writing contest cover letter

Letter Templates & Example

10 Effective Cover Letter Examples for Writing Submissions

Hey there budding writers! Are you planning to submit your work to a writing competition or publication but clueless about writing an effective cover letter? You’ve come to the right place! We have compiled some cover letter examples for writing submissions that you can use as a guide or even edit as needed. Writing a cover letter may seem intimidating, but it’s a crucial element that can make or break your submission. With the right approach, your cover letter can effectively showcase your writing skills and impress the editors. So, check out our cover letter examples and get started on submitting your work today!

The Best Structure for Cover Letter Examples for Writing Submissions

So, you’re looking to submit your writing to a publication or contest – congratulations! But, before you hit send on that email or envelope, you need a strong cover letter to accompany your writing submission. A cover letter can make or break your chances of getting published or winning a contest, so it’s important to get it right.

The best structure for a cover letter for writing submissions includes several important elements. First, start with a header that includes your contact information (name, address, email, phone) and the date. Then, address the letter to the correct person (if possible) or “Dear Editor” or “Contest Judges.” In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and your work. Include the title of your piece and any relevant publications or awards you have received.

In the second paragraph, provide a brief summary of your work. This should not be a plot summary, but rather a sentence or two that explains the themes and characters in your writing. This is also a good place to mention why your piece would be a good fit for the publication or contest. Do your research and show that you are familiar with their tone and style.

The third paragraph is where you can mention any relevant experience or education that makes you a good fit for the publication or contest. This could include writing workshops, degrees, or previous publications. Be specific and highlight any unique qualifications that set you apart from other writers.

Finally, wrap up your letter with a brief thank you and a request for consideration. Be sure to include a closing like “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” and sign with your name. Remember to proofread your letter for typos and grammatical errors before sending it off.

In conclusion, the best structure for a cover letter for writing submissions should include a clear header and introduction, a summary of your work, relevant experience, and a strong closing. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be on your way to catching the editor or judges’ attention and increasing your chances of being published or winning the contest.

Cover Letter Examples for Writing Submissions

Submitting a fiction manuscript.

Dear Editor,

I am excited to submit my latest fiction manuscript for your consideration. The story, titled “The Forgotten Ones,” explores themes of loss, redemption, and ultimately, hope. The protagonist, Emily, is a mother who struggles to cope with the sudden disappearance of her daughter. As she sets out to find her, Emily discovers a hidden world of missing people and must navigate danger and darkness to bring her daughter home.

I believe “The Forgotten Ones” would be a perfect fit for your publication, as it aligns with your focus on thought-provoking and emotionally resonant storytelling. Thank you for considering my work and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you further.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Submitting a Non-Fiction Article

I am thrilled to submit my article “Beyond Borders: The Benefits of International Education” for your publication. With years of experience in the field of international education, I have gained valuable insights into the benefits it can provide to students of all ages. In this article, I highlight the advantages of studying abroad, exploring different cultures, and learning from diverse perspectives.

I believe “Beyond Borders” would be well-suited to your publication given your focus on education and global issues. I am confident it will resonate with your readers and provide valuable insights into the world of international education.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Submitting a Poetry Collection

I am delighted to submit my poetry collection, “Invisible Threads,” for your publication. The collection features a range of themes, including love, loss, nature, and identity. Drawing on my experiences as an immigrant and as a feminist, the poems explore issues of belonging, cultural identity, and the intersection of gender and race.

I believe “Invisible Threads” would be an excellent fit for your publication, given your interest in publishing diverse and thought-provoking poetry. I am excited to share my work with you and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for your consideration.

Submitting a Screenplay

Dear Producer,

I am pleased to submit my screenplay, “The Last Stand,” for your consideration. The film is an action-packed thriller that follows the story of a former special forces operative who must rescue his family from a group of terrorists who have taken over a skyscraper in New York City. Set against the backdrop of a tense political situation, “The Last Stand” is a high-stakes, heart-pumping film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

I believe “The Last Stand” would make an excellent addition to your production slate, given your focus on producing quality, action-packed films. I am excited about the prospect of working with you further and bringing this story to life on the big screen.

Submitting a Children’s Book

Dear Publisher,

I am thrilled to submit my children’s book, “B is for Brave,” for your consideration. The book features fun and engaging rhymes that teach children about courage, perseverance, and the value of taking risks. With colorful illustrations and relatable characters, “B is for Brave” will entertain and inspire young readers.

I believe “B is for Brave” would be a great addition to your publishing line, as it aligns with your focus on empowering children through literature. I am excited about the opportunity to work with you further and to introduce this story to young readers around the world.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Submitting a Personal Essay

I am submitting my personal essay, “The Weight of Expectations,” for your consideration. In this essay, I explore my struggles with meeting societal expectations and the impact it has had on my mental health. Through my story, I hope to shed light on the importance of self-care and mental health awareness.

I believe “The Weight of Expectations” would be a great fit for your publication, given your focus on publishing personal stories that inspire and inform. I am excited about the possibility of sharing my story with your readers and am eager to hear your thoughts.

Submitting a Technical Article

I am pleased to submit my technical article, “Advances in Artificial Intelligence,” for your publication. As a leading expert in the field of AI, I have conducted extensive research on the latest developments, trends, and applications of this emerging technology. In this article, I provide an overview of recent advances in AI, the challenges facing its adoption, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use.

I believe “Advances in Artificial Intelligence” would be an ideal addition to your publication, given its relevance to your readership. I am excited about the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with your audience and am eager to hear your feedback.

Tips for Writing Cover Letters for Writing Submissions

When submitting your writing to a publication or contest, a cover letter is a vital part of your submission. It’s typically the first thing an editor or judge will see, and it can make or break your chances of acceptance. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when crafting your cover letter:

• Address the letter to the appropriate editor or judge. This shows that you’ve done your research and are serious about your submission.
• Introduce yourself and give a brief overview of your writing experience. Be concise and to the point.
• Include any relevant publications or awards you’ve received. This can help establish credibility and show that you’ve been recognized by other industry professionals.
• Explain why your work is a good fit for the publication or contest. Do your research and make sure your writing style aligns with their goals and preferences.
• Provide a brief synopsis or summary of your work, being careful not to give away any major plot points. This will give the editor or judge an idea of what they can expect from your writing.
• Closing your cover letter with a thank you and showing appreciation for their time in considering your work can make a positive impression.

In addition to these tips, it’s also important to proofread your cover letter thoroughly before submitting. Typos or grammatical errors can make a negative impression and diminish your credibility as a writer. By taking the time to perfect your cover letter, you can increase your chances of acceptance and ultimately have your writing featured in your desired publication or contest.

Cover Letter Examples for Writing Submissions FAQs What is a cover letter for a writing submission?

A cover letter for a writing submission is a document that accompanies your written work and introduces you to potential publishers or editors. It provides a brief summary of your writing, your qualifications, and your interests in the genre or topic of your work.

What should be included in a cover letter for a writing submission?

A cover letter for a writing submission should include your name and contact information, the title and word count of your work, a brief summary of your work, your qualifications and experience as a writer, and any relevant publications or awards you have received.

Can I use a generic cover letter for all of my writing submissions?

No, it is not recommended to use a generic cover letter for all writing submissions. Each publisher or editor has different submission guidelines and preferences, so it is important to tailor your cover letter to each submission and show that you have done your research.

How long should a cover letter be for a writing submission?

A cover letter for a writing submission should be no longer than one page. It should be brief, but informative and engaging enough to make the editor or publisher want to read your work.

Should I include my social media profiles in my cover letter for a writing submission?

You can include your social media profiles in your cover letter for a writing submission if they showcase your writing or professional experience. However, it is not necessary if you do not have any relevant social media profiles.

What tone should I use in my cover letter for a writing submission?

You should use a professional and friendly tone in your cover letter for a writing submission. Avoid using overly formal language or slang, and try to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for writing.

When should I send my cover letter for a writing submission?

You should send your cover letter for a writing submission at the same time as your written work. Follow the publisher or editor’s submission guidelines for the specific date and method of submission.

Wrap It Up with a Bow: Your Final Thoughts on Cover Letter Examples for Writing Submissions

And that’s all there is to it, folks! Crafting cover letters can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be rocket science. With these tips and examples, you are well on your way to submitting your best work to the right places. Remember to personalize your letters and sprinkle some genuine enthusiasm on them — editors can easily smell insincerity from miles away! Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you again soon for more helpful writing resources. Keep on writing!

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The Fundamentals Of A Cover Letter For Poems, Stories, And Personal Essays

by Writer's Relief Staff | Cover Letters | 5 comments

Review Board is now open! Submit your Short Prose, Poetry, and Book today!

Deadline: thursday, april 18th.

When you’re ready to submit your poems, short stories, or essays to literary journals for publication, you’ll need a cover letter.

Unlike the more complicated  query letter  you would send to a literary agent for a book project, a cover letter to a literary magazine contains only basic information about your writing submission and your author bio. It is not a sales pitch or a flashy bid for attention. Your cover letter should be professional, no more than one page, and show a knowledge of publishing industry etiquette.

Here are the essential parts of a cover letter:

1. Salutation. Whenever possible, use the editor’s full name. “Dear Sue Smith.” Never assume gender! “Pat” can be a “Patrick” or a “Patricia.” Read more: Savvy Salutations .

2. Introduction. State your intention clearly and include the title(s) of the work(s) you’re submitting: Please consider my poems, “Gray” and “To the Orioles,” for publication in Journal Name .

3. Don’t describe your submission. Don’t summarize your story or explain the themes in your poems. Trust us—it’s bad publishing industry etiquette. Editors may find it insulting if you presume that they can’t understand your work and need to have it explained to them. Plus, editors at literary journals pride themselves on how carefully they consider each submission. If you write a “teaser” into your cover letter, it will seem as if you suspect editors need to be tempted to do their jobs.

4. Your author bio . Include a short bio that lists your writing credits. You may want to add some selective information about your personal interests as well, especially if the details reflect on your writing (but avoid  TMI ). If you want to publish under a pen name, note that here. Read more: Pseudonyms: Using A Pen Name In A Cover Or Query Letters To Agents Or Editors .

5. The closing. Be sure to sincerely thank the editor for his or her time.

6. Your signature (your real name).

7. Contact info.  Since most submissions are now made electronically, the best place to include your contact information (mailing address, phone number, email address, and author website ) is below your signature.

If you’re printing your cover letter to send a submission via standard postal service, then the letterhead and contact information should be at the top. And while your letterhead is the one place in your cover letter where you can show some individuality, be sure to choose a font that is clean and easy to read. You can tweak standard templates to reflect your personal taste—but avoid using images or too many colors.

And that’s it! You’re ready to send your cover letter and writing submission out to literary journals. To learn more about how to write an effective cover letter, check out our Most Popular Articles for cover and query letter writing .

Very helpful…thank you

Have you got an example of a good cover letter that I could see?

Hi Leander,

If you follow the steps outlined in the article, you will have an effective cover letter.

This was duly described and easy to understand. Very helpful.

Failure to read the directions is the biggest error you might make at this crucial step of the publication process. The instructions can often be found on a publication’s main submissions page on their website or on their Submittable page. Before entering your information and uploading your document, read it once (or twice), then once more before clicking the “Send” button.

