writing a cover letter for poetry submission

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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.

How to Write a Cover Letter for A Poetry Submission

Cover letters are the resumes of the literary world. They offer a brief introduction of your writing career while also providing a pitch to the editor about why your submission is the best fit for the magazine, journal, or press.

When writing a cover letter, it’s important to think about your audience: the editor. They will be searching through hundreds—if not thousands—of submissions, and in the words of Aladdin: They will be looking for the “diamonds in the rough.” Depending on the size and staff of the magazine or press as well as how prestigious and reputable it is, the submission process will take them months to complete, so keeping the cover letter short, concise, and informative will ensure that your letter is considered and that it makes an impression with the editor.

Here are the steps to writing a strong cover letter that you can use as a template for any cover letter you need in your writing career.

Provide your contact information

At the upper left-hand corner of your document, type your residential address, your phone number, and your email. Make sure you check that it is accurate because, for magazines that don’t use Submittable , your contact information is the only way they can reach you.

Write the greeting and body

First, begin with the date. Next, write the salutation to the magazine, press, or publishing company. You can also address the poetry editor to personalize the greeting. Look at this template as an example of how to format it.

The next step is to write the body of the letter. In the above example, you’ll notice he mentions the names of his poems as well as previous poets the magazine has published. This proves to the magazine that you are an avid reader of their work. This isn’t necessary to include, but it does get you bonus points with the editor.

Depending on their guidelines, you might want to mention how many poems you’re sending. You can also mention that you are sending this to other publications and will alert them if it’s published anywhere else: This is an expectation every publication has for poets who are submitting simultaneously . Most magazines accept simultaneous submissions, but some don’t.

After this first paragraph, include a short biography in the second paragraph. This bio should be around five sentences. A short bio is better than a longer one due to the volume of submissions they receive. If they want a longer bio, they’ll let you know when they accept your work.

Also, for the bio, highlight your best-published work and major awards or prizes. If you haven’t received any yet, don’t worry about it: When a magazine is truly interested in your poetry, your work is the most important thing: not the cover letter.

Write the closing

Last but not least, close the letter with: “Thank you for considering my work. I look forward to hearing from you soon.” Then include your name at the end.

Overall, you just need three paragraphs for a typical cover letter. However, to submit your poetry book to literary presses, you’ll want to tailor the letter and make it longer, so you can give a synopsis of the work. In general, it’s usually best to keep the cover letter a page long. For large publishing companies such as Andrews McMeel Publishing , you’ll want to write a pitch or proposal rather than a cover letter.

Provide exactly what they want

Before you send out your letter, make sure you double-check the submission guidelines and then make a checklist of everything you need, or just scan the letter to make sure you provided exactly what they asked for. Sometimes your submission could be discarded just because you didn’t fulfill the requirements. For example, some literary presses want to “judge blindly,” which basically means they want to give judges the manuscripts and poems without any contact information or names of the poets. This ensures the submission process is fair, and that there are no biases based on gender, publication history, or many other factors that can cloud an editor or judge’s decision.

Tips to consider for literary magazines

Some literary magazines or presses care about credentials and past publication history. They want established poets rather than novice and up-and-coming poets, so for these magazines, a well-crafted cover letter can make a difference in receiving an acceptance rather than a rejection.

Thankfully, the majority of literary magazines are not concerned about past publication history: They are just interested in stellar literary work, so your chances of getting published are high even if you don’t have a history of publication credits. However, once they choose the best work, and they have their editorial meetings and are debating whose work will be printed, it’s possible they will consider your publication career, and that’s where they will take into consideration your cover letter.

I was the editor-in-chief for the literary magazine of the program where I received my MFA in creative writing, and I never cared about whether the writer was well-known or unknown: I just cared about the work, so let me assure you that if you send your poetry to a small literary magazine, your chances of being published increase. Most students of graduate and undergraduate literary presses and magazines are just looking for the best poetry and prose.

The purpose of submitting is to get your beautiful poetry into the hands of readers. No matter how large or how small the audience, sharing your work with the world is the reward and the joy of being published.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Ready to submit your poems for publication? Write a strong cover letter to introduce yourself and your work and give one more reason for editors to choose you.

A cover letter is part and parcel of poetry submission as each poet needs an introduction and a few words of their bio and creative method. A cover letter is a resume in the literary world that can vary from two brief paragraphs to a couple of pages, depending on the requirements and guidelines. In this article, we’ll cover everything from small details, like fonts and length of a cover letter, to broader topics, like content and do’s and don'ts of a poetry submission cover letter.

What is a Cover Letter for Submitting a Poem?

Any literary magazine, anthology, poetry competition, or poetry fellowship requires poets to submit their work plus a cover letter with some details about the poems submitted and the author themselves. Although a cover letter format is generally similar (introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion), the length and other elements may vary depending on its purpose.

You can rest assured that an editorial office makes any publication-related decisions based on your poetry. The poetry is always read first. However, later in the selection process, when deciding which to choose and which to reject, cover letters become the critical tiebreaker.

Typically, cover letters for publication will make do with just 30 words while applications for poetry retreat, poetry residency, or a job will require 1 to 2.5 pages. Submission requirements contain all the information regarding the format of a cover letter.

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

It is important to include your personal information along with all information required by the organization’s descriptions. In almost all cases, poetry reading before publication is blind. Therefore, editorial assistants will later need to quickly match poems with the author’s cover letter and bio.

List your submitted poems’ titles;
Professional bio (30-75 word) (optional);
3-5 places where you’ve been published, or say you will be published (optional).
Professional bio (30-75 word);
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 personal bio (what you do, where you work, and any work you do in the art community).

Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Even if you know nothing of writing poetry cover letters, it is common sense to stick to a business letter format. What you must remember at all times, though, is to start your cover letter by reading the submission instruction first. Read the organization’s submission requirements before you start writing, and after you proofread a piece several times. Make sure you include all of the specific information requested of you. After you have included it all, double-check the instructions again to see if you followed them correctly. In many cases, applicants find out that they missed an important part, or two, of the instructions.

Provide Your Contact Information. Many magazines, such as the Poetry Foundation , have stopped accepting paper submissions and invite poets to send their work via email. Although your email submission contains your email address, include all your contact information at the upper left-hand corner of your document to be on the safe side and ensure that a magazine or a journal can reach you. Nowadays, they don’t need to know your residential address. Normally, your valid email and working phone number are enough for any organization.

A sound piece of advice is to “include your name in the subject line so the editor can easily find your message in their inbox if they are looking for it again.”

