Submitting your writing to publishers, magazines, or contests can evoke feelings of excitement and anxiety. One of the key components of this submission process is your cover letter, which can significantly influence whether your work makes it past the editorial gatekeepers. A carefully written cover letter can open doors and launch your success, while a poorly executed one can derail even the best manuscript.
The problem is clear: many writers struggle with creating an effective cover letter that captures attention and presents their work in the best light. The good news? Writing a compelling cover letter can be straightforward!
Table of Contents
Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter
Before jumping into details, clearly understanding the main role of a cover letter in writing submissions matters greatly. This letter serves as an introduction to your work and you, the author, while also providing critical information to the editor or agent reviewing your submission.
A strong cover letter should:
- Introduce yourself and your manuscript.
- Highlight relevant credentials or experiences.
- Mention your work’s genre and intended audience.
- Show enthusiasm for the publication or opportunity.
By meeting these objectives, you position yourself to make a memorable first impression.
Components of a Strong Cover Letter
Creating an engaging cover letter requires attention to detail. Here are the key components:
Greeting
Always address the recipient by name, if possible. Stay away from common, overused greetings such as “To Whom It May Concern.” For example, start your letter with, “Dear Ms. Smith,” or “Dear Mr. Johnson.” If you cannot find a name, “Dear Editor” works fine but is less personal.
Introduction
Start with a strong opening line that introduces your manuscript. Mention the title, genre, and word count. For example: “I am pleased to submit my 75,000-word novel, Falling Leaves, a contemporary romance, for your consideration.” This not only informs the editor of what to expect but also grabs their attention right from the beginning.
Credentials and Experience
Next, share relevant credentials and experiences. Have you published before? Do you have professional training in writing? Perhaps you’ve won awards or been featured in notable publications?
Example: “I am a member of the Writers Guild and have previously published short stories in [Reputable Magazine] and [Another Publication].” This part helps you establish credibility and lets the editor know that you have a solid background.
Brief Synopsis
Include a concise synopsis of your work. Focus on the main themes and characters while keeping it concise—two to three sentences is usually sufficient.
For instance: “Falling Leaves explores the complexities of love and loss through the eyes of Emma, a young woman navigating her grief while rediscovering passion in unexpected places.” This lets the publisher grasp what your work is about without overwhelming them with details.
Publisher Fit
Do your homework before submitting. Showing alignment between your work and the publisher’s mission or genre can impress editors. For instance, if you’re submitting to a literary magazine that focuses on outdoor writing, you might say, “Given your affinity for stories that celebrate nature, I believe my manuscript would resonate with your readers.”
Closing Statement
End your letter professionally, using a polite closing statement. Here’s a suggested format: “Thank you for considering my submission. I look forward to the possibility of working together.” This shows respect for their time and opens the door for further communication.
Signature
Finally, end with a formal sign-off, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name and contact information. If you’re submitting electronically, a simple typed name will suffice, but you can also include a digital signature for a personal touch.
Adapt Your Cover Letter for Different Submissions
One size does not fit all when it comes to cover letters. Each submission may require a different approach to fit the specific publication’s tone and audience. Here’s how to adapt your cover letters for different scenarios:
For a Literary Magazine
When submitting to a literary magazine, your cover letter should emphasize your creative voice. Consider something like, “I am excited to share my short story, ‘Silent Echoes,’ a piece that explores the connection between memory and identity.” Use a tone that blends professionalism with creativity to make your letter stand out.
For Contests and Competitions
When entering contests, the letter can be more formal. You want to resonate with the judges’ expectations. Something like, “I am pleased to submit my novel, ‘Whispers of Time,’ for your consideration in the [Contest Name]… I appreciate the opportunity to showcase my work to a panel of esteemed judges.”
For Literary Agents
In your letter to a literary agent, it’s crucial to articulate how your manuscript fits into the current market. Consider adding a line such as, “With the rising popularity of psychological thrillers, I believe my manuscript, ‘Dark Water,’ which combines intricate plotting with deep character exploration, is timely and would resonate with readers.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While it’s crucial to craft an engaging cover letter, avoiding mistakes is just as important.
Generic Content
Using generic phrases or templates can immediately turn off an editor. Take the time to personalize each letter. For example, instead of saying, “I believe my book is fantastic,” specify what makes it unique or how it aligns with the publication’s goals.
Overly Long Letters
Keep your cover letter to one page at most. Editors are busy and appreciate brevity. Aim for clarity and precision over lengthy explanations. An overly long letter can lose an editor’s interest and detract from your actual submission.
Neglecting to Proofread
Spelling and grammatical errors can diminish your professionalism. Always proofread. It may help to read your letter out loud or use social software tools. A single typo can shift the focus from your manuscript’s quality to your attention to detail.
Example Cover Letter
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a hypothetical example of a cover letter for a fiction manuscript submission:
Dear Ms. Thompson,
I am excited to submit my 85,000-word literary fiction novel, Echoes of the Past, for your consideration. A tale of loss, memory, and redemption, this story follows Marcus, a historian unraveling a family mystery that tests the boundaries of love and truth.