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The Smart Approach to Contest Submissions

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thebestdigger@a... replied on April 23, 2013 - 11:31am Permalink

The Smart Approach

Well. Don't we all want to win? Every time? But alas, having won, once, that's not enough to get drunk on it. I've been an "almost won" more times than I can count. But that doesn't deter me. What does? Not having a clue about why. I thought that might be evident by the writing of the dearly won. But even then, I cannot measure why this or that won.

Curiously, I don't find it daunting or even discouraging. I do find it frustrating because often I don't know what is wanted. I do follow the rules to the letter. I do stuff my drawer, reread, rewrite, and often zero back to the original where my soul wrote for me. The exercise has toughened my skin, a nice by-product of the effort. I do write and write and write and I have improved so much. I don't get fancy....that's silly. I do keep track, though my spread sheet contains only about sixty submissions across a few years. I have not made a career out of submitting. Perhaps I should. For instance, it never occurred to me to send an essay to more than one publisher at a time. And I have subscribed to several writers' mags and I see some really impressive...and humbling...work. And some trash.

For your amusement: the first Writer's Conference I attended, intimidated by many fine writers because I was a total newbie, my workshop submission raised the question: who publishes you? Well, either there was some measurement I was missing,  or they had low standards, I thought. But then there was a writing contest. It was called Writing Badly: write the worst possible essay you can think up. And of course, I won......

Thanks for the helpful instruction.

Barbarann Ayars

kkrousseau replied on April 23, 2013 - 11:49am Permalink

What the heck are selfies?

Quite often context reveals meaning but in this case " selfies" in the first paragraph has derailed me. Have you ever heard of a selfy or a selfie? I have a feeling of dread rather like when you can't remember how to spell "the" or "dog" because, for some wierd reason, it suddenly looks wrong or off in some way. Could it be that I have forgotten the word selfies and need more fish oil and exercise?

Nitwits deserve love too.

Four Way Books replied on April 23, 2013 - 12:12pm Permalink

Tips for The Smart Approach to Contest Submissions

I agree with the tips suggested above though I take some issue with one-- regarding the judges. It is important to note that judges don't necessarily choose books that are in alignment with their own writing aesthetic. Quite often, a judge's pick is a manuscript that is stylistically very different from the the judge's own creative work. At Four Way Books, we've seen such selections: Marianne Boruch selected Deborah Bernhardt's Echolalia, Jean Valentine selected George Kalamaras's The Theory and Function of Mangoes, to name a few. The point is, to focus on refining your work and send to a reputable press that you admire. 

taylorbundy replied on April 23, 2013 - 7:32pm Permalink

@kkrousseau taking a "selfie"

@kkrousseau taking a "selfie" is a new term for taking a picture of oneself. .

ssousa replied on April 24, 2013 - 8:25am Permalink

Smart Approach to Contest Submissions

While I appreciate some of the suggestions for strengthening my contest submissions in your article, such as targeting presses, magazines or judges who might be attracted to my work (all of which I do), I take exception to a certain snarky and patronizing tone that seemed to creep in when giving the nuts and bolts of submitting. Let me point out that the tone isn't exclusive to this article, I notice it more and more in submission guidelines. When I'm told not to include in my cover letter "the endearing anecdote about the first time you picked up a crayon and realized you wanted to be a writer." or not to include with my submission "flowers, ribbons, lollipops, chocolate" I wonder who the heck you think your audience is. I, and I assume the majority of your readers, are seasoned writers who view the submission process as a necessary evil, all business, of the writing life. I have submitted hundreds of manuscripts in my life as a writer, winning, coming close and not placing at all. The tone of your article seems to target the fifteen-year-old poet who may think a swirly font will make a nice touch, not at the professional who prints her manuscript, gets it in an envelope and out the door as efficiently as possible. I can't imagine that editors are discovering so much chocolate and lollipops in their submissions that they have to warn against their inclusion in the guidelines. In every case, I vote for a simple set of guidelines that tells me clearly what the editor wants , not what she doesn't want. And while we're at it, how about a little respect for writers on response time and communication over submissions, especially when a writer has been told their is interest and kept waiting.

ssousa replied on April 24, 2013 - 9:48am Permalink

Lesson: should edit letters to editor as well as ms submissions. "There" for "their" in last line.

competitivewriter replied on April 24, 2013 - 12:21pm Permalink

extending this advice a bit

ssousa - you raise some good points.   I've been collecting various writing articles related to writing competitions, and if you want to check out my blog , I think you will find some have a more professional tone.

That said, maybe your criticism is a touch harsh, can we allow the article writer to have a little levity?  I know it's  balance, but I'm sure they never intednded to insult your accomplishments and abilities.

In addition to the points in this article, I'd add:

1. Look locally in terms of geographic region and subject matter expertise.

2. Watch out for populatriy based/public voting contests that are more marketing than writing.

3. Finally, study past winners.

mariabeppa replied on April 28, 2013 - 7:05pm Permalink

paying to enter

When I started years ago, we were told to NEVER enter a contest where they ask for money. Has that changed?..

The Perfect Cover Letter: Advice From a Lit Mag Editor

Today’s guest post is from Elise Holland, co-founder and editor of 2 Elizabeths , a short fiction and poetry publication.

When submitting your short-form literature to a magazine or journal, your cover letter is often the first piece of writing an editor sees. It serves as an introduction to your thoughtfully crafted art. As such, it is significant, but it shouldn’t be intimidating or even take much time to write.

As editor at 2 Elizabeths , I see a variety of cover letters every day; some are excellent, and others could stand to be improved. There are a few key pieces of information to include, while keeping them short and sweet. In fact, a cover letter should only be a couple of paragraphs long, and no more than roughly 100-150 words.

A little research goes a long way

Seek out the editor’s name, and address the letter to him/her, as opposed to using a generic greeting. Typically, you can find this information either on the magazine or journal’s website, or in the submission guidelines.

Read the submission guidelines thoroughly. Many publications will state in their guidelines the exact details that need to be included in a cover letter. With some variation, a general rule of thumb is to include the following:

• Editor’s name (if you can locate it)
• Genre/category
• Brief description of your piece
• If you have been published previously, state where
• Whether your piece is a simultaneous submission (definition below)

Terms to Know

The term simultaneous submission means that you will be sending the same piece to several literary magazines or journals at the same time. Most publications accept simultaneous submissions, but some do not. If a publication does not accept them, this will be stated in their guidelines.

Should your work be selected for publication by one magazine, it is important to notify other publications where you have submitted that piece. This courtesy will prevent complications, and will keep you in good graces with various editors, should you wish to submit to them again in the future.

The term multiple submission means that you are submitting multiple pieces to the same literary magazine or journal.

Cover Letter That Needs Work

Dear Editor, Here is a collection of poems I wrote that I’d like you to consider. I have not yet been published elsewhere. Please let me know what you think. Bio: John Doe is an Insurance Agent by day and a writer by night, living in Ten Buck Two. He is the author of a personal blog, LivingWith20Cats.com. Best, John Doe

What Went Wrong?

John Doe didn’t research the editor’s name. A personal greeting is always better than a simple “Dear Editor.” Additionally, John failed to include the word count, title and a brief description of his work.

There is no need to state that John has not yet been published elsewhere. He should simply leave that piece of information out. (Many publications, 2 Elizabeths included, will still welcome your submissions warmly if you are unpublished.)

John included a statement asking the editor to let him know what he/she thinks about his work. Due to time constraints, it is rare that an editor sends feedback unless work is going to be accepted.

Unless otherwise specified by the magazine or journal to which you are submitting, you do not need to include biographical information in your cover letter. Typically, that information is either requested upfront but in a separate document from the cover letter, or is not requested until a piece has been selected for publishing.

Cover Letter Ready to Be Sent

Dear Elise, Please consider this 1,457-word short fiction piece, “Summer.” I recently participated in the 2 Elizabeths Open Mic Night, and am an avid reader of the fiction and poetry that you publish. “Summer” is a fictitious tale inspired by the impact of a whirlwind, yet meaningful, romance I experienced last year. In this story, I gently explore the life lessons associated with young love, with a touch of humor. This is a simultaneous submission, and I will notify you if the piece is accepted elsewhere. Thank you for your consideration. Kindest Regards, John Doe

What Went Right?

In this letter, John includes all pertinent information, while keeping his letter clear and concise. In his second sentence, John also briefly states how he is familiar with the magazine. While doing this isn’t required, if done tastefully, it can be a nice touch! Another example might be: “I read and enjoyed your spring issue, and believe that my work is a good fit for your magazine.”

I hope these sample letters help you as you send your short works to magazines and journals for consideration. While you’re at it, I hope you will check out 2 Elizabeths ! We would love to read your work.

Elise Holland is co-founder and editor of 2 Elizabeths , a short fiction and poetry publication. Her work has appeared in various publications, most recently in Story a Day . Through 2 Elizabeths, Elise strives to create value and visibility for writers, through writing contests , events , and more!

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[…] To get into literary magazines, you need a cover letter, so Elise Holland lays out how to write the perfect cover letter for a literary magazine. […]

Love this! The letter is short and to the point, and covers all the necessary information. Great tips! I always worry that the only publishing credit I have is the winning entry in a short story contest through the local paper. Should I mention that? And writing conferences I’ve attended?

As Elise says, it’s OK if you’re unpublished. Don’t worry about it. But feel free to mention your winning entry. If the writing conferences would likely be known to the journals’ editors, you might mention one or two.

[…] recently wrote a full article on the perfect cover letter, here. Check it out for clear, simple instructions, along with sample […]

[…] publication. Her work has appeared in various publications, most recently in Story a Day, and at JaneFriedman.com.  Through 2 Elizabeths, Elise strives to create value and visibility for writers, through writing […]

Thanks for the concise and useful information! I’ve heard that it’s also a good idea to include a sentence or two that makes it clear that you are familiar with the kind of work the magazine has published in the past. Is this generally advised, or would you consider it nonessential unless specified in the submission guidelines?

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How to Write a Stand-Out Cover Letter

• How to Write a Stand-Out…

SO, WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

Literary agents and many literary competitions require a cover letter along with your sample chapters and synopsis. This is a formal introduction to you and your novel. Note: It is not a CV, a bio or a blurb for the book. It’s a letter, written from one professional to another, that should make the agent or judge want to read more. The biggest mistake entrants to the BPA First Novel Award made this year was getting the balance off, either writing too much about the novel or too much about themselves – some poor novels didn’t get a mention. There’s a rough template most agents and competition judges will look for, and it’s pretty doable! Let’s give it a go.

TELL US ABOUT THE NOVEL

First, tell us about the novel. That’s what you’re trying to sell! You want the agent to finish the cover letter with such curiosity about the book that they’re hungry for the sample chapters. 

The first paragraph will usually reveal the title , the genre , the word count of the completed manuscript (If you don’t include this, they might worry you haven’t finished it!) and something that offers a taste of the novel, like a mention of the themes you’re going to explore.

Be specific when stating the genre – if it’s general fiction, think about whether the market is commercial, book club, upmarket or literary. If it’s YA, don’t just say it’s YA – is it a YA romance? YA dystopia? Who’s out there writing YA crime? The literary agent will be familiar with all the terms, so the more specific you are, the easier it will be to picture an audience for the book.