Write a Greeting. Personalized greetings are favored over generic ones. ‘Dear Sirs’ is a big no-no. There’s no reason why an editor should be a man.

A good rule of thumb is to look for the current editor’s name on the organization’s website or Submittable page. If you cannot find the editor’s name, say ‘Dear editor’ or ‘Dear editors.’

Address All Requested Information in the Body Paragraphs. The guiding principle of writing body paragraphs in a poetry cover letter is brevity. Rely on the requirements but address each item on the list briefly and succinctly.

The staple element of all poetry cover letters is the content of a submission.

If you include less than three pieces, add a short sentence for each poem. If your submission has more than four poems, try to come up with a common theme(s) and describe it in 2-3 sentences under 100 words.
If you include your bio, do it briefly: “I am a poet from New Brunswick currently studying at New York University.”
If you want or are asked to add a more extended biography, include your pronouns, your primary form of employment, your most significant awards, and your level of education/city of residence. Keep it under 100 words.
If you include your publication history, 2 to 5 places are more than enough. If you have had multiple publications, pick the most impressive ones but don’t give them all.
If you submit your poetry to other publications, mention it briefly, too.
If you’re an avid reader of the magazine, you can mention a few poets or poems you like the most.

Close with Some Nice Words. It is ok to finish off on a dry, unimaginative note, like “Thank you for considering my work. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.” However, you can add some vitality to your letter and make it more memorable. Tell them what you love the most about their organization. Thank them for their time. Try not to step over a fine line between familiarity and niceness and not to tumble down into rigidity and formality.

A Basic Template for a Poetry Cover Letter

[Your Name] [Your Postal Address] [Your E-mail Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Website or Social Media] [Name of Editor] [Job Title] [Journal/Magazine Title] [Department if applicable] [The date when you send the submission]

Dear [Name of Editor]: I’ve enclosed my poetry/fiction submission for publication in [Journal/Magazine Title]. Included are [Titles of Poems]. My work has appeared in [3-5 Titles of other publications], among others. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Short Professional Bio is written in the third person in case of publication] Enola Holmes was born in Hawaii and raised in Washington, D.C. After graduating from New York University, she became a self-taught poet. Holmes currently works as a freelance copywriter and volunteers as a vet in Soho, NY.

To expand on the template , ALWAYS read the description on the organization’s website, follow their instruction, and add what is required.

Sample Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Sample 1: Here’s a cover letter for the submission of four poems with explicit instructions not to include a biography.

To the readers and editors of Poetry Foundation,

I write to offer my four poems for submission in Poetry Magazine. To elaborate, the poem ‘Japanese Nocturne’ refers to the mass destructive events of WWII. ‘Apples and Figs’ appeared as a response to a recent Trump political decision and the sense of alienation some people are experiencing now while ‘Dressed to Impress’ and ‘Hope’ touch on the theme of migration and globalization. I hope you enjoy the work, and thank you for considering my submission.

Sample 2: This cover letter also includes a short bio as required by the submission instruction.

I have included two poems – ‘Cat Forgotten’ and ‘Leaves on the Ground’ – from my recent manuscript. Both poems are connected by the theme of loneliness in the digital era and alienation in urban spaces. Among my current loves is Patrick Melbourne’s ‘Love Deterred’ and Felicia Jones’ ‘Given and Forgotten’ published in your magazine. If you accept my submission for publication, it would be an incredible honor for me. These poems have been submitted to another publication as well.

Bio: Enola Holmes (she/her) is a poet and multimedia artist. She was shortlisted for the 2019 National Book Foundation Award and is a finalist for the 2020 PEN/Hemingway Award for the poetry collection Silver Bells and Cockle Shells (Hawaii Publishing Books, 2019). Holmes has been awarded American Library in Paris Visiting Fellowship in 2018 and Vermont Studio Center Residency in 2019. Her work has been published in Slate and Playboy. Holmes received a BA in Creative Writing from NYU.

Tips on Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

You are probably aware that editors and editorial assistants read tons of applications and submissions daily. It means they have developed inevitable fatigue to trite and banal introductions and approaches. Therefore, you must follow the rules of cover letter writing, but at the same time, you need to try and infuse some vitality and freshness into these few simple paragraphs.

Here are the rules you must follow:

Always support your words with facts. Avoid describing your biography in banal phrases like “I have always loved poetry, and I cannot live without writing.” To stand out from the others, show your emotion and passion through facts. “After I read Langston Hughes for the first time I got infatuated with Harlem Renaissance, which resulted in a publication in Black Poetry titled ‘Born Again with a Retrograde Mercury.’”

Stay on topic. Although earlier, a cover letter was referred to as a resume of the literary world,’ it should not be as detailed as a formal resume. The exact number of earlier publications and/or awards is given for a reason. Don’t include exhaustive lists of all your awards and residencies. Add only the most impressive items.

Avoid small talk. You absolutely must skip any pleasantries if you believe they are part of common formalities. Editors do not expect you to entertain them. Rather, they appreciate if applicants are polite and to the point.

Control your tone. Respect is expressed not only through proper greetings, good grammar, and error-free writing. Show respect by not acting as if you submitted exceptional work that cannot help but be accepted. But also don’t act as if you expect your poems to be rejected! Neither overconfidence nor self-doubt will pay off.

Choose adequate fonts. Single-spaced, Arial or Times New Roman, 12 point is standard. Any smaller fonts are difficult to read. Any larger fonts are irritating.

Some technical details. If you submit your poetry online, insert your cover letter in the body of an email, and add your poems as a separate attachment (as a pdf-file or Word file) unless you are explicitly told to do otherwise.

Your Take-Away

We prepared this material to help you not to smudge the memorable impression your poetry made on editors. If you believe your poetry is strong enough to be published in a magazine or a journal, polishing your cover letter will seal the deal. Just follow the rules and give your cover letter a thorough read-through, double-checking all publication requirements. However, remember that getting published demands time and effort. It often takes publishers months to respond. Poets get rejected more often than not. So don’t get disheartened and keep submitting. Often poetry publication is a matter of taste of an editorial office. Eventually, all writers can find their publishers.

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writing a cover letter for poetry submission

Alex Knepper's Newsletter

How to write a cover letter for poetry submissions, plus a downloadable template.

If you are looking to submit your poetry for publication, you may come across a request for a cover letter.

A cover letter’s main purpose is to give context for your poetry. You will want to explain why you are writing, and what you are submitting.

