When preparing to submit a manuscript, knowing how to write a cover letter for journal submission is essential. A well-crafted cover letter can help your paper move forward in the editorial process. This guide explains what a cover letter is, its purpose, what to include, and offers a clear cover letter format for journal submission, including a cover letter sample for journals.
What is a cover letter?
A journal cover letter is a short, formal document that accompanies your manuscript when submitting it to an academic journal. It’s usually entered directly into the form during the submission process or uploaded as a separate file.
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
Cover letters for journals allow an author to speak to the Editor as to why their work is a good fit for the journal, what it adds to the literature and why they should accept it. It makes a case for and advocates for the paper to the journal Editor. It may help it progress from screening into peer review.
How to submit a cover letter?
During the submission process, most journals will provide a space to paste your cover letter into a text field. They can also be submitted as an uploaded attachment. Always review the journal’s submission guidelines to determine the preferred method.
What to include in a cover letter?
A strong cover letter should include the following:
- Manuscript title and type (e.g. original research, review article)
- A brief overview of the study and its main findings
- Why it’s a good fit for their journal and how it’s in line with the aims and scope
- What does it add to the existing literature on the subject
- You may include other articles you have had published on the subject and their impact
- Confirm you have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
- Contact information for you and co-authors.
- A professional tone, free of grammatical and spelling errors
Ensure you check the journal guide for authors. For those looking for a clean structure, see the cover letter format for journal submission in the sample below.
Top Tips
- Don’t just copy your abstract into your cover letter. – Explain in your own words the significance of the work, the problem that is being addressed, and why the manuscript belongs in the journal.
- Don’t use too much jargon or too many acronyms – Keep language straightforward and easy to read.
- Avoid too much detail – Keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page, as an introduction and brief overview.
- Proofread carefully – Avoid any spelling and grammar errors and ensure your letter is thoroughly proofread before submitting.
- Tailor your letter to each journal – Especially in how your paper aligns with its scope.
Cover Letter Samples for Journals
[Date]
Dear [Editor name],
I/We wish to submit an original research/review article entitled “[title of article]” for consideration by [journal name].
I/We confirm that this work is original and has not been published elsewhere, nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.
In this paper, I/we report on / show that _______. This is significant because __________.
We believe that this manuscript is appropriate for publication by [journal name]because it… [specific reference to the journal’s Aims & Scope]. __________.
[Please explain in your own words the significance and novelty of the work, the problem that is being addressed, and why the manuscript belongs in this journal. Do not simply insert your abstract into your cover letter! Briefly describe the research you are reporting in your paper, why it is important, and why you think the readership of the journal would be interested in it.]
We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Please address all correspondence concerning this manuscript to me at [email address].
Thank you for your consideration of this manuscript.
Sincerely,
[Your name and credentials]
{Department and Institution]
[City and Country}
If you still have questions about writing a cover letter for publication or the publication process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help.