Once you’ve provided these core facts, write an elevator pitch . This is a single sentence that conveys your novel’s hook or USP. For inspiration, check out the Sunday Times Bestsellers List:

• Richard Osman’s  The Thursday Murder Club : Four friends in a retirement village team up to solve a mystery on their doorstep.
• Paula Hawkins’  The Girl on the Train : A commuter’s fascination with a married couple she passes every day turns deadly.

It’s a good idea to follow this up with a one-paragraph description of the novel. Unlike the synopsis, it doesn’t need to tell the entire story, but it should be just more than the premise. Tell us who the protagonist is, what happens to upset the balance of their life, and what their goal is (presumably to restore said life balance!). If you can do that in a couple of sentences, you might also mention one of the novel’s core turning points.

Cover letters should describe the novel first, then the writer, then remind us of the novel at the end. In a short final paragraph, say what inspired you to write the book and offer some comparable titles . (Check out agent Nelle Andrew’s advice on comparable titles .)

The letter should be targeted towards the literary agent or competition judge you’re writing to. Some writers choose to open with this and others incorporate it into the later paragraphs. The best way to make a connection and show you’ve done your research is to mention an author on the agent’s list who has a relevant readership. You could also explain why you think your novel aligns with what they describe in their wish list.

TELL US ABOUT YOU

It’s the writing, not the writer, that’s important … but the agent or judge does want to know about you too. They especially want to know why you were the one person who could write this book . And it’s true – no one else could write the book you’ve written. So tell us why. Did your job as a psychiatrist inspire the analysis of your antagonist’s motivation? Do you live in the idyllic town where the book is set? Have you studied the era of your historical novel? Share relevant details about yourself. 

The agent or judge also wants evidence that you are a writer. You’re not just someone who thinks they have a novel in them; you take your craft seriously. If you can, share what magazines your short fiction has been published in, the competitions you’ve been listed in or the creative writing courses you’ve completed. If you don’t have that kind of experience, share anything that tells us you’re serious. Join a writer’s workshop group and tell us about that. Attend an online masterclass (like the ones BPA runs ) and mention that. Experiment with writing in different forms and tell us about it. S hare which contemporary authors have inspired you, so it’s clear that you’re well read. Just don’t put, ‘This is my first attempt at writing fiction,’ and leave it at that. It doesn’t inspire confidence.

A cover letter should be professional, like the cover letter you would send with a job application, but you also want it to have some personality. And given you’re basically applying for the role of ‘novelist’, it needs to be well written.

So, keep it formal, make sure it’s eloquent, and try to get some flow into it. When you read it aloud, it should sound natural. If it doesn’t, it might be that you haven’t varied sentence length, that you’ve used rigid language, or simply that you’re trying too hard. As formal as a cover letter should be, you want your enthusiasm for this novel you’ve spent so long writing to imbue the lines. 

COMMON ISSUES IN ‘BPA FIRST NOVEL AWARD’ SUBMITTED COVER LETTERS

• Formatting it like a CV or splitting it into sections titled ‘Bio’ and ‘Novel Summary’.
• Sharing irrelevant detail about your personal life. 
• Making it too short – 200-350 words is a good guideline.
• Or too long – unfortunately, nobody’s going to read a cover letter past the first page!
• Writing a vague description of the story e.g. ‘When a mysterious event happens, a woman will have to look to the past to uncover the truth.’
• Including long-winded explanations of why there’s a huge market for your book.
• Coming across as arrogant … or lacking in confidence.
• Sharing more about the novel’s message than its story.

WRITE THE COVER LETTER YOUR NOVEL DESERVES

Once you’ve finished a manuscript, the instinct is to get it on submission as soon as possible, but it’s worth taking the time to give an accurate and exciting representation of the work . Literary agents receive many submissions a day and have to fit reading time in with a huge workload. You need to grab them in the cover letter so that they’re already thinking of you as a potential client when they read the sample.

Out of everything you could have written on the blank pages of a document titled Novel , you’ve carefully chosen each word of this story that has to be told. You know people will love it and you hopefully have a sense of who and why . Get that across to the agent or competition reader, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll request the full manuscript.

For personalised feedback on your cover letter, you might want to consider a BPA Submission Package Report – enquire here .

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Literary Journal, Magazine, or Publication

A cover letter is your chance to create a positive first impression for the editors and readers who are reviewing your work. An unprofessional (or even a long-winded) cover letter can warrant unenthusiastic consideration of your work.

However, a concise and well-written cover letter encourages editors to begin reading the submitted poem, manuscript, or short story proper. As Michelle Richmond, publisher of Fiction Attic Press, writes , “It might surprise you to know that the most forgettable cover letters are often the best.” And if you’re submitting to Adroit , it might be a good idea to review our cover letter guidelines here .

Here’s an example of an efficient and entirely fictitious cover letter that works, with footnotes to explain what to incorporate into your cover letters. A caveat: Different publications may have different requirements for their cover letters. Don’t assume that our template will work everywhere. That being said, this is a solid starting point.

Dear Peter LaBerge, Chris Crowder, Heidi Seaborn, and Adroit readers, 1

Please consider my poem, “No Regrets.” 2 I’ve been a long-time fan of Adroit , and I particularly enjoyed Jennifer Tseng’s “ First Son ” from Issue 27. 3

This is a simultaneous submission. If “No Regrets” is accepted elsewhere, I will withdraw it immediately. 4

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. 5

Sincerely, Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit is a senior majoring in statistics and comparative literature at the University of Vermont. Their work has previously been published in Winter Tangerine and Vagabond City . Some of their other work can be found online at peterrabbit.wordpress.com. 6

1 Referencing editors’ names shows that you’ve done your research and adds a personal touch to what may be a copy-and-pasted cover letter. For your convenience, I’ve linked the Adroit masthead here . If you truly can’t find information about the editor, consider using “Dear Editors,” “Dear Readers,” “To whom it may concern:” or “Dear [Journal].”

2 Short and simple. Your first sentence should convey why you are writing this cover letter. If you’re submitting a short story, editors will often want to know the word count. Also include the category or genre of the piece.

3 Referencing a piece or two previously published by a literary journal shows editors that you’ve done your research. Editors can assume that you’re familiar with what kind of work they publish, and that will set their mind at ease. Of course, don’t fake it. If you have a truly personal connection with the editor, feel free to add it. But make sure it’s not as inane as “I noticed that we both have a dog! I love dogs.”

4 Simultaneous submissions are submitted to multiple journals at the same time. It’s a common practice accepted at many journals, but individual journals might have different requirements. Always include information on simultaneous submissions as a matter of professional courtesy.

5 Simple, courteous, and a good lead to the actual content.

6 Many journals, like Adroit , will ask for a short bio. Include some general details about your current occupation, your training or education, and some of your most recent publications. It’s important to emphasize that editors will keep reading even if you haven’t had any publications or if you aren’t formally pursuing a creative writing degree (whether graduate or undergraduate), so don’t feel like you’ve got to conjure up some accolades or fluff. You probably want to leave out superfluous details like your job as a babysitter in sixth grade or your last sandwich order.

There you have it. A quick but professional way to open your submission to a literary journal, magazine, and publication. You seem human, but you are first and foremost a writer. And writers want their work to be read and published. Good luck!

Thank you for visiting The Adroit Journal . For more writing-geared content, be sure to sign up for updates using the form below!

Darren Chang

Darren Chang is an undergraduate student at Cornell University, where he participates in intercollegiate policy debate, writes a column for the Daily Sun, and devours large quantities of ice cream. Academically, he is interested by the intersection of different cultural perspectives, especially Asian American and disability scholarship. You can also catch him reading memoirs and autobiographies, playing ping pong, and laughing at memes of his home state of Indiana.

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Cover Letters: Advice from a Literary Magazine Editor

A guest post by Yi Shun Lai

Since 2014 I have edited prose for the  Tahoma Literary Review . This submission period we had a little over a thousand submissions; by the time I’m done, I will have read somewhere between 350 and 400 pieces of fiction and given feedback on a little over half of those. (We have awesome fiction readers at TLR to help with the remainder of the workload, and poetry makes up a massive chunk of those thousand submissions.)

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had some commentary and questions on what makes a good cover letter for a literary submission, so I thought I’d address that.

First, some notes:

My policy  with cover letters is so: I try to only read them after I’ve done with the submission. There are a lot of reasons for this, unconscious bias being chief among them, but because our submission engine defaults to showing me the cover letter when I open the submission, I usually will get a glance at them despite my best intentions before I get to the short story or essay itself.

Literary magazine cover letters are  different  from the query letters you would write to a consumer magazine in that your piece for a literary magazine is already complete. But in some ways they are the same.

This advice is  unique to this editor and to prose , but I’ll wager it covers a lot of things folks like to see in cover letters in general.

The no nos are easy : Don’t “Dear editor” me. Don’t say something like “most people think I’m drunk or on cocaine when they read my work.” And for God’s sake, do not say your writing is “picaresque,” or that it “redefines literature.” (I don’t know. This last one might be a personal thing. *twitches.*) These are all things that have appeared in this reading period, by the way.

With that said, here are the YES, DO THISes of cover letters:

Please  customize  your letter. The person reading your submission is a person. With a name.

Please  give me something  that tells me you have actually read my magazine and/or know something of what we like to publish.*

*This is a gimme. Our editors are all online, as are our readers, and the magazine’s  digital   footprint  is considerable.

You  don’t have to tell me  about your story or essay, but in nonfiction it can be especially helpful. In fiction I find people have a terrible time summing up their own work.

Please  tell me a little bit  about yourself. This is not a bio in third person. This is one or two lines about your most recent publications, maybe.

With all of that said, here’s what my standard cover letter for a literary submission looks like:

Dear XXXXX,

Thank you for taking the time to read my submission. I admire X publication’s [insert unique feature here]

We met [XX HERE] and I was happy to hear that you [UNIQUE THING ABOUT THIS EDITOR YOU LIKE OR WHATEVER HERE.]

I’m a prose editor for the Tahoma Literary Review, and my fiction is most recently published [XXX here]. My nonfiction can be found [XX].

Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Yi Shun Lai

Generally, it follows  very basic rules:

• Be  concise .
• Be  polite  and  human . Remember you’re writing to a person, not a ‘bot. I’m not a fan of the one-line “cover letters” for this reason: it looks like I’m screening for data points rather than reading for a good essay or story.
• Please  don’t aggrandize  your own work or style. That’s what I’m here for, should you publish with me, and your work should speak for itself, anyway.
• Remember that your job is to  do honor* to the work  you are presenting to me. So you shouldn’t, as a friend described it to me recently, feel icky or gross about it. Look at it as giving your work due credit. Start there and you won’t feel icky–doing honor to something is not the same as, um, pimping it.

Okay? In the end, I think it comes down to this: Where are you writing this letter from? Are you writing it from a position that says you want to put something new into this world of reading? Yes? Then put that foot forward.

Okay. Now. Go forth and write. TLR opens to submission again 1 January 2018. Until then, ask me any questions below.

*I stole this from Alex Maslansky, bookseller at Stories Books and Café in LA. I have used it a bajillion times and I’ll keep on using it. It makes sense.

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Home / Book Writing / The Best Writing Contests and How to Apply

The Best Writing Contests and How to Apply

You live to write and have numerous short stories to prove it. Best of all, people other than your mother love and praise them! But because your name doesn’t happen to be Danielle Steel, no publisher is currently knocking down your front door to rip manuscripts from your printer before the pages even cool. So what is an aspiring writer to do? Apply to a writing contest, perhaps?