WHY You’re Writing

It may seem obvious that you are submitting your poetry in the hopes of getting published. But it is essential that you still state the obvious.

State why you are writing— “I am writing for your consideration of my poetry for publication in your literary magazine”. Easy Peasy.

WHAT You’re Submitting

Make sure then, to include the titles of the poems you are submitting, in quotations. And also reference the publication you are submitting to, the title of the publication in italics.

But that is not nearly enough information, so we will want to include a few more things.

Include your contact information and relevant social media accounts, especially if you have a significant following

Reference or link your other published works (if you have none, not to worry, this doesn’t necessarily count against you)

Give a little context for you, as a poet. Have you studied poetry? Who is your favorite poet? Is there a form that you particularly enjoy? Do your views align with the publication you are submitting to?

The cover letter requires a little bit of research as well. It will behoove you to read past issues of the publication and reference what you enjoyed reading. Nothing is more flattering than talking to a fan, so become a fan.

On the flip side, you must remember that you are asking someone to take time to read and consider your work. The least you can do is read their work, and as the Editor the publication *is* their work.

These are the essential steps to writing your cover letter. But here are a few other things to keep in mind…

Less is More

Keep it relevant

Address the Editor Directly if possible. A name is always better than, To Whom it May Concern. With a little research, it should not be difficult to figure out who the editor is.

Be Respectful & Humble*

* I say be humble with the utmost trepidation. So I will define it here: Be Humble in Deference to the Editor. Not in regards to your own achievements. Do you see the difference? Acknowledging the prestige and “rank” of the editor does not mean that you have to downplay yourself.

Still need help? Not to worry! Click here for a simple template to help you write your cover letter.

Now tell me below in the comments, what is the thing that makes you the most nervous when submitting your work?

How to write a covering letter

When you send your poems for submission to a magazine, you will generally have to include a covering letter..

Some magazines will tell you what they want from your covering letter, others won’t. If they do tell you, stick to their suggested content – editors want to know that you will be easy to work with, and following their advice is a good start!

Some magazines accept postal submissions, others accept email submissions. However you are submitting your work, keep the covering letter short and polite. If you are writing a letter, make sure you format it correctly. If you are writing an email, you don’t need to worry so much about the layout, but don’t become too chatty!

As well as checking what the editors want from a covering letter, check all the submissions guidelines very carefully. How many poems do they want? Do they specify formatting? Do they want the poems in the body of an email or as an attachment?

Below are some guidelines if you are starting to send out your work.

– DO see if you can find the editor’s name. If you can, address the letter to them. And make sure it’s the current editor!

– If you can’t find the editor’s name, DO say ‘Dear editor’ or ‘Dear editors’.

– DO keep it short – editors are often very pushed for time.

– If it’s an email, DO include your name in the subject line so the editor can easily find your message in their inbox if they are looking for it again.

– If it’s an email, they will have your email address. There’s no need for any other contact details. If it’s a letter, DO give a postal address and email address in the top right hand corner.

– If you are submitting by post, DO include your name and postal or email address on each poem. That way, if the poems get separated from the covering letter, the editor will still know who to contact.

– DO give your full name and the names of your poems. Pay attention to whether they have asked for your poems in the body of an email, or as an attachment. If your poem has unusual formatting which gets lost in the email, paste it in the body of the email and include an attachment as well, and explain why you have done this.

– You could include a very brief biography, e.g. ‘I am a poet from Newcastle currently studying at university.’

– You could also give a brief publication history – don’t include everything, just 2-4 places you have been pleased to see your work published. Don’t worry if you haven’t been published anywhere yet – if the editor likes you work, they will be pleased to discover a new talent!

– If you have read and enjoyed the magazine before DO say so – and you could list a couple of poems or a feature you particularly liked. (It’s a good idea to read any magazines you’re submitting to, as it will give you a sense of whether your work will fit).

– DO thank the editor for their time.

– If you are accepted, DO send a short email thanking the editor/s for their decision. You can be excited and enthusiastic – it’s nice for editors to feel like they have made someone’s day!

– DON’T say ‘Dear Sirs’! There’s no reason why an editor should be a man.

– DON’T meander off the point – the editor just wants to know who you are and what your poems are called.

– DON’T act like you expect your poems to be accepted – and don’t act like you expect your poems to be rejected!

– If you are rejected, you DON’T need to respond. If you feel like you should, keep it to a short email thanking the editor/s for their time. You could also say you are looking forward to reading the magazine/ book/ website etc. Careful not to sound reproachful – sending rejections is a horrible job and that will just make the editor feel uncomfortable.

– DON’T be disheartened if your poem is rejected – editors are just people with subjective tastes, and if they have rejected your poem it doesn’t mean it isn’t a good piece of work! It just means it wasn’t to their taste. Send it out somewhere else instead.

Good luck with your submissions! You can find ideas of places to send your work on our list of Poetry Opportunities .

Published April, 2015

14 thoughts on “ How to write a covering letter ”

If submitting by letter is it also acceptable to use a letterhead (with name, adress and contact details in bottom centre)? Instead of a plain sheet with the adress at the top right-hand corner.

Hi Em, as long as your contact details are clear then that would be fine.

“In particular, tell us who your target audience is and provide a rationale for why we are the best publisher for your work. An outline of the entire work and an estimate of the length of the prospective manuscript. Please be sure that your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address are on the submission “

This is what the guidelines say but I am really disturbed with the thought with how to write it. What about potential audience what am I supposed to write? I am doing this for first time and if only I get an example of how this thing as a whole is to be written that would be great. For now rest all points are clear except for the above mentioned 3. I want to know how to write about potential audience and why the publisher is best to publish me. Also there is nothing stated in the guidelines if it has to be attachment or e mail text what way do I do it? The who thing with attachment? Publisher Guidelines from Andrews Mcmeel

Please do clarify this and i would be really thankful

I appreciate your commitment towards poets

Thanks for your comment. If you have questions about a specific job, it’s always best to ask the employer directly – we don’t want to give you bad advice!

Our best guess? By ‘potential audience’ they might mean is your work aimed at young children, young adults, adults etc.; men, women etc.; LGBTQ audiences; audiences who like dogs; audiences who are also fans of X Y Z other writers… any indication of who you have in mind when reading your work!

We would guess they would prefer a cover letter as an attachment but hopefully it won’t matter too much. Do get in touch with them and ask.

Best of luck!

