How to Write a Cover Letter

Introduction

You’ve completed a research project, written the manuscript, and selected an appropriate journal. One of the final—yet often overlooked—steps is drafting a journal-specific cover letter. This letter is your chance to communicate directly with the editor and can determine whether your work is sent out for peer review. A strong cover letter briefly summarizes your research and explains its relevance to the journal. It can also address any special circumstances related to the submission. This guide outlines the core components of an effective cover letter and offers practical tips to help you write one.

Why a Good Cover Letter Matters

The cover letter serves as the editor’s first impression of your manuscript. It’s your opportunity to explain why your work matters, the gap it addresses, and why it fits the journal’s scope. Since the editor alone decides whether to send a manuscript out for peer review, a well-written cover letter can make the difference between rejection and further consideration.

Components of a Research Cover Letter

A strong cover letter is typically one page long and includes these elements:

• Letterhead: Use a professional letterhead with institutional affiliation, if available. Ask your mentor for a template if needed.
• Header: Include the date, name of the editor(s)-in-chief (if known), and the journal name.
• Salutation: Use "Dear Dr. [Last Name]" or "Dear [Journal Name] Editorial Board" if the name isn’t available.
• Opening Paragraph: Identify your manuscript title and article type (e.g., Brief Communication, Original Manuscript, etc.). Example: "We are submitting our manuscript entitled [Title] for consideration of publication as an [Article Type] in [Journal Name]."
• Body Paragraph(s): Briefly describe the study’s purpose, key findings, and what makes the work novel or significant. Emphasize how it aligns with the journal’s mission or readership.
• Closing Paragraph: Confirm the manuscript is original and not published elsewhere. Note that all authors have approved the submission. Include relevant context (e.g., if it’s a special issue, or if the work was presented elsewhere).
• Sign-off: Thank the editor for their time and consideration. Include your signature, name, contact information, and institutional affiliation. If both you and your mentor sign, clearly indicate who is serving as the corresponding author.

Cover Letter Examples and Template

View and/or download real examples and a fill-in-the-blank template to guide your writing.

Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Keep it concise: Aim to keep your cover letter to a single page, typically 3–5 short paragraphs. Focus on essential information that supports your submission and highlights what distinguishes your work from prior literature.
• Ensure that your cover letter is tailored: Explain clearly why your manuscript fits this journal’s scope and audience. Even the same paper may need different framing for different journals. And double-check— nothing sinks a submission faster than the wrong journal or editor name.
• Don’t copy verbatim from your manuscript: The cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your abstract or main text. Avoid copying and pasting; instead, emphasize the broader significance and rationale for your work.
• Follow journal-specific instructions: Many journals require specific elements in the cover letter, such as statements of originality, disclosures, or suggested reviewers. Review the journal’s “Instructions for Authors” to ensure your letter meets all requirements.
• Include a cover letter even if optional: Even when not mandatory, a well-written cover letter adds professionalism to your submission and gives you the opportunity to advocate for your work directly.

Conclusion

Think of the cover letter as a concise, persuasive pitch to the editor. It’s your chance to advocate for your work—professionally, clearly, and specifically. A compelling cover letter increases the chance your manuscript will be sent for review and, ultimately, accepted.