If you were a singer, you could try out for American Idol ; if a dancer, you could apply to So You Think You Can Dance . But let’s face it, a television show where you typed at your keyboard is not must-see TV.

Even so, there are numerous (non-televised) writing contests where you can display your skills and improve your writing . Plus, if you win, you might receive some well-deserved critical acclaim—not to mention a cash award and potential future writing contracts.

In this article, you will learn:

• How to enter a writing contest and increase your chances of placing or even winning
• Which contests are reputable
• Which contests are currently accepting submissions

Table of contents

• General Rules for Applying to Writing Contests

Writers & Illustrators of the Future

• Writer's Digest Magazine 
• EcoLit Books
• The University of Georgia Press
• Colorado State University
• The Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition
• The Indiana Review
• Writing Battle
• Final Thoughts

There are a lot of writing contests out there that may or may not be worth your time. As a general rule, it's a good idea to check out the contest's social media presence, their history, and the previous winners to be sure that you're applying to one that isn't going to waste your time and your money–since most of them do have entrance fees. Never fear, I've done some research for you, and listed a few of the best writing contests and how to apply to them below.

But it's probably a good idea for us to go over some general rules for applying to these contests. So here they are:

• Edit your work before you submit anything. Make sure that it's the best it can possibly be.
• Don't apply to writing contests that are outside of your genre.
• If a writing contest has a specific requirement or theme like “Robots takes over the Earth,” don't try to shop an old story that doesn't fit.
• Do check the specific submission requirements for each contest. This will include the length of the piece in words, the theme or genre, and how your submission should be formatted, including margin and font size.
• Write a great cover letter–once again, this depends on the submission guidelines.
• If the contest organization publishes past winners, it’s a great idea to read two or three issues to understand the writing the current judges love. Your fantasy tale might be the greatest thing since The Lord of the Rings , but if the judges are currently into science fiction, winning will remain your largest fantasy.
• Be professional, both in writing and correspondence.
• If you win, that's awesome! If you don't, try again, but don't  ever  contact the judges or call the competition out on social media. This won't reflect well on you or up your chances in future writing contests.
• Don't submit the same piece to multiple contests at the same time.

Now that we've gotten the general rules out of the way. Let's look at some of the best writing contests that you can apply to.

Join in celebrating 10 years of Inkitt . Inkitt was founded 10 years ago as a website for founder Ali Albazaz and his friends and family to share stories and receive feedback.

Since then, Inkitt has grown, evolved, and discovered so many amazing and talented writers, on a journey to fulfill our company mission of discovering hidden talents and turning them into globally successful authors. They invite you to submit your story to their contest ‘Decade of Discovery’.

Take your readers on a journey to uncover something new, whether it's a new passion, a hidden talent or a unique perspective on the world. Let your imagination run wild and leave readers captivated and inspired!

Contest dates:

Launch date: Monday 13th of March @12:00 am CET

End date: Thursday 8th of June @12:59 am CET

1st place: A Galatea publishing contract, an exclusive book cover design, a feature in a tagged Instagram post, and a verified profile badge on your Inkitt account.

2nd place: A Galatea publishing contract, a year-long free Galatea subscription, a feature in a tagged Instagram post, and a verified profile badge on your Inkitt account.

3rd place: A Galatea publishing contract, a feature in a tagged Instagram post, and a verified profile badge on your Inkitt account.

This contest is currently entering its 36th year and is one of the most famous writing contests around. You can enter four times a year and there is NO reading fee! The three top winners from each quarter are published in the Writers & Illustrators of the Future annual anthology. The contest is for science-fiction and fantasy writers and was formed to “help foster the next generation of master writers.” A lofty goal. And one the competition seems to have achieved many times over. To date there have been 404 contest winners, 334 illustrator winners, and entries from 181 countries.

If you're interested in submitting your story to the competition, click to check out the submission guidelines .

The coordinating judge will give advice to help good writers get better, and the website has a writer’s forum with plenty of helpful information to assist new authors. Many of the twelve annual winners have gone on to successful writing careers as you can see in this list of the brand new science fiction past winners.

In addition to publishing the winning stories, authors are paid for their story and one gold award winner is given $5,000. They also fly the winners out each year for an exclusive writers' workshop , which is really a scholarship, with training delivered by some of the leading authors in the industry. With no reading fee and the chance to have your writing judged by a panel that includes the likes of Kevin J. Anderson and Brandon Sanderson, this is an awesome opportunity for sci-fi and fantasy writers.

Writer's Digest Magazine hosts an annual writing contest that's been going on for over 80 years. This year's contest is the 89th, and contest submissions are judged by editors and literary agents with over 500 winners being selected. I like those odds.

There are reading fees for the different types of submissions, starting at $20 for poetry and $30 for manuscripts.  But the cost is well worth the reward. The first-place winner receives $5,000, an interview with the author on the Writer's Digest website, and a chance to attend the Writer's Digest Annual Conference with a Pitch Slam slot.

The Grand Prize winner and the first-place winner are also published on the Writer's Digest website. If you'd like to find out more about how to submit, you can do so here . Remember, these competitions always have unique and specific submission guidelines–it's a good idea to check them out before you submit.

Even with the fee, the contest is well-worth an aspiring short story writer's time.

This contest is open to multiple forms of writing, including but not limited to:

• Genre fiction short works (mystery, romance, etc.)
• Print or online articles
• Literary short stories

EcoLit Books is an independent online journal devoted to stories with environmental themes. They have a large section of their website dedicated to writers, with many writing opportunities listed, including competitions authors can submit to. Each contest has a different theme. For instance, the theme of the current competition is: “And lately, the sun.” 

The project will produce an anthology that will be released in November 2020, and submissions are open until 30 June 2020. But if you miss this round of the contest, there will be others, all with similar themes, that you can apply to. Here are the submission guidelines for the current contest.

Since the competition theme changes, the submission guidelines might too. The most accurate information will be found here for each subsequent competition. For this competition, authors whose stories are accepted will receive AUD$80, and one lucky story writer is picked by the editors to receive a prize of AUD$500. Every author whose story is chosen will receive a contributor copy of the eBook. Additionally, there's NO entry fee for this competition.

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The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Manuscripts

The Letter Review Prize is a writing contest that is awarded every two months. The contest has a total prize pool of $3800 USD and offers publication for the winners. The categories for the contest include Short Fiction (up to 5000 words), Poetry (up to 70 lines), Nonfiction (up to 5000 words), and Manuscripts (Novels, Story Collections, Poetry Collections, and Nonfiction).

The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction offers a $1000 USD prize pool for short fiction up to 5000 words. There are no genre or theme restrictions and it is open to writers from anywhere in the world.

The Letter Review Prize for Poetry offers an $800 USD total prize pool for poems of not more than 70 lines. Like the short fiction category, there are no subject or style restrictions and it is open to writers from anywhere in the world.

The Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction offers a $1000 USD total prize pool for nonfiction up to 5000 words in length. It is open to writers from anywhere in the world.

Finally, the Letter Review Prize for Manuscripts offers a $1000 USD total prize pool for manuscripts including novels, short story collections, poetry collections, and nonfiction books.

It is open to writers from anywhere in the world. Three winners from each category are announced who share in the prize money. The prize is judged blind to ensure fairness.

The University of Georgia Press offers $1,000 in the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction for a collection of short stories. The first prize-winning book in this contest was published in 1983, so it's fair to say that this is an esteemed competition. Two winners per year are awarded the prize, and the submissions for this competition are open from April 1 to May 31 every year. You can purchase previous year's books here , and check out what type of stories win the award.

Here are the submission guidelines for the competition. Interestingly, the University of Georgia Press appears to host more than one writing contest. There's another called the Crux: The Georgia Series in Literary Nonfiction, and there's also a poetry contest: The Georgia Poetry Prize.  So, if you can't submit to the fiction competition right away, you do have the option to try for the nonfiction or poetry contests instead.

There isn't an entry fee for this contest either. At a glance, it appears the short story contest is open to stories that are themed–this will change annually. Previous themes included: “Stories about Holidays”, “Stories about Death” and “Stories about Love.”

Colorado State University offers prizes for short fiction via its Center for Literary Publishing. The prize is called the Nelligan Prize for Short Fiction, and though it's currently closed for submissions at the time of this article's publication, it's open annually from December.

There's an entry fee of $17 for online submissions and $15 for paper submissions. You can check out the submission guidelines here . But just to break it down, this competition is for short stories in the 2,500 to the 12,500-word range. You don't need to be a resident of the U.S.A. to enter, and the winners, who receive a cash prize of $2,000, are usually announced in June of the following year. The winning story is published in the fall or winter issue of the Colorado Review.

This is an esteemed competition that was established in 2004 in honor of author and editor, Liza Nelligan. At a glance, it seems the type of fiction suitable for this competition is previously unpublished literary work.

First established in 1981 in Key West, the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition draws in entrants from all over the states and the world. Lorian Hemingway is the judge–she's the author of three critically acclaimed books: Walking Into The River, Walk On Water and A World Turned Over. She's also the granddaughter of the great, Ernest Hemingway. She takes what might be considered an unorthodox approach to judging the competition, at least in the eyes of the literary world. To her, typos aren't an issue. It's more about the meaning and spirit of the story.

The competition has awarded over $70,000 to entrants over its 39 years of existence. Submissions cost $15 before May 1st and $20 after May 2nd. The word count of submitted stories must be 3,500 words or less. And the first-place prize winner receives $1,500 and publication in  Cutthroat: A Journal of Arts. The competition favors authors or writers who have not been published in widely circulated magazines before–that includes self-published authors, who will be considered on an individual basis.

You can check out online submission guidelines here.

The Indiana Review awards five prizes a year in different categories. One of them, the IR 1/2 K Prize, allows you to send in multiple pieces for consideration with the caveat that each one is less than 500 words. I'd say that's in the realm of flash fiction. When submitting, you don't have to add a cover letter–interestingly, the submission process for this award is done online, directly after payment. You can't email or mail your submissions–they'll be ignored.

There's an entry fee of $20. This gets you not only a submission but a year-long subscription of the journal. That's a pretty neat bonus if you ask me. All submitted works must not have been published anywhere else. And the prize? It's $1,000 and publication of your pieces.

You can take a look at the details and submission guidelines here. Remember, there are multiple prizes so be sure to check out the full list here .

Writing Battle guarantees a cash prize pool of at least $5,000, split amongst the winners from each of the four genres. All winners are also offered publication, and everyone gets loads of feedback from participants. $25 (tax included) to enter. Writing Battle is a supportive and growing community that holds a quarterly competition for writers, by writers. Receive prompts and write a Short Story within the time limit (usually a few days). After the submission deadline, the stories are separated by genre and battle in parallel tournaments.

The outcomes of each face-off in the tournament are judged by fellow participating writers, providing peer feedback, and judging stories in different genres than their own. After a few weeks of peer judging, industry professionals step in to decide the four winners, one from each of the four genres. Industry judges include the likes of Nebula and Hugo winner, Ken Liu (THE GRACE OF KINGS). Check out  Past Winners  or read more about the  Rules

More Writing Contests

We've gathered even more writing contests for you to check out!

With all these available contests, it’s time to get to work writing and editing your best story within an inch of its life. Then, submit it only after researching to ensure you are adhering strictly to the writing contest's guidelines, and that you’ve polished it with the shine that appeals to those specific judges.