Young Poets Network

I just read one of your commenters Ajay sounds great i wanted to know about the same by meaning of attaching the cover letter do you mean only the manuscript or entire like our details and all requirements if so what should be the mail content? That cant be kept empty right? Andrews is real confusing

Thanks for your comment! It depends on the submission guidelines from the particular magazine you’re submitting to. Normally, though, you would attach a cover letter and, separately, your poems. In your email, you could write something short such as:

‘Dear [name of editor(s)], Please find attached 3 poems for your consideration and a covering letter. Thank you for your time. Best wishes, [your name]’.

Does that help? Best of luck!

Should you sign a cover letter with attached poems?

It depends! If you’re printing out your cover letter and sending it in the post, it might be nice to sign the cover letter, though most poetry magazines won’t mind whether you do or don’t. If you are submitting over email or Submittable then you shouldn’t need to sign anything. Do always check the submissions guidelines though.

Hope this is helpful!

Best of luck,

Helen at Young Poets Network

Hi, I want to submit my poems for publication in a magazine but their submission guidelines do not include a bio. should I send one anyway? plus, they did not indicate whether the cover letter should be sent as an attachment or in the body of the email. what’s the most professional way to do so?

Our top tip is to follow the submissions guidelines to a T. So, if they don’t mention a bio, then you don’t need to send one.

As for the cover letter: normally, if you are emailing your poems over, it’s most common to include your cover letter in the body of the email – unless they’ve specifically said to attach it. However, if they haven’t said either way, then it shouldn’t hurt your chances whatever you do!

thanks for the prompt response. it’s very helpful

No worries – best of luck!

Hi Little Poet, I just recently started watching your videos on Youtube. My, my, my, how I have been helped with your insights about things. Please let me know if I can be on your mailing list. I love you Little Poet. I really do. Isn’t life wonderful when something or someone just comes into your life and blesses you really good?

I’m pleased to hear you’ve found Young Poets Network useful! I’ll add you to our mailing list.

All the best,

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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[…] view post at https://janefriedman.com/perfect-cover-letter-advice-lit-mag-editor/ […]

[…] 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?

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

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Submitting poetry to literary publications is a way to gain recognition and build a readership for your work. Along with your submission, you will also need to write a cover letter. The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and your work to the editor and demonstrate your interest in their publication. In this article, we will guide you through the process of crafting a cover letter that catches the editor's attention.

Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is an essential part of submitting your work to a publication. It serves as an introduction to you as a writer and your work. A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant impact on the editor's decision to accept or reject your submission. Here are some tips for writing a cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Introducing Yourself and Your Work

When introducing yourself, it's essential to keep it brief and to the point. Start by providing your name, where you are from, and how long you have been writing poetry. You can also mention any previous publications or awards you have received. However, make sure that the information you provide is relevant to your submission.

Next, introduce your work. Mention the title of the poem you are submitting and provide a brief summary of its content. This will give the editor an idea of what to expect from your submission and help them understand how it fits into their publication.

Demonstrating Your Knowledge of the Publication

Before submitting your work, it's crucial to research the publication you are submitting to. This will help you understand the types of poetry they publish, their style, and their audience. When writing your cover letter, demonstrate your knowledge of the publication by mentioning specific poets or themes that they have covered. This will show the editor that you are genuinely interested in their publication and that your work would fit well into it.

You can also mention any previous publications you have seen in the publication and how they have inspired you. This will show the editor that you have a genuine interest in their publication and that you are familiar with their content.

Showcasing Your Passion for Poetry

Poetry is a form of literary art that requires passion and dedication. When writing your cover letter, showcase your passion for poetry by telling the editor why you write poetry, what inspires you, and how your work can impact readers. Convey your enthusiasm for the art form and for the opportunity to be featured in their publication.

You can also mention any workshops, readings, or other events you have attended that have helped you develop your craft. This will show the editor that you are committed to improving your writing and that you take your craft seriously.

In conclusion, a cover letter is an essential part of submitting your work to a publication. By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting your work published.

Formatting Your Cover Letter

Contact information.

Make sure to include your contact information, including your name, address, phone number, and email. This makes it easy for the editor to get in touch with you if they have any questions or want to accept your submission.

Greet the editor by name if possible, and use the appropriate salutation (Dear, To, etc.). If you do not know the editor's name, try to find it online or use a neutral salutation (e.g., To the Poetry Editor).

Body of the Letter

The body of your letter should be no longer than one page. Use a clear and concise writing style and avoid being too formal or too casual. Include the following elements in your letter:

Introduction of yourself and your work
Mention of your knowledge of the publication
Showcase your passion for poetry
Brief description of your submitted work
Closing and signature

Closing and Signature

Your closing should be professional and courteous. Thank the editor for their time in reading your submission and express your hope that they will consider it for publication. Sign your full name at the end of your letter.

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

Personalizing your greeting.

Start your letter off with a personalized greeting. Address the editor by name (if possible) and briefly explain why you are writing to them specifically. This shows that you have taken the time to research their publication and that you have a genuine interest in it.

Briefly Mentioning Your Background

After your personalized greeting, mention a bit about your writing background. When did you start writing poetry? Have you had any publications in the past? Keep it concise but let them know that you have previously published work.

Highlighting Your Connection to the Publication

Finally, highlight your connection to the publication. Why did you choose to submit your work to them specifically? What about their publication speaks to you and your work? This will encourage the editor to keep reading and take a closer look at your submission.

Describing Your Poetry Submission

Providing an overview of your work.

When describing your submitted work, start with a brief overview. What is the subject matter of your poetry? What themes do you explore? What styles do you use? This gives the editor a sense of what to expect and whether your work is a good fit for their publication.

Mentioning Themes and Styles

Expand on the themes and styles you use in your poetry. What sets your work apart from others? What unique voice or perspective do you bring to your writing? Be specific and give examples from your submitted work.

Discussing the Inspiration Behind Your Poetry

Finally, discuss the inspiration behind your poetry. What motivates you to write? Are there any personal experiences or influences that have shaped your work? This gives the editor insight into your creative process and adds depth to your submission.

By following these guidelines and using HTML formatting, you can craft a cover letter that showcases your passion for poetry and demonstrates your dedication to the publication you are submitting to. Good luck with your poetry submission!

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Compose a thorough and articulate cover letter that will accompany your submission of poetry, with the aim of presenting yourself and your work in the most compelling and professional manner possible.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

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Creative Cover Letter For Poetry Submission

If you’ve ever wanted to have your poetry published in a literary magazine, you have to go through the submission process. The same is true if you are entering a writing scholarship contest. In most cases, that includes writing a cover letter for poetry submission.