As a contributing writer for [Notable Publication], I enjoy bringing complex characters to life. My stories often explore the nuances of human emotion, making them relatable and engaging for readers. Echoes of the Past captures these elements and would resonate with your audience, given your publication’s focus on character-driven narratives.
Thank you for considering my submission. I look forward to the possibility of sharing my work with you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Using this clear, organized method ensures you include all important details while keeping a polished tone that grabs the editor’s attention.
Final Tips for Your Cover Letter
Follow Submission Guidelines
Pay close attention to each publisher’s or agent’s submission guidelines. They may have specific requirements for cover letters, including format, length, or additional information. Always stick to their rules!
Network and Research
If possible, network with other writers or people in the publishing industry to learn what works best in cover letters. You can collect insights to shape and sharpen your strategy.
Keep It Authentic
Let your voice shine through. Authenticity is crucial. Your excitement about your work should come across, but without crossing the line into overly casual language.
Creating a compelling cover letter takes practice, but by following these guidelines, you’re well on your way to making a strong impression with your writing submissions. Each step builds toward showcasing not only your work but also your professionalism, increasing your chances of getting noticed in a stacked submission pile.
Additional Information
Writing a powerful, focused cover letter can significantly boost your chances of acceptance when submitting written work.
- Personalization is Key: Address your cover letter to a specific individual whenever possible. A tailored greeting shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the publication.
- Hook Them Early: Open your letter boldly, with a gripping first sentence to grab attention immediately. Skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point—you want to engage the reader right from the start.
- Show Your Passion: Share why you’re excited about this specific project or publication. A little enthusiasm can go a long way in making your submission memorable.
- Be Concise: Editors are busy and often skim cover letters. Stick to a few well-crafted paragraphs that clearly outline your main points without unnecessary fluff.
- Highlight Your Qualifications: Briefly mention relevant experiences or accolades that make you a good fit for the piece you’re submitting. This isn’t a full resume, just a taste of your qualifications.
- Include Secondary Materials: If applicable, mention any additional materials you’ve attached, such as sample chapters or links to previous work. This helps editors find all they need in one go.
- Tailor for Branding: Align your tone and style to match the publication’s voice. If their articles are witty, inject a bit of humor into your letter. If they’re serious and academic, keep it professional.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: This may sound clear already, but it truly matters. Adherence to submission requirements, like formatting and length, can make or break your chances.
- Proofread Relentlessly: Spelling or grammatical errors can undermine your credibility. Double-check for mistakes, and consider having someone else read it over for a fresh perspective.
- Include a Call to Action: End your cover letter with a proactive closure—invite the editor to contact you for further discussion or clarification on your submission.
Integrating these facts into your cover letter can elevate your submission and create a strong first impression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Cover Letter For Writing Submission
Q. What is a cover letter for a writing submission?
A. A cover letter for writing submission is a brief document that accompanies your manuscript or writing sample. It introduces you and your work to the editor or agent, explaining why your writing is a good fit for their publication.
Q. How long should my cover letter be?
A. Your cover letter should ideally be one page long. Keep it concise and to the point, highlighting the essential details about your work and yourself.
Q. What should I include in my cover letter?
A. Include your contact information, a greeting, a brief introduction of yourself, a summary of your work, why you’re submitting to that specific publisher or agent, and a polite closing.
Q. Should I personalize each cover letter?
A. Yes, personalizing each cover letter shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in that particular publisher or agent. Mention something specific about their work or submission guidelines.
Q. Can I mention previous publications in my cover letter?
A. Absolutely! Mentioning previous publications can boost your credibility. Just keep it relevant and focus on the work that aligns closest with the submission.
Q. How should I address the recipient in my cover letter?
A. Address the recipient by their name if you know it. Use “Dear [First Name Last Name],” or if you don’t have a specific name, “Dear Editor” works too.
Q. Is it okay to follow up on my cover letter submission?
A. Yes, following up is acceptable, typically after 4 to 6 weeks. Just keep it polite and professional, asking about the status of your submission.
Q. Should I include my writing credentials in the cover letter?
A. Yes, mentioning your writing credentials can enhance your cover letter. Keep it relevant to the submission and ensure it showcases your fit for the publication.
Q. What is the tone of a cover letter?
A. Aim for a professional yet friendly tone. You want to convey enthusiasm for your work while maintaining respect for the editor or agent’s process.
Q. Can I submit multiple pieces in one cover letter?
A. Generally, it’s best to submit one piece per cover letter, unless the publisher specifically requests multiple submissions. Always check their guidelines first.
Conclusion
A carefully written cover letter can completely change the outcome of your writing submissions. Keep it concise, professional, and tailored to each opportunity. Highlight your relevant experience, showcase your passion for the piece, and provide a brief overview of your writing style. A polished, powerful cover letter boosts your odds of grabbing the editor’s attention and securing the spot you want. So, put your best foot—or pen—forward, and let your writing shine!