And while you’re waiting for that contest to conclude, start working on a new submission for the next contest. Of all the tales I’ve heard, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a legend of a writer submitting his first and only work to a single contest, and winning the first time around. Persistence and hard work are the more typical stories of success.

If you live to write, your greatest breaths of air will be the days your private creations become public. Your masterpieces won't be published if you don’t go to the work of getting them out there. So use this information to push yourself just a bit harder. And do the work it takes to successfully enter these contests, so that you can start writing your own future!

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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8 thoughts on “ The Best Writing Contests and How to Apply ”

Another good source for info on writing contests is Practicing Writing https://www.erikadreifus.com/2020/06/markets-jobs-for-writers-8/ . Erika Dreifus publishes a list of contests and jobs for writers every Monday with a bigger list monthly. She lists only things that are free to enter but pay the winners. She provides subscribers with other useful info on other days.

This is a very good list of resources. I was infact looking for something like this .Writing contest accepting work from all over the work is what I need know.Will check out the guidelines.

Awesome and sounds good!

Great list! Thanks for the hard work you put into this research.

You’re welcome and glad to have helped.

It would be nice to have this information for non fiction writers. All the above only apply to fiction.

If you come across some, let us know and we’ll update.

These are all for short fiction. What about contests for novels.

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How to Write a Poetry Submission Cover Letter

The best publishing option for a collection of poems is to submit it to literary magazines or poetry publishing houses.

But getting your poetry collection accepted by a reputable poetry publication isn’t a slide; you have to write awesome poetry and have to abide by the submission guidelines.

Major poetry publications have specific submission processes that are a bit similar and, in most cases, the cover letter is going to be addressed to the publisher’s poetry editor. You need a good cover letter that will impress the editor and increase the chances of your poetry being published.

You need to know what you’re doing and understand that you don’t need an insanely creative, impressive cover letter. What you need is a brief letter that sets up the editor for the submission. Cover letters on their own won’t get your poems accepted; however, they can easily get them rejected.

So, how can you write a perfect cover letter for a poetry submission? Read on to find out how.

What is a Cover Letter for Submitting a Poem?

When you submit your poems to a publishing house , literary magazine, or poetry contest, you’re required to submit your poetry with a cover letter that comes with some details about the poems submitted and the author (that’s you!).

The publishers often have varying formats, but basically, cover letters have a format that includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

As I already stated, the cover letter is brief but it is very important because the editorial team does make decisions (including whether to publish your poetry or not) based on that small piece of writing. If it weren’t that important, it wouldn’t be the document that editors always read first before going into your poems.

Why Do They Need It?

There are lots of things that a cover letter contains that may aid the decision-making process of the editor or contest organizer.

If it’s a submission from a non-native English speaker, a cover letter may reveal this and the editor can take into consideration the difficulties that such a writer may face writing in a foreign language. The submission might come from a child and that may require the editor to engage the writer’s parents or legal guardian to co-sign the publishing contract.

A cover letter contains more information than those two, and such information makes it easier for an editor to do their job.

What a Good Cover Letter Should Have

A concise introduction.

The whole cover has to be concise and gets to the point as quickly as possible. This is one of the secrets of writing a good cover lever for a poetry submission; you put a huge stamp in a very brief letter.

That’s hard and easy, at the same time. The editor will probably have to read hundreds of poetry submissions, so you must craft a cover letter that shows respect for the editor’s time and editorial duties.

A Courteous Tone

A good cover addresses the editors/publication by name and has a nice tone. You don’t want to leave a bad first impression by sending a cover letter that comes off as a copied and pasted letter.

Right Context

When writing a cover letter , you have to consider the context. You have to remember that it’s a poetry submission, so you have to mention your credentials that have something to do with writing and nothing else (unless requested by the publication/editor). The guidelines also provide some sort of context; you have to follow them to the letter when writing your cover letter.

What Most Submissions Want In a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Although the contents of a cover letter may vary between submissions, your personal information is required in almost all submissions.

Editors go back to look at your cover letter and bio after reading your poems to match them. Here are some of the requirements for different cases:

Poetry Publication

• A list of the submitted poems’ titles.
• A short bio.
• Your recent publications or upcoming publications.

Poetry Retreats, Residencies, and Fellowships:

• A list of the submitted poems’ titles
• A short bio (below 100 words)
• 3-5 places where you’ve been published, or say you haven’t been published yet
• Aesthetics statement (your artistic influences and some context for your poems)
• A few words about your bio (what you do, where you work, and any work you do in the art community).

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

1. research and follow guidelines.

Before writing your cover letter (and, sometimes, before writing your poems), the first thing to do is research your target publication, contest, fellowship, etcetera. Every one of these institutions or organizers has specific guidelines, and submissions that fail to satisfy them are instantly thrown out.

2. Address the Organizers/Publishers by name

Addressing the Organizers/Publishers by name shows your professionalism and due courtesy.  Covers letters that achieve this are bound to face warm reception and that is a good start for your submission.

3. Link to your past work

If it’s your first submission, don’t worry, your work will speak for you. However, if you have a couple of published works to your name, link to your published work if the organizers allow or provide means of doing so.

Some organizers or publishers provide somewhere else for such links. Submitting using email is even better. You can attach copies of your published work along with the current poem submission.

4. Stay On Topic

I talked about respecting context when writing a cover letter, and this also touches on that. The cover has to contain the necessary info (publications, writing credentials, etc.), but it shouldn’t stray out of context and mention unrelated academic and personal referrals. It might be a good thing to tell the editor what you’ve learned, but it’s unwarranted in this case.

5. Skip Unnecessary Pleasantries

Addressing the editors directly is encouraged but don’t drop a ‘newbie alert’ on them by trying to be too nice.

They’re not your buddies and don’t waste their time—go straight to the matter at hand.

6. Provide Contact Information

Your submission should include contact information (i.e., your full name, email, phone number, et cetera) that may help the organizers to get in touch with you.

Poetry Cover Letter Example

Here’s an example of a brief but effective cover letter for a poetry submission. There are countless ways of writing and the form that a cover letter depends, to an appreciable extent, on the publisher’s preferences and guidelines.

This is just a sample, not a template that you can use for all your poetry submissions. But it’s a very good reference, in case you decide to use some parts of this sample.

Dear Editor, Please consider my three poems for publication in your journal, Poetry Mountain. The first poem ‘Milk way Love’ is a free verse that talks of one man’s undying love for a selfish woman. The other two, ‘Morning Dance’ and ‘Happy Horses’ are inspiring sonnets based on my auntie’s life story. I am a poet based in New York. I began writing poetry when I was 7 and have 30 published poems to my name. My poetry (none of which is among these 3 submissions) has previously been published in the Otter Voice, Talking Hills review, and the Mustard Poetry Journal. Thank you very much for your time and consideration . Sincerely Yours, Dennis Bergman

In this template, I briefly talked about the poems and slotted them in my succinct bio. You could write a longer cover letter but be economical with your words. If you add anything to a template like this one, it should be something requested by the publisher or something you’re convinced enhances the cover letter’s intentions.

Write A Great Cover Letter, Submit Delicious Poetry

The cover won’t get your poems accepted and published—the quality of your poems will.

If you want to write poems about beauty , you have to ensure that your writing is evocative and thought-provoking. So before writing your cover letter, you have to ensure that your poetry is ‘on point.’

Some well-established editors give the cover letters to their assistants while they savor your poems. In this case, you have to write poems that match the quality of your cover letter.

In most cases though, editors look at your cover letter before reading your poems, you cannot mess up. You have to satisfy the publisher’s guidelines before you start thinking about how creative you’re going to be with your cover letter.

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12 Writer Cover Letter Examples

Writers excel at weaving words into captivating stories, painting vivid pictures with their prose, and engaging readers with their narrative. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to craft a compelling narrative about your professional journey, using your words to captivate recruiters and paint a vivid picture of your skills and experiences. In this guide, we'll explore outstanding Writer cover letter examples to help you pen your own captivating professional story.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Writer cover letter is with a compelling hook that grabs the reader's attention. This could be a brief anecdote about a writing achievement, a unique perspective you bring to your work, or a notable publication where your work has been featured. Follow this with a clear statement of your intent, such as the specific role you're applying for. Remember to address the letter to the appropriate person, if their name is available. This personalized and engaging approach will help you stand out from other applicants.

Writers should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and expressing gratitude for the reader's time. They should reiterate their unique skills or experiences that make them a good fit for the role. It's also important to include a call to action, such as a request for an interview or a meeting. The closing should be professional and polite. Here's an example: "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique storytelling skills to your team and I am confident that I can contribute to your editorial goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity with you further." Finally, they should sign off with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by their full name.

A writer's cover letter should ideally be one page long. This is because the purpose of a cover letter is to provide a brief introduction of yourself and to explain the reasons for your interest in the specific position or organization. It's important to be concise and to the point, while effectively communicating your skills, experiences, and why you would be a good fit for the role. A one-page cover letter is usually sufficient to achieve this. If it's too long, there's a risk that the hiring manager might not read the entire letter, and if it's too short, it might not provide enough information about your qualifications.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a writer can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Make sure to grab the reader's attention with your enthusiasm for the role and the company. 2. Highlight your relevant skills: Even if you don't have direct writing experience, you likely have other skills that are relevant. Perhaps you have strong research skills, creativity, or a knack for storytelling. Maybe you've written blog posts, social media content, or academic papers. All of these can be valuable in a writing role, so be sure to highlight them. 3. Showcase your knowledge about the company: Show that you've done your homework about the company and the industry. This can demonstrate your interest and your initiative, both of which are attractive qualities in a potential hire. 4. Discuss your education: If you've taken any writing-related courses or earned a degree in a related field (like English, journalism, or communications), be sure to mention it. Even if your education isn't directly related, discuss how it's helped you develop valuable skills. 5. Provide examples: Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills. For instance, if you're applying for a content writing role, you might discuss a time when you wrote a well-received research paper or a blog post. 6. Show your passion: Passion can often make up for a lack of experience. If you're passionate about writing, make sure that comes across in your cover letter. 7. Close with a strong conclusion: Wrap up your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the role and your eagerness to contribute to the company. Thank the reader for considering your application and express your hope for further discussion. 8. Proofread: This is especially important for a writing role. Make sure your cover letter is free of typos and grammatical errors. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Even if you don't have professional writing experience, your unique skills and perspectives can still make you a strong candidate. Good luck!

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Poetry Competitions: Everything You Need To Know 

Hey there, fellow poets! If you’re anything like me, you’ve often wondered how to dive into the exciting and rewarding world of poetry contests. I get it—there are so many contests out there, each with unique rules, themes, and prizes. It can feel overwhelming, right? But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!

I’ve entered my fair share of poetry contests, faced the ups and downs, won some, lost many, and learned a lot along the way. Now, I’m here to share everything I know with you. So grab a cup of your favorite brew, settle down, and let’s dive into The Complete Guide to Poetry Contests. Trust me, it’s going to be a fun ride!

1. What are poetry contests, and why should I enter one?

Poetry contests are competitive platforms where poets submit their work to be judged by experienced writers, poets, or literary figures. Why enter? Let me tell you about winning a poetry contest for the first time. The thrill, the recognition, and the boost to confidence are invaluable. Not only can contests give you exposure, but they also provide deadlines (great for procrastination), feedback, and even prizes like cash or publication.