Even if you are a pro wordsmith otherwise, writing a compelling cover letter can be challenging. What should you include? How do you talk about your work without sounding too boastful? After all, this isn’t for a job application. Thus it can be difficult to discern what the judges are looking for. Well, stop worrying. We can help with this challenging task. Just check out our sample cover letter for poetry submission along with some actionable writing tips.

Cover Letter Sample for a Poetry Submission in .docx Format

Here is a brief example of a cover letter. Feel free to use this as a bit of a template for your own letter.

Download example (Word version)

Poetry Submission Cover Letter Example – Text Format

Dear Dr. Lana Reyes:

My name is Constance Stevens, and I am a written and spoken word artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. I am writing to you to submit three of my poems, “Leaving It All Behind”, “The Last Strong Woman In The World”, and “Changing Labels” for publication in The Beacon Magazine. As a long-time subscriber, it would be a true honor for me to have my work published for your discerning audience.

I have an MFA in Creative Writing from Howard University and have been writing poetry, short stories, and essays for more than 20 years. Between 2005 and 2020, I have self-published three books of poetry and won multiple awards for my essays on the challenges faced by women in the modern south. I invite you to please learn more about my writing on my website. When not pursuing my writing, I work as an associate professor at Atlanta Community College where I lead classes on spoken word, rhythm, and poetry.

I hope you find my work to be up to your standards. If you would like to include them, please contact me if you need any additional information.

Constance Ninja

How to Write a Cover Lette for Poetry Submission

Loved the above cover letter example ? Great, here’s how to craft a similar entry for yourself! As a rule of thumb, it’s best to stick with a general business letter structure:

A compelling opening, explaining who you are and what made you apply
The body, detailing your creative and professional experiences
Concluding paragraph offering the reader to stay in touch.

The goal, however, is to keep all of these paragraphs short, on-point, and compelling. Here’s how.

Follow The Instructions to a T

The first thing to do is read the submission guidelines carefully. Next, commit to treating these as hard and fast rules. Before you do anything, ensure that the poetry you intend to submit is within their parameters. Use the file format they request, and submit per their instructions. If they want it emailed, do that. If they prefer you upload it through a website, then that is what you should do. Nothing will get you removed from consideration faster than failing to follow basic instructions.

On a related note, pay attention to open submission dates. Not all publications accept individual submissions year-round. You may have to wait for the next calendar opening.

Help The Audience Learn More About You

Include all the information the reader might need to learn more about you — background, accolades, awards, other places that published you. Be descriptive and provide a quick snapshot of your artistic or journalistic career so far.

Don’t forget to add your contact information, links to your social media, and your portfolio.

Write To The Editor

Unless you have been given other instructions, address your letter to the editor of the publication. You should be able to find their details online. Do a bit of research, in some cases, there may be an editor who has been assigned to work with poetry content. If you are submitting your work to multiple publications, double-check to ensure you haven’t mixed any names up.

Keep Everything Relevant

The contents of your letter should only contain information that is relevant to your pitch. There’s no reason to provide a life history, your resume, or other information. However, it is okay to add information that you believe helps to further your case for being published. For example, positive critiques, awards, or other bylines.

Manage Your Expectations

The larger the publication the longer you will wait for any feedback. Worse, many larger magazines simply won’t respond to you, unless they plan to use your work. The same rules also apply should you try to submit your work to a major book publisher. Unfortunately, some large publishers simply won’t accept work that they do not receive from a literary agent. For example, a now-published author Daniel Wallace has been pitching New Yorker for 30+ years before seeing any success.

Be Prepared To Pay

The truth is that many writing competitions are basically raffles. You pay some money, submit your work, and hope to get selected. The upside is that your work is almost always published in the sponsor’s literary magazine or an annual book of poetry. After that, you will at least be able to say you have been published. Additionally, a smaller magazine may request a small donation to defray the costs of reading and publishing your work.

Final Tip: Stop Fawning

Yes, it’s okay to say you are a loyal reader and admire the publication. However, you should also display some restraint. Fawning over the reader, or peppering your letter with a bunch of over-the-top superlatives won’t help you get your poems published. It will just make the recipient uncomfortable.

Other Cover Letter Samples

An acute accounts payable cover letter example, cover letter for clinical research coordinator , convincing copywriter cover letter example and tips, a killer cover letter example for an internship application.

A huge collection of cover letters created by a ninja team of writers and career advisors. Learn how to write, style and file cover letters that employers actually enjoy reading.

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Publishing Poetry: Submit

What to Expect After Submission
Alternatives to Traditional Literary Publishing

Our best advice when submitting poems for publication?

1. Read the guidelines--every time.

2. Stay organized (see "Track Your Submissions," below).

3. Keep submitting. Most editors receive hundreds, if not thousands, of poetry submissions every year. Therefore, they must reject the majority of the submissions they receive. Nobody enjoys rejection, but it is an unavoidable fact of life in the poetry business, and it's not personal. The best way to beat the odds is to submit, submit, submit, brush off the "no" answers when they come, and keep submitting until you find the editor who says "yes."

1. Read the Guidelines and Prepare your Manuscript

Every publication venue (journal, magazine, residency application, etc.) that accepts poetry will state submission guidelines; a search should pull these up quickly. It is essential to read submission guidelines for each venue carefully and to follow them to the letter. Submissions that don't follow the stated guidelines generally will not be read.

Submission guidelines usually cover formatting requirements, deadlines, and a policy on simultaneous submissions . Simultaneous submissions happen when you send the same poems to multiple venues for consideration. Many journals accept simultaneous submissions for poetry; some don't. If the venue accepts simultaneous submissions, and you're sending your poems to multiple places, it's important to say so in your cover letter (see the templates linked in step 2, Write a Cover Letter, for more).

Prepare your manuscript, following all posted submission guidelines. Don't cut corners. Make it easy for editors to read your work.

2. Write A Cover Letter

Most literary journals will ask you to send a cover letter with your poems. Cover letters in creative writing are almost always fact-oriented and very short. The templates below will help:

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Literary Journal Submission
How to Write a Poetry Cover Letter This article contains useful additional advice on cover letters for fellowships and residencies, which are slightly longer than cover letters for journal publications.
Sample Cover Letters for Poetry Submissions
What Do I Write In A Cover Letter? Includes a useful template.

3. Track Your Submissions

Keep track of your submissions.

