are the Core Elements of a Strong Cover Letter?

A strong cover letter always contains certain core elements. Let’s discuss them. First, a cover letter begins with a greeting. It is best to address the editor by their name. If this is not possible, address them with ‘Dear Editors’.

Next, the writer should state that they are submitting their work for consideration in their opening line. After that, provide details about the work such as its title, word count, and genre. The writer should then include a brief biography that discuss their relevant background or publishing history.

This biography shouldn’t be longer than two or three sentences. If a writer hasn’t been published yet, they should still keep their biography professional. Conclude the cover letter by thanking the editors for taking the time to consider the submission. The closing should be concise.

Now, let’s examine some common mistakes writers should avoid.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Writers should make sure that their cover letter isn’t too long or excessively self-promotional. Refrain from interpreting or explaining the work. Don’t set conditions or make demands of the editorial staff.

Also, follow submission guidelines and edit out any sloppy formatting or typos. Failing to edit out typos or improper formatting can decrease the chances of a successful submission. Don’t flatter the editorial staff or include a personal anecdote that is overly personal. Flattery will not help and overly personal anecdotes are inappropriate for a literary journal cover letter.

Since we’ve covered some common mistakes to avoid, let’s continue by delving into the proper tone and level of professionalism writers should use when writing a literary journal cover letter.

Be Professional and Use a Respectful Tone

Using the proper tone and level of professionalism in a literary journal cover letter is just as important as following a literary journal’s submission guidelines. For that reason, it is necessary to dive deeper into this topic. First, writers should use a respectful tone when crafting a cover letter for a literary journal. Being respectful makes a good first impression on the editorial staff and showcases one’s maturity.

Also, it is vital to be professional in the cover letter. Utilize more formal language and refer to the editors by their full names if possible. If their names are unknown, refer to them as ‘editors’ instead of anything informal.

Refrain from using humor or gimmicks in the cover letter. At best, this is inappropriate and unprofessional. At worst, doing so risks offending the editorial staff and worsening one’s reputation. Additionally, brevity is key. The cover letter should not exceed 200 words in length.

Now that it is clear what tone and level of professionalism one should use, let’s go over some final things to check before sending the cover letter.

Make These Final Checks Before Sending the Cover Letter

It is a good idea to make some final checks before sending in a literary journal cover letter. Carefully proofread the cover letter and edit out any typos, incorrect formatting, etc. Double-check the journal title and any names used in the cover letter. Ensure that the file attachment or attachments follow the journal’s guidelines. The writer should save a copy of the cover letter for their records.

Conclusion

A literary journal cover letter introduces a writer and their work to a literary journal. It also demonstrates one’s professionalism and shows respect for the editorial process while providing key details about the work. These details help the editors determine whether or not a certain work fits their journal.

A well-written cover letter can go a long way, but it should never overshadow the work itself. The focus should always be the work. A polished cover letter demonstrates that a writer is serious about their submission and increases the chances of acceptance. That is why it is best to write the best cover letter possible.