2. How do I find poetry contests to enter?

The Letter Review Prize is open for submissions. Our writing contest is awarded every two months, with a total Prize pool of $4000 USD and publication for our winners. Up to 20 writers are Shortlisted in each category, and the winners are considered for submission to the Pushcart Prize and other prestigious anthologies. All entries are considered for publication. The categories are  Short Fiction  (up to 5000 words),  Poetry  (up to 70 lines),  Nonfiction  (up to 5000 words), &  Unpublished Books  (Novels, Story Collections, Poetry Collections, and Nonfiction).

When I first started, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of contests out there! What worked for me was following websites that list reputable contests, subscribing to literary magazines, and joining poetry communities online. Your local library or community college might also host contests. Just like when I stumbled upon a local contest that turned out to be perfect for my style—sometimes, the right contest is just around the corner!

3. How do I know if a poetry contest is legitimate?

This is crucial! Not all contests are created equal. I learned the hard way by entering a shady contest that ended up being a scam. Always research the organizer, look for past winners, check if there are entry fees, and what they offer in return. Reputable contests will have transparent judging processes and provide clear information about prizes and rights. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

4. How should I choose the right poetry contest for my work?

Oh, finding the right fit! It’s like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans. You need to consider the theme, style, length, and sometimes even the form of the poem. I remember when I found a contest specifically for sonnets—it was perfect for a piece I’d just finished. Always read the guidelines carefully and make sure your work aligns with what the contest is looking for. It’s a match made in poetic heaven!

5. Are entry fees for poetry contests normal? Should I pay them?

Entry fees shouldn’t deter you. They often support the administrative costs of the contest or fund the prize. I’ve paid my share of fees for contests that were well worth it. Also, there are also free contests that are reputable and fantastic. It’s all about researching and weighing the potential benefits. If the contest is legit and the fee is reasonable, go for it!

6. How do I write a poem that stands out in a contest?

Ah, the golden question! I can tell you from my own wins (and losses) that originality is key. Be yourself, let your unique voice shine, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Play with language, explore new themes, and push boundaries. Remember the time when you read the poem about the dancing cactus? It stood out because it was different. Don’t be generic; be extraordinary! Purple cow.

7. Can I submit a poem that’s been published elsewhere?

This is a tricky one, and it tripped me up once. Some contests allow previously published work, while others require exclusive, unpublished material. Make sure to read the fine print! If it’s unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to the organizers. Better safe than sorry!

8. How do I handle rejection from a poetry contest?

I’ll be honest; rejection stings. I’ve had my share of “thanks, but no thanks” emails. But I’ve learned to see them as opportunities for growth. Ask for feedback if possible, and use it to improve. Keep submitting and remember that even famous poets faced rejection. Keep your chin up, and your pen moving!

9. What rights do I retain when I submit to a poetry contest?

Rights can be a complex issue. I once lost the rights to a poem I loved because I didn’t read the fine print. Usually, you retain the rights to your work, but some contests may require exclusive rights for a certain period if you win. Always, always read the guidelines carefully and understand what you’re agreeing to. Seek advice from a lawyer in complex legal situations that you don’t understand, and don’t rely solely on advice from Letter Review.

10. Can I submit the same poem to multiple contests simultaneously?

Simultaneous submissions can be a time-saver, but they can also be risky. Some contests allow it, while others don’t. I learned this the hard way when I had to withdraw a poem from one contest because another one accepted it. Always check the rules, and if in doubt, stick to one contest at a time.

11. What should I focus on while editing my poem for a contest?

Editing, my friend, is often where the magic happens. I’ve spent countless nights polishing and fine-tuning my poems. Focus on clarity, imagery, and emotional impact. Remove unnecessary words, refine metaphors, and make sure your poem flows in just that way you intended. Remember, every word must earn its place on the page.

12. How do I deal with nerves before submitting to a poetry contest?

Oh, the butterflies! I get them every time, even after all these years. What helps me is to remind myself that I’m proud of my work and that I’ve done my best. Sometimes, I’ll take a walk or chat with a fellow poet friend. And don’t forget, no matter the outcome, you’re still a fantastic poet! If nerves bother you regularly, consider meditating or increasing your daily exercise. Eat healthy. Perhaps speak to your doctor.

13. How can I leverage a win or honorable mention in a poetry contest?

Winning or even getting an honorable mention is a huge deal! When poets experience their first win they often go to cloud nine. Use it to boost your writing resume, mention it in your bio, share the news on social media, and celebrate with fellow poets. It’s not just a win; it’s a validation of your hard work and talent. Next time you reach out to a publisher to discuss the publication of a collection of your poems, make sure to mention your win.

14. What’s the importance of following submission guidelines in poetry contests?

I can’t stress this enough: Follow the guidelines to the letter! Ignoring them can lead to instant disqualification. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. From formatting, font size, submission method, to themes and word count, make sure you adhere to every single detail. When in doubt, double-check!

15. Is it okay to write in a non-traditional form for a poetry contest?

Absolutely! I once won a contest with a poem written entirely in dialogue. If the guidelines don’t specify a particular form, feel free to experiment. Just make sure that the form serves the content and that it’s not just a gimmick. Be bold, be original, but above all, be true to your poetic voice.

16. How can I make my poem resonate with the judges of a contest?

Connecting with the judges is a subtle art. Read previous winning entries if available, understand the theme, and try to align your work with the ethos of the contest. That time when I wrote a nature poem for an environmental-themed contest? It clicked because it resonated with the contest’s core values. But remember, never lose your unique voice; it’s what makes your poem special.

17. Can I enter a contest if I’m outside the contest’s country?

This varies from contest to contest. I’ve known poets who’ve entered international contests successfully, but some contests might be restricted to residents of a particular country or region. Always check the guidelines to be sure.

18. How can I increase my chances of winning a poetry contest?

There’s no surefire recipe for winning, but you can increase your chances by submitting your best work, tailoring it to the contest, following the guidelines meticulously, and being original. Keep learning, keep growing, and never give up. Remember, every submission is a step towards success. Seek feedback and refine your techniques. Always return to your favourite poems to discover what you love most in a poem. Pastiche is a fine way to begin.

19. Should I enter contests that only offer publication as a prize?

Publication can be a fantastic prize ! I’ve entered contests just for the thrill of seeing my work in print. If the contest is reputable and aligns with your goals, why not? After all, it’s not just about winning; it’s about growing as a poet and sharing your work with the world.

20. Can beginners enter poetry contests? How can they start?

Beginners, welcome to the exciting world of poetry contests! I remember my first contest entry; I was as green as they come. Don’t be daunted; many contests are open to all levels, including newcomers. Start by finding contests specifically aimed at beginners or open to all. Read, write, revise, and take the plunge. Every poet started somewhere!

21. How do I know if a poetry contest is reputable? What should I look for?

Ah, the search for the golden contest! I’ve sifted through many to find those gems. Reputable journals are often members of the CLMP and adhere to the CLMP Contest Code of Ethics . Letter Review’s poetry contest uses this code of ethics . Look for contests hosted by trustworthy literary organizations, magazines, or publishers. Check the judges’ credentials, read previous winners, and search for feedback from other poets. If it sounds too good to be true, it might be. Trust your gut and do your homework!

22. Should I write to the theme, or stick to my style in a poetry contest?

This is a dance I’ve often done! If a contest has a theme, it’s essential to adhere to it, but never lose your unique voice in the process. I once wrote a love poem for a contest about technology, using tech terms as metaphors for romance. Stay true to yourself, but also be adaptable and creative.

23. How long does it usually take to hear back from a poetry contest?

The waiting game, oh, how it tests our patience! It varies from contest to contest. I’ve heard back in weeks, and other times, it’s taken months. Most contests will specify the notification date, so mark that on your calendar and try (I know it’s hard!) not to obsess over it. Keep writing in the meantime! For some organizations it can be up to half a year or more. I once waited for over a year to hear back from Granta .

24. How important is it to understand the judging process in a poetry contest?

Understanding the judging process can give you an edge. I once entered a contest where the judging was blind, meaning the judges didn’t know who wrote the poems. Knowing this allowed me to focus solely on the content without worrying about my bio or background. Familiarize yourself with how the contest is judged, and tailor your submission accordingly. Letter Review’s poetry contest is judged blind.

25. Can I enter a poetry contest with a collaborative poem written with a friend?

Collaboration can be a joyful experience! I’ve written collaborative poems, but entering them in contests can be tricky. Some contests allow it, while others don’t. Check the rules, and if in doubt, contact the organizers. And make sure both you and your co-writer are on the same page (pun intended) about entering the contest.

26. Is feedback from poetry contests common? Should I expect it?

Feedback is like gold, but not all contests offer it. I’ve received some invaluable feedback from contests, while others have sent only generic rejection letters. If feedback is essential to you, look for contests that specifically offer it. The Letter Review’s poetry contest comes with the option for feedback.

27. How can I use poetry contests to build my writing portfolio?

Contests are stepping stones! Winning, placing, or even just participating can be added to your writing portfolio. I’ve used contest experiences to show my commitment to my craft, my willingness to take risks, and my successes. Don’t underestimate the power of contests in building your writing journey.

28. Can I enter a poetry contest if I’m under 18?

Young poets, rise and shine! Many contests are open to younger poets, and some are specifically designed for you. I’ve mentored young poets who’ve won contests, and it’s a thrilling experience. Always check the age requirements, and don’t be shy to show the world your talent. Letter Review’s poetry contest is open to writers of all ages.

29. How do I stay motivated to keep entering poetry contests?

Motivation can wane, I know, but keep your eye on the prize (literally and metaphorically). Celebrate every entry, learn from every experience, and connect with fellow poets. I have a poet buddy, and we cheer each other on. Remember, every contest is a chance to grow, to learn, and to shine.

30. How can I keep track of all my poetry contest submissions?

Organization is a poet’s best friend! I’ve used spreadsheets, apps, and good old-fashioned notebooks to keep track of where and when I’ve submitted. Include the contest name, submission date, response date, and any other essential details. Stay on top of it, and it’ll save you headaches down the road. Duotrope and Chillsubs are two excellent submission managers to consider. They list prizes and opportunities and help you keep track!

31. What resources can I use to find poetry contests?

Ah, the treasure hunt! I’ve found contests in literary magazines, writing newsletters, websites like Poets & Writers, and social media groups for poets. Connect with fellow writers, and keep an eye on reputable literary platforms. Opportunities are out there, waiting to be discovered! If all else fails, try Googling list of poetry competitions. The Letter Review Prize for Poetry is now open.

32. How can I write a winning cover letter for a poetry contest?

The cover letter is your handshake, your smile, your introduction. Keep it professional, concise, and friendly. Mention the contest name, the poems you’re submitting, any relevant bio information, and a thank you. And remember, your poems are the stars; the cover letter is just the opening act. Mention where you have been published before, and writing courses you have completed. Quickly mentioning one or two things you are passionate about can help to build rapport, but keep it short. For example, ‘I’m passionate about hiking, and swimming.’

33. Should I take a poetry writing class before entering contests?

Classes can be transformative! I’ve taken workshops that have sharpened my skills and introduced me to lifelong writing friends. If you can, I highly recommend taking a class. But don’t let lack of formal education hold you back. Your unique voice and passion are what make your poetry sing. And if you can’t afford it, just skip it (or maybe seek a scholarship!).