This is a key marker of professionalism in creative writing: writers need to know where they've sent work and what the response was. Why? First, if you're sending simultaneous submissions, you need to know which markets are currently considering your work. If one says "yes," you should immediately withdraw that piece from consideration elsewhere . It's virtually impossible to do this accurately if you haven't been tracking submissions. Second, you don't want to submit work to the same editor twice. Third, if you go on to publish a book of poems, it is important to acknowledge journals where poems in the collection first appeared.

The simplest way to keep track of writing submissions How and why to track submissions. Includes help setting up a submission-tracking spreadsheet.
Matt Bell's Submission Tracker Template Writer Matt Bell has set up a template spreadsheet in Google Docs. It's available for your use free of charge.

Additional Resources:

Submittable You'll use this site often (accounts are free). Submittable tracks any submissions you make through the site for you.
Duotrope Paid Duotrope accounts include submission tracking, deadline calendars, and stats on response time for many journals.
Money-Saving Guide for Authors and Writers Cost-effective tips for each stage of the writing process, from drafting and revising to editing and publication. Includes information on careers and scholarships available to writers.
<< Previous: Research
Next: What to Expect After Submission >>
Last Updated: Feb 14, 2024 2:12 PM
URL: https://libguides.library.arizona.edu/publishing-poetry

How to Write a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Absolutely, let’s craft an engaging and SEO-optimized introduction for your article on “How to Write a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission”:

In the world of poetry, where every word and line break can speak volumes, submitting your work to publications is a journey of hope and anticipation. The first step in this journey often begins with a crucial yet frequently overlooked tool: the cover letter for poetry submission. This introductory piece is not just a formality but a pivotal opportunity to introduce your poetic voice to editors and make a memorable impression. Understanding how to write an effective cover letter can be the bridge between your poetry and its potential publication. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or new to the literary arena, mastering the art of the cover letter is essential. From addressing the editor by name to succinctly summarizing the themes of your submitted poems, every detail counts. This article will guide you through the nuances of crafting a compelling cover letter, highlighting key elements such as personalization, brevity, and the importance of adhering to submission guidelines. By following our step-by-step approach, you’ll learn not only to present your poetry professionally but also to capture the essence of your work in a way that resonates with publishers.

1 Understanding the Cover Letter for Poetry Submission
2 Preparing to Write Your Cover Letter
3 Writing Your Cover Letter – Step by Step
4 Dos and Don’ts of Poetry Submission Cover Letters
5 Additional Tips for Successful Poetry Submissions

Understanding the Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Navigating the literary landscape requires more than just crafting beautiful poetry; it demands an understanding of how to professionally present your work to publishers, starting with the cover letter. A cover letter for poetry submission acts as your personal ambassador, introducing you and your poetic works to the editor or publication. This critical piece of your submission package needs to succinctly convey who you are, what you have written, and why your work fits the publication’s ethos. But what exactly should this cover letter include? Firstly, it must have a respectful and professional tone, addressing the editor by name whenever possible to add a personal touch. It should briefly introduce your submission, mentioning the titles of the poems and any thematic connection between them and the publication’s focus. Additionally, including a short biography that highlights your previous publications or awards, if applicable, can lend credibility to your submission. However, the art lies in being concise—your cover letter should be a sleek preview, not overshadow the poetry itself. Remember, each publication may have specific guidelines for submissions, so tailoring your cover letter to meet these requirements shows your attentiveness and respect for the editorial process. By following these principles, your cover letter will effectively bridge the gap between your unique poetic voice and the publication you aspire to grace with your work.

Preparing to Write Your Cover Letter

Before penning your cover letter for a poetry submission, laying the groundwork is key to ensuring your letter not only resonates with the editor but also stands out. Preparation involves a few critical steps, each designed to refine your approach and tailor your submission to the publication’s unique preferences and requirements. Start by thoroughly researching the publication to which you are submitting. Understanding its thematic interests, stylistic preferences, and submission guidelines can provide invaluable insights into how to position your poetry. For example, if the magazine has a penchant for contemporary social commentary, highlighting poems in your submission that reflect this theme can make your work more appealing.

Next, gather the essential elements you’ll need to include in your cover letter. This typically involves your contact information, a brief biography highlighting your literary achievements or relevant experience, and an overview of the poems you’re submitting, including titles and any thematic connections among them. Additionally, drafting a respectful and engaging opening that addresses the editor by name can set a positive tone for your submission.

Crafting a successful cover letter also means paying attention to the details. Ensure your letter adheres to any specified format and length guidelines provided by the publication. A well-prepared cover letter reflects not only your professionalism but also your dedication to your craft and respect for the publication’s editorial standards. By meticulously preparing your cover letter, you’re not just submitting your poetry; you’re presenting yourself as a serious poet worthy of consideration.

Writing Your Cover Letter – Step by Step

Crafting a cover letter for your poetry submission is a pivotal step in connecting with editors and showcasing your work. This step-by-step guide ensures you create a compelling and professional introduction to your poetry, tailored to capture the attention of publications.

Step 1: Address the Editor Personally – Begin your cover letter with a personal greeting. If possible, research the editor’s name to address them directly, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to personalizing your submission.

Step 2: Introduce Your Poetry – Clearly state the purpose of your letter. Mention the title of your poetry collection or the individual poems you’re submitting. Briefly describe the theme or inspiration behind your work, aligning it with the publication’s aesthetic or thematic preferences to show that you’ve done your homework.

Step 3: Highlight Your Poetic Achievements – Share your most relevant literary accomplishments, such as previous publications, awards, or residencies. This establishes your credibility and gives the editor context about your background in poetry.

Step 4: Explain Why You Chose Their Publication – Express why you’re submitting to this particular journal or magazine. Maybe it’s their reputation for nurturing emerging poets, or perhaps a specific issue resonated with you. This shows that your submission is not generic but a thoughtful choice.

Step 5: Provide Your Contact Information – Ensure the editor can easily contact you by including your email address, phone number, and any professional website or portfolio link. Placing this information at the end of your cover letter makes it straightforward for editors to reach out.

Step 6: Close with a Professional Sign-off – End your cover letter with a courteous conclusion, thanking the editor for considering your submission. A simple “Sincerely” followed by your name is always a professional way to close your letter.

Remember, your cover letter is an extension of your poetry. It should reflect the same care, precision, and voice that you put into your poems. By following these steps, you ensure that your submission stands out, presenting you as a dedicated and thoughtful poet. Keep your cover letter concise, relevant, and free from unnecessary details, focusing instead on making a strong, memorable connection with the editor.

