How to Write a Cover Letter

Our editors-in-chief have been receiving quite a few questions about cover letters, so we've compiled a quick guide and example to get you started!

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Many journals or magazines will ask for a cover letter to include with your submission. A cover letter is a short note to the editors who will be reviewing your work, and it's often their first impression of you, even before opening your submission. 

​​A sample cover letter to Eucalyptus (or any other publisher) could look something like this:

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Dear Iris, Felix, Jessica, and the Eucalyptus Lit editors,

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Hope you're well! I'm submitting five previously unpublished poems for consideration in your next issue.​I've been following Eucalyptus for quite some time, and was particularly inspired by Johanna Tangerine's "Ode to Summer" in Issue 3. 

This is a simultaneous submission, and I will withdraw immediately if accepted elsewhere. Thank you for your time and consideration! 

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Sincerely,
Johnny Appleseed

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Johnny Appleseed is an English major at Big Tree University. His writing has been recognized by the Big Tree Freshmen Awards and published in or forthcoming from Apples Lit, Pumpkin Spice Review, and figtree. He is a fan of apple pie and Sylvia Plath.

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Note that some journals will have different requirements—it's always a good idea to double-check submission guidelines. However, feel free to copy-paste and edit this template for your future queries, whether for your creative work or manuscript. Happy submitting!