34. How can I ensure that my poem fits the contest’s theme?

Reading and understanding the theme is vital. I once misread a theme and had to rewrite my poem at the last minute! Analyze the theme, brainstorm how your voice can contribute to it, and if possible, read previous winners to gauge what resonates with the judges.

35. How can I create a unique voice in my poetry for contests?

Voice is a funny subject. Poets who have strong voices would probably agree that the voice can be changed. Many elements make up voice, such as who your imagined reader is, the purpose of addressing the reader (i.e. to cheer or strike with wonder), even energy level (and many other things). Experiment with many types of voice. Experiment with every element of your writing. If a poem seems to resonate with a competition, or with your readers, ask people why that is. Expand and delve into the parts that appear to be well received. Experiment, and refine. Voice will emerge.

36. Should I hire an editor before submitting to a poetry contest?

An editor can be a valuable ally. I’ve hired editors for specific projects, and they’ve helped me see my work from new angles. However, it’s not a must. Consider your budget, the importance of the contest, and your confidence in your work. Peer feedback and self-editing can also go a long way.

37. Is it necessary to follow traditional poetic forms in contests?

Traditional forms can be beautiful, but they’re not always required. I’ve submitted sonnets and free verse alike. Check the contest guidelines to see if they specify a form. If not, feel free to let your creativity soar. Just make sure it’s polished and resonates with the theme if there is one.

38. What’s the importance of understanding a contest’s audience?

Tricky. Easy to be prejudiced here. Don’t assume a magazine with predominantly older readers are looking for a specific type of poem. Or that young readers can’t handle certain types of writing. Political leanings are relevant: if a magazine like the Australian Overland identifies as being left wing, then socially progressive themes are likely to be received well there. If a magazine is conservative like Quadrant , then themes more relevant to the right wing of politics are bound to be popular. But there is no hard and fast rule: art eludes neat compartmentalization, and writing to your perception of an audience’s desires jeopardizes the creation of art you truly believe in.

39. Can entering poetry contests lead to other opportunities in the writing world?

Absolutely! Contests can be door-openers. I’ve had poems published, received invitations to readings, and even made connections with other writers through contests. Even if you don’t win, just participating shows commitment to your craft. Keep entering, and you never know what doors might swing open.

40. How do I know if my poem fits the length requirements of a contest?

Getting this right matters! I’ve had to trim and even expand poems to fit contests. Always check the guidelines for line or word counts. Follow them to the letter (literally!) as going over or under can lead to disqualification.

41. How do I write a bio for a poetry contest?

Writing a bio is like introducing yourself to a new friend. Keep it relevant, professional, and concise. Mention your writing background, significant publications, awards, and something personal that reflects you as a writer. Usually it’s good to look calm, and trustworthy.

42. Can I write in a language other than English for a poetry contest?

Language can be both a barrier and a bridge. Some contests welcome poems in different languages, especially if they reflect cultural diversity or a specific theme. I’ve seen contests that encourage bilingual or non-English submissions. Always check the guidelines to ensure your language choice fits.

43. Should I consider self-publishing if I don’t win a poetry contest?

Don’t let a “no” stop your “go”! I’ve taken poems that didn’t win contests and self-published them in chapbooks and online platforms. Consider why the poem may not have won, revise if needed, and then explore self-publishing if traditional routes aren’t opening up. Your words deserve to be read! Remember there are poem contests that accept self published work.

44. Can I attend poetry readings or workshops to improve my chances in contests?

Yes, yes, and yes! Workshops, readings, and classes have enriched my writing journey. You’ll learn new skills, meet fellow poets, and even discover new contests and opportunities. I’ve often found inspiration and encouragement in these settings, which has fueled my contest entries.

45. How do I know if poetry contests are right for me?

Ah, the big question! Poetry contests aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Try entering one or two, see how it feels, and assess what you gain from the experience. I’ve found contests to be exciting and growth-inducing, but the right path is the one that feels true to you.

And there you have it, a comprehensive guide to the world of poetry contests from someone who’s been in the trenches. Entering poetry contests can be an exhilarating experience, full of growth, learning, joy, and sometimes a few tears.

What’s most important is that you enjoy the process and use it to hone your craft. Write from the heart, follow the guidelines, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know, the next big win might be just around the corner. Just like it’s happened for many in the past, that one magical day, it could happen for you.

Keep writing, keep believing, and above all, keep being you. You’ve got the words and the passion. Now go out there and make some poetic magic. Happy writing, my poetic friends!

How to Write a Cover Letter

S omebody hiring you for a job will skim your resume, or may use an applicant tracking system to review it, but they will read your cover letter if considering you for a position .

Resumes are a vital tool for landing a job, and no job seeker should rush writing it, but the cover letter is worth lavishing time and attention on, too.

So if you’re looking for tips on how to write a cover letter, open up a document, and let’s get writing.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a letter that you’ll submit to an employer along with your resume and anything else, like a portfolio of your work, when you apply for a job. The cover letter makes a case for why you’re the person the company should hire.

If your resume is analogous to your brain – offering the facts and the logical reason why you should be hired – the cover letter is your heart – possibly striking an emotional chord with the employer and at least getting to the heart of the matter of why you, and no one else, is right for the job.

The resume should convince the employer that you have the background for the job; the cover letter should make it clear that you’re going to be an amazing employee and a pleasure to work with. After all, if all goes well, these people may be hanging out with you on their lunch break or working closely with you when you’re dealing with stressed out or difficult clients. That's arguably almost as important as you actually being capable of doing the work you're being hired for. And because of that, an employer would like to have a sense of your personality and who you are. A well-crafted cover letter can do that.

Choosing a Header

So how should you start the cover letter? Most resume experts will tell you to try and find the hiring manager's name, if at all possible. Assuming you have it, then you'd go with "Dear Mr. Smith" or "Dear Ms. Smith." You might want to address the person by their first name, according to Jennifer Fishberg, founder of Career Karma Resume Development & Career Services, which is based out of Highland Park, New Jersey.

That is, if you’ve already had contact with the person, or there has been a referral, going with a first name might be fine, Fishberg says.

“But if you’re unsure, err on the side of the formal,” Fishberg says.

And what if you’re applying blindly and have no idea who is going to read the cover letter? Perhaps the classic and tried-and-true “To Whom It May Concern”?

That would be a hard no, according to Fishberg.

“’To Whom It May Concern’ is a non-starter,” she says. “It just screams that this is one of a hundred mass-produced letters you've sent out and couldn't be bothered. Part of the job of the cover letter is to humanize you to the reader, so an impersonal greeting doesn't help your cause there,” Fishberg says.

So what should you go with? “If you really can't find a name, then ‘Dear Hiring Team’ can work,” Fishberg says.

The Opening

So once you’ve addressed whom you’re writing to, as you can imagine, you’d better seem pretty compelling quickly. You’re competing with a lot of job applicants.

“A strong cover letter grabs the reader's attention from the first line,” Fishberg says.

Easy to say, not always easy to pull off. But Fishberg suggests that you might want to highlight what you know of your employer’s “pain points” and your ability to offer solutions. Your employer has some sort of problem or wouldn’t need to hire somebody. The employer hopes that by hiring you, you will solve those problems.

“Start with an attention-grabbing sentence,” says Deb Harrison, a former high school English teacher and now growth and change consultant who has worked with companies in recruiting and with individuals searching for jobs. She is based out of Montgomery, New York.

Harrison says that attention-grabbing sentence might involve a relevant quote, statistic or anecdote. But don’t go overboard with your quotes, statistics or anecdote. “Make it clear in the first paragraph why you are applying for the specific job,” Harrison says.

Writing the Body

OK, you feel good about how you’ve addressed whoever is reading your letter. You’ve got the reader hooked. Now here’s where things can either soar or start to fall apart.

There’s so much to think about, including:

Length. Most job sites will encourage you to write a cover letter that’s half a page to a page long. Harrison says that “recruiters have a lot to look through, so too much information may not even get read, but it should provide enough to stand out to the recruiter.”

Tone. “Type like you are speaking in an interview ,” says Pete Milne, managing director of Robert Walters North America, a professional recruiting firm. “It is so easy to be overly formal in written form.”

That may sound like the opposite of what you want since formal would seem to equate being professional, but no, Milne asserts. Being overly formal can really backfire.

“The tendency to use bigger words or complex language is tempting in order to show your intelligence levels. However, long sentences, difficult to read paragraphs and convoluted language are all signs of poor communication,” he says. “No one should have to dissect what you are trying to say. Make it obvious and super easy to read.”

Milne adds: “Also, imagine the shock when you turn up to an interview and sound nothing like your highly formal, legal-sounding cover letter. Stay true to yourself and be confident with your real tone of voice and personality.”

Details. As in, they matter, but don't go overboard here either. “Stick to the important stuff – a cover letter isn’t a biography,” Milne says. “As much as I encourage professionals to spend a good amount of time on a cover letter, there also needs to be an understanding that this will likely be scanned over by your prospective employer – hence the need to keep the language simple. See a cover letter as your highlights reel."

And only, Milne adds, including the highlights that are relevant to landing the job.

But if you feel like your cover letter needs a little something else, even if it has nothing to do with the job, you can probably get away with it, within reason, according to Milne.

“There is no harm in including that you are an avid surfer, but don’t go on about it unless you like to compete on a professional level, and tie in how getting to the finish line is a core makeup of your personality," Milne says. "All roads lead back to whether you will be good at this particular job or not.”

You may start to feel like this cover letter is as hard to write as a novel or television script, but you don’t have to close with a powerful ending for the ages or a cliffhanger, fortunately. Harrison advises that in your final paragraph and sentences you encourage the reader to take action – that is, reply to you (and be sure to provide your contact information). She also suggests you reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and thank the reader for considering your application.

Kyle Elliott, a career coach who lives in Santa Barbara, California, had a suggestion for the ending, if you have room and think it needs more punch.

"Because social proof is powerful, a creative and powerful way to end your cover letter is with a testimonial from a supervisor, colleague or client. You don't need to ask for an entire letter of recommendation here either. You can repurpose a testimonial from your LinkedIn profile or take a snippet from a performance review you received at work," he says.

And there you go. You’re done. Almost.

Review Your Cover Letter

That was just a first draft. You need to look over your cover letter again, especially if you really want this job . There are a lot of pitfalls that you want to make sure you didn’t stumble into while writing your letter.

For instance, you shouldn't only worry about typos or misspelling names, but getting basic facts incorrect.

“Frustratingly, the No. 1 thing that professionals can often get wrong in a cover letter is the company name or role that they are applying for,” Milne says.

Think about how that looks to a recruiter or potential employer, misnaming the company or even the type of job you’re applying for.

“Often the reason this happens is because job hunters typically use the same cover letter for multiple applications – barring a few tweaks,” Milne says.

"A copy and paste job when it comes to cover letters is lazy and can be borderline offensive or off-putting to recruiters or organizations depending on how obvious it is that you are firing off the same cover letter to multiple organizations," Milne says.

Repetition can also be a problem. In other words, are you repeating everything in the cover letter that you put in the resume? Not a great idea, according to Elliott.