Dos and Don’ts of Poetry Submission Cover Letters

Navigating the nuances of poetry submission cover letters involves a careful balance between professionalism and personal expression. To ensure your cover letter enhances your submission, adhere to these essential dos and don’ts, each designed to guide you towards crafting a letter that resonates with editors and elevates your poetry.

Personalize Your Greeting: Always address the editor by name to establish a direct, respectful connection. This detail shows you’ve taken the time to research the publication.
Be Concise: Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Editors appreciate clarity and succinctness, given the volume of submissions they receive.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: Mention any publications, awards, or recognitions that underscore your experience and credibility as a poet. This provides context and showcases your commitment to your craft.
Express Your Unique Reason for Choosing the Publication: Share why you believe your work is a good fit for their readership, demonstrating your familiarity with and respect for the publication’s ethos.
Overload with Information: Avoid the temptation to include every detail of your writing career. Focus on what’s most relevant to your current submission.
Use Generic Phrases: Steer clear of clichés and generic statements like “I’ve always loved writing.” Instead, offer specific insights into your poetic process or how your work aligns with the publication’s themes.
Forget to Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can detract from the professionalism of your submission. A meticulously edited cover letter reflects your attention to detail and dedication.
Neglect Submission Guidelines: Failing to follow the publication’s submission guidelines, including those for the cover letter, can result in automatic rejection. Always tailor your letter to meet these specifications.

By following these dos and don’ts, you position your poetry submission for success, demonstrating your professionalism, respect for the editorial process, and dedication to your art. A well-crafted cover letter is your opportunity to make a memorable first impression, paving the way for your poetry to capture the attention it deserves.

Additional Tips for Successful Poetry Submissions

To elevate your poetry submissions above the rest, incorporating a few additional tips can make all the difference. These strategies are designed not only to enhance the quality of your submission but also to align with best practices recognized by editors and publications within the literary community.

Research Thoroughly: Before submitting, invest time in researching publications to find the best fit for your work. Look for literary journals that publish poetry in a style or theme similar to yours. This alignment increases the chances of your work resonating with the publication’s audience.

Follow Guidelines Precisely: Each publication has its own set of submission guidelines. Whether it’s formatting preferences, the number of poems accepted, or specific submission windows, adhering to these instructions demonstrates your professionalism and respect for the editorial process.

Craft a Strong Bio: Your author bio should be concise yet informative, providing insights into your literary background without overshadowing your poetry. Mention significant achievements, prior publications, or any relevant credentials that lend credibility to your work.

Use a Professional Submission Platform: Many publications prefer or require submissions through professional platforms like Submittable. Familiarize yourself with these platforms to ensure a smooth submission process, keeping track of deadlines and submission statuses.

Embrace Rejection as Part of the Process: Rejection is an inevitable part of the literary submission landscape. View each rejection as an opportunity to refine your work and strategy, understanding that persistence is key to eventual success.

Engage with the Literary Community: Participating in poetry readings, workshops, and online forums can provide valuable feedback on your work and keep you informed about submission opportunities and trends in the literary world.

By implementing these additional tips, your poetry submissions will not only showcase your talent but also reflect a deep understanding of and respect for the submission process. This comprehensive approach ensures that your work stands out, increasing your chances of publication and recognition in the literary community.

Our Trump reporting upsets some readers, but there aren’t two sides to facts: Letter from the Editor

Updated: Apr. 06, 2024, 10:27 a.m. |
Published: Mar. 30, 2024, 8:16 a.m.

Some readers complain that we have different standards involving Donald Trump and Joe Biden. (AP Photo, File) AP

Chris Quinn, Editor, cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer

A more-than-occasional arrival in the email these days is a question expressed two ways, one with dripping condescension and the other with courtesy:

Why don’t our opinion platforms treat Donald Trump and other politicians exactly the same way. Some phrase it differently, asking why we demean the former president’s supporters in describing his behavior as monstrous, insurrectionist and authoritarian.

I feel for those who write. They believe in Trump and want their local news source to recognize what they see in him.

The angry writers denounce me for ignoring what they call the Biden family crime syndicate and criminality far beyond that of Trump. They quote news sources of no credibility as proof the mainstream media ignores evidence that Biden, not Trump, is the criminal dictator.

The courteous writers don’t go down that road. They politely ask how we can discount the passions and beliefs of the many people who believe in Trump.

Chris Quinn's recent Letters from the Editor

Around the globe and the nation, thousands thank us for telling the truth about Trump: Letter from the Editor
Voices of hope. Voices of anxiety. Tears of gratitude. A global response to how we tell the truth about Donald Trump
Let’s hang it up on polling. In election after election, they get it wrong: Letter from the Editor

This is a tough column to write, because I don’t want to demean or insult those who write me in good faith. I’ve started it a half dozen times since November but turned to other topics each time because this needle is hard to thread. No matter how I present it, I’ll offend some thoughtful, decent people.

The north star here is truth. We tell the truth, even when it offends some of the people who pay us for information.

The truth is that Donald Trump undermined faith in our elections in his false bid to retain the presidency. He sparked an insurrection intended to overthrow our government and keep himself in power. No president in our history has done worse.

This is not subjective. We all saw it. Plenty of leaders today try to convince the masses we did not see what we saw, but our eyes don’t deceive. (If leaders began a yearslong campaign today to convince us that the Baltimore bridge did not collapse Tuesday morning, would you ever believe them?) Trust your eyes. Trump on Jan. 6 launched the most serious threat to our system of government since the Civil War. You know that. You saw it.

The facts involving Trump are crystal clear, and as news people, we cannot pretend otherwise, as unpopular as that might be with a segment of our readers. There aren’t two sides to facts. People who say the earth is flat don’t get space on our platforms. If that offends them, so be it.

As for those who equate Trump and Joe Biden, that’s false equivalency. Biden has done nothing remotely close to the egregious, anti-American acts of Trump. We can debate the success and mindset of our current president, as we have about most presidents in our lifetimes, but Biden was never a threat to our democracy. Trump is. He is unique among all American presidents for his efforts to keep power at any cost.

Personally, I find it hard to understand how Americans who take pride in our system of government support Trump. All those soldiers who died in World War II were fighting against the kind of regime Trump wants to create on our soil. How do they not see it?

The March 25 edition of the New Yorker magazine offers some insight. It includes a detailed review of a new book about Adolf Hitler, focused on the year 1932. It’s called “Takeover: Hitler’s Final Rise to Power” and is by historian Timothy W. Ryback. It explains how German leaders – including some in the media -- thought they could use Hitler as a means to get power for themselves and were willing to look past his obvious deficiencies to get where they wanted. In tolerating and using Hitler as a means to an end, they helped create the monstrous dictator responsible for millions of deaths.