“You want to avoid the common mistake of summarizing your resume when writing your cover letter. Instead, use your cover letter as an opportunity to express your interest in the company and role, as well as what sets you apart from other candidates,” Elliott says.

Sure, you knew that already – but it’s still easy to fall into the repetitive trap.

“Specificity is your friend when writing your cover letter. Give specific examples as to why you're drawn to this company compared to its competitors,” Elliott says. “Additionally, explain what distinguishes you from other applicants. If you offer a specific type of experience, knowledge or skill, be sure to call this out in your cover letter.”

Final Tips on Writing a Cover Letter

Finally, the important thing is to take writing a cover letter seriously.

"Cover letters often get a bad rap these days, both from job seekers and from the hiring side," Fishberg says. "Treating the cover letter as an obligatory nuisance is a missed opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants."

And if you can differentiate yourself, you'll have really pulled something off. You may even get hired .

"The perfect cover letter is the one that shows you've done your homework and understand this particular job and this company's needs. It's not one-size-fits-all," Fishberg says.

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Politics latest: PM doesn't rule out July election - and gives his reaction to latest Channel deaths hours after Rwanda bill passes

Rishi Sunak twice declines to rule out going to the country in July; the PM's flagship Rwanda bill has passed through parliament, but a minister has acknowledged further challenges to the controversial legislation are "inevitable".

Tuesday 23 April 2024 13:27, UK

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• Small boat crossings must stop 'out of compassion more than anything else', PM says
• Sunak in Poland with chancellor and defence secretary
• Challenges to Rwanda bill 'inevitable', minister says - but declares government will 'overcome them'
• Five deaths on migrant boat trying to cross Channel hours after legislation passes
• Live reporting by  Ben Bloch

We've just been hearing from our political editor Beth Rigby  who has travelled to Poland with the prime minister.

She spoke to us from a military base where Rishi Sunak will meet with NATO's secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, followed by a joint press conference, which will come amid speculation the PM is set to make a bigger announcement on UK defence spending.

Beth said the PM is in Europe "to argue the case for increased funding for Ukraine, to see of the threat of an expansionist Russia".

The NATO defence spending target is 2% of GDP, and both Poland and the UK spend slightly above that, but Beth said given the chancellor was also on the plane, there is "speculation about whether the prime minister is about to make a bigger announcement on increasing defence spending".

"He's been under lots of pressure back at home to do so - we will find out later.

"But really, this is about the prime minister trying to refocus the eyes of the world back onto Ukraine, back onto that war with Russia as Europe sees this expansionist aggression on its borders".

She noted this trip and the announcement follow the US House of Representatives finally agreeing a vast package of support for Ukraine after months of delay.

Watch Beth's full report from Warsaw here:

The deputy head of the armed forces will become the UK's next national security adviser - marking the first time a senior military officer has held the powerful position.

General Gwyn Jenkins, a former director of special forces, will replace Sir Tim Barrow, who has reportedly been lined up to become the next British ambassador to the United States.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that General Jenkins would be taking on the national security role during a trip to Poland on Tuesday.

"I'm really pleased that Gwyn is going to do this job - in an incredibly uncertain and increasingly dangerous world, it's important the person doing this job has the requisite set of skills to provide advice to me and to help navigate that landscape," he told reporters.

The Royal Marines officer, who is close to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK's top military officer, has previously spent time working at Number 10 and had a brief stint as a deputy national security adviser. He is currently Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.

Mr Sunak said: "I'd just point out it's the first time we've had someone with a military background... we need someone in that job who can blend a range of different skills together, diplomatic, intelligence, military operations.

"I have worked with Gwyn very closely since I've been PM - he's first rate, the country is lucky to his service, the government is very lucky to have his advice and I'm really pleased he's going to be doing this job."

Referring to Sir Tim, the prime minister said: "I'm very grateful to Tim - who's here, who I've worked very closely with since I've done this job.... he's been at the heart of foreign policy with me and really strengthening the UK's alliances and making sure we are involved and engaged and influential on the world stage. So I am grateful to Tim."

Not everyone inside defence, however, was instantly happy with the announcement of the appointment of General Jenkins to the national security post.

"It could be good news but there's open astonishment from many," one defence source said, claiming that General Jenkins had been an advocate of cutting the strength of the armed forces.

A second source said: "He's a decent man, but… he's a tactician… Courageous, bold... but those are the qualities of tactician, not strategist. 

"His knowledge of strategic themes is very limited, and he seems dismissive of it. A bad sign."

The PM said yesterday that the government aims to start flights to Rwanda in the next 10-12 weeks, which means approximately early July.

There has been speculation that this might mean Rishi Sunak could decide to have the general election in July.

Asked by journalists on the plane to Poland if he would rule that out, he refused to do so - twice.

Mr Sunak said: "All I'm going to say is the same thing I say every time - as I said I think it was in the first week of January, my working assumption is an election in the second half of the year."

July is, of course, the seventh month in the year, so were he to announce an election for then, it would be consistent with what he has said.

By Beth Rigby , political editor, in Poland

Rishi Sunak warned the world is now "more volatile and dangerous" than at any time since the Cold War, as the prime minister embarked on a trip to Poland and Germany to discuss the threat of expansionist Russia and refocus the world's eyes back on to Ukraine.

Speaking to journalists on the flight over to Poland, the prime minister said we were "unfortunately living in a world that is more dangerous than we've known it in decade, probably more dangerous than the end of the Cold War", adding that this was why it was "important in that we do invest more in our defence and that's what we've been doing".

"My first priority is to keep people safe, and you're right, I have been honest with people that the world is less safe than it has been in decades and my job, indeed my obligation, is to invest to keep the country safe, and that's what I'm doing."

Announcing a further £500m of military support being sent to Ukraine - taking the UK's total support this year to £3bn - the prime minister told journalists he was "proud" the UK had led on supporting Ukraine and also told European allies it was "important" for Europeans to invest in security in these volatile times.

"We're stepping up because that is what the situation demands and requires," he said.

"And if we are joined by other European partners in that it is important that Europeans invest in their own security," he told Sky News.

Read the full story here:

By Adam Parsons, Europe Correspondent

The Human Rights Commissioner at the Council of Europe, which includes the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), has criticised the government's Rwanda's bill, saying it "raises major concerns" and has called for key clauses to be reversed.

Michael O'Flaherty, said he was "concerned" about the new law and said the British government should "refrain from removing people under the Rwanda policy".

Mr O'Flaherty, an Irishman who has spent his career working in the field of human rights, took over the role of commissioner earlier this month.

His role is to monitor human rights across the 46 members of the Council of Europe, and to make recommendations.

Although he is impartial, and not connected to the ECHR, the court is part of the Council of Europe.

He said: "Managing asylum and migration is undoubtedly a complex endeavour for states, but it must always be done in full compliance with international standards.

"In this regard, I am concerned that the Rwanda bill enables the implementation of a policy of removing people to Rwanda without any prior assessment of their asylum claims by UK authorities in the majority of cases.

"The United Kingdom government should refrain from removing people under the Rwanda policy and reverse the bill's effective infringement of judicial independence."

He said there was still a danger of migrants being deported from Rwanda back to countries from which they had fled - contrary to international law - and criticised the idea that ministers could decide whether or not to adhere to rulings by the EHCR, saying they are "binding".

He claimed that the Rwanda bill was part of a wider move, among European nations, to "externalise" asylum and migration policy, which he claimed, was "a matter of concern for the global system of protection of the rights of refugees".

Speaking to journalists on the plane to Poland, Rishi Sunak discussed the deaths of at least five people this morning who were trying to cross the Channel on a small boat.

The tragedy occurred just hours after the Rwanda bill cleared its final hurdle in parliament - a scheme the government argues will deter people from making the journey.

He said: "There are reports of sadly yet more tragic deaths in the Channel this morning.

"I think that is just a reminder of why our plan is so important because there's a certain element of compassion about everything that we're doing."

The PM reiterated the government's aim is to "prevent people making these very dangerous crossings", noting people smugglers are "packing more and more people into these unseaworthy dinghies".

He continued: "This is what tragically happens when they push people out to sea and that's why, for matters of compassion more than anything else, we must actually break this business model and end this unfairness of people coming to our country illegally."

Mr Sunak paid tribute to the UK Border Force, as well as the French authorities "who have cooperated as they always do to rescue people".

"But as I said, it underscores why you need a deterrent, very simply.

"People need to know that if they try and come here illegally they won't be able to stay, they'll be returned either to their own country or Rwanda.

"And I'm pleased that the bill has passed through parliament in the face of lots of Labour opposition, it was a late night."

The prime minister has landed in Warsaw, Poland for a visit to meet with his counterpart, Donald Tusk, and the NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg.

The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, and the defence secretary, Grant Shapps, were also on the plane and are accompanying Rishi Sunak on the visit, it has been revealed.

On the plane, the PM told travelling journalists, including our political editor, Beth Rigby , that the "world is less safe than it has been in some decades".

He said his is "very proud that the UK has led" on support for Ukraine, having announced a fresh package today ( more here ).

Mr Sunak added: "We are Europe's largest defence spender and one of the few countries that’s consistently met the 2% [of GDP] NATO spending pledge, and today's action is another example of us leading by example."

By Alexandra Rogers , political reporter

Legal challenges to Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill are "inevitable", the illegal migration minister has admitted, as human rights organisations called on the government not to put the scheme into force.

Michael Tomlinson said the government wanted to ensure flights get off the ground "as soon as possible" but that there would undoubtedly be challenges to the legislation, which passed around midnight last night after months of parliamentary ping pong.

Following the bill's passage, the United Nations and the Council of Europe urged ministers to reconsider the scheme.

Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees said the bill, which is likely to receive Royal Assent and pass into law this week, marked a "further step away from the UK's long tradition of providing refuge to those in need, in breach of the Refugee Convention".

"Protecting refugees requires all countries - not just those neighbouring crisis zones - to uphold their obligations," he said.

Read more on his comments here:

By Joely Santa Cruz , data journalist

Rishi Sunak's bill, which aims to revive the stalled Rwanda policy, will finally become law following a very long evening of ping-pong amendments back-and-forth between the Commons and the House of Lords.

Why is this such an important issue for the Conservatives, and how many people are removed from the UK each year?

Enforced removals of rejected asylum seekers are down by 73% since 2010. The scheme will allow the government to send asylum seekers "entering the UK illegally" to Rwanda.

Most of those affected will be people arriving in small boats. The capacity of the proposed facility in Rwanda is 200 people annually, representing just 0.7% of 2023 small boat arrivals.

The clock is ticking for the prime minister to get deportations up and running - but how much of an impact will the scheme have?

Read more here:

Rishi Sunak is today unveiling a £500m military aid package to Ukraine in its war against Russia alongside the UK's largest provision of munitions so far.

The PM is jetting off to Poland today where he is expected to formally announce the package, and he will meet with his counterpart and the NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg.

Some 400 vehicles, 60 boats, 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, and four million rounds of ammunition are included in the package.

The announcement comes during a downswing for Ukraine as Russian forces have been gaining the upper hand in recent weeks.

The PM spoke to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning, in which he assured him of the UK's "steadfast support", and said that "Ukraine's security was central to all of Europe's security".

Mr Zelenskyy wrote on X that his is "grateful to the UK and personally to Prime Minister Sunak for such a strong demonstration of support".

Follow the latest updates on the war in Ukraine in our dedicated live blog here:

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