How are those German leaders different from people in Congress saying the election was stolen or that Jan. 6 was not an insurrection aimed at destroying our government? They know the truth, but they deny it. They see Trump as a means to an end – power for themselves and their “team” – even if it means repeatedly telling lies.

Sadly, many believe the lies. They trust people in authority, without questioning the obvious discrepancies or relying on their own eyes. These are the people who take offense to the truths we tell about Trump. No one in our newsroom gets up in the morning wanting to make a segment of readers feel bad. No one seeks to demean anyone. We understand what a privilege it is to be welcomed into the lives of the millions of people who visit our platforms each month for news, sports and entertainment. But our duty is to the truth.

Our nation does seem to be slipping down the same slide that Germany did in the 1930s. Maybe the collapse of government in the hands of a madman is inevitable, given how the media landscape has been corrupted by partisans, as it was in 1930s Germany.

I hope not.

In our newsroom, we’ll do our part. Much as it offends some who read us, we will continue to tell the truth about Trump.

I’m at mailto:[email protected]

Thanks for reading.

( Note: A follow-up column about the overwhelming international response to this piece can be found here , and a sampling of the responses can be found here .)

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission
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Creative Cover Letter For Poetry Submission
Sample Cover Letter For Writing Submission
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How To Write A Cover Letter For A Poetry Submission

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53rd International Letter Writing Competition deadline of submission of entries is April 5, 2024

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission
When writing a cover letter to accompany your submission to a literary magazine or publishing house, keep the following pointers in mind: 1. Stay on topic. Don't turn your cover letter into a comprehensive rundown of your resume. If you've had some recent publications, mention them in the context of a short bio.
Sample Cover Letters for Poetry Submissions
Over time, as with writing poems, you will find that you develop your own style and voice with these simple little letters. Traditional Mail Cover Letter Sample. Dear Poetry Editor. Please consider the enclosed poems—"Watching the Ice Melt," "My Father," and "Relevant"—for possible inclusion in a future edition of Dayton Quarterly.
How To Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission in 6 Steps
3. Use direct, respectful language. Throughout your cover letter, try to use direct language. In addition, try to only include necessary information or details that a journal specifically requests. This can allow you to keep your cover letter brief and concise in respect of editors' time as they consider your work. 4.
How to Write a Poetry Submission Cover Letter
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.
How To Write A Cover Letter For Submitting Poetry
Submitting poetry is a great way to share your writing, build a portfolio of published works, and reach a wider audience. A well-crafted cover letter, sent alongside your submission, can go a long way to helping get your poetry accepted. Here are some tips for making sure your cover letter stands out and makes a good impression.
How To Write A Cover Letter For A Poetry Submission
Sending a well-crafted cover letter does not necessarily guarantee an acceptance of your submission. You need to exert some effort in marketing your poetry for it to be noticed. You could make use of the various social media platforms available to get your work out there or reach out to other poets in your field to share ideas and advice on ...
How to Write a Cover Letter for A Poetry Submission
Write the greeting and body. First, begin with the date. Next, write the salutation to the magazine, press, or publishing company. You can also address the poetry editor to personalize the greeting. Look at this template as an example of how to format it. The next step is to write the body of the letter.
How To Write A Poetry Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter for a poetry submission can be intimidating and overwhelming. However, it is a critical part of the poetry publishing process. An impressive and insightful cover letter can help an editor to quickly evaluate a submission and make a favorable decision about whether to accept or reject it.
How To Write A Cover Letter For Your Poetry or Prose Submission
Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash. Note: This article was updated in July 2020. Cover letters are a requirement for almost every lit mag submission process. In this article, we'll go over ...
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission
This part of your letter should only be a few sentences long. You should say what you are submitting: "Attached please find three poems for the New Voices contest: 'Strawberry Spring,' 'The End' and 'With the Lilies.'". You should also include some credits, awards or other professional information if you have any.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission
Typically, cover letters for publication will make do with just 30 words while applications for poetry retreat, poetry residency, or a job will require 1 to 2.5 pages. Submission requirements contain all the information regarding the format of a cover letter. Our builder is a perfect way to get a cover letter in just about 8 minutes.
How to Write a Cover Letter for Poetry Submissions
Make sure then, to include the titles of the poems you are submitting, in quotations. And also reference the publication you are submitting to, the title of the publication in italics. But that is not nearly enough information, so we will want to include a few more things. Include your contact information and relevant social media accounts ...
How to Write a Poetry Cover Letter
Cover letters can be anywhere from 30 words to 2.5 pages, depending on whether you are applying for publication (30 words to 1 page), retreat (up to 1 page), fellowship and residency (up to 2 pages), job (up to 2.5 pages), and so on. Definites for Publication: You definitely need to end the cover letter with a list your submission poems ...
Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submissions
Whether you are a beginning poet or a well-established writer, the cover letter you create for your submissions is important. If you are completely new to the publishing world, you might be…
How to write a covering letter
If it's a letter, DO give a postal address and email address in the top right hand corner. - If you are submitting by post, DO include your name and postal or email address on each poem. That way, if the poems get separated from the covering letter, the editor will still know who to contact. - DO give your full name and the names of your ...
The Perfect Cover Letter: Advice From a Lit Mag Editor
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 ...
How To Write A Cover Letter For Poetry Submission
When writing a cover letter for a poetry submission, it is important to provide background information about the poem, such as when and where it was written and what inspired it. This will help provide an understanding of the poem's context and give the reader an insight into the poet's creative process.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission
Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter. A cover letter is an essential part of submitting your work to a publication. It serves as an introduction to you as a writer and your work. A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant impact on the editor's decision to accept or reject your submission. Here are some tips for writing a cover ...
Creative Cover Letter For Poetry Submission
Poetry Submission Cover Letter Example - Text Format. Dear Dr. Lana Reyes: My name is Constance Stevens, and I am a written and spoken word artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. I am writing to you to submit three of my poems, "Leaving It All Behind", "The Last Strong Woman In The World", and "Changing Labels" for publication in The ...
Submit
Many journals accept simultaneous submissions for poetry; some don't. If the venue accepts simultaneous submissions, and you're sending your poems to multiple places, it's important to say so in your cover letter (see the templates linked in step 2, Write a Cover Letter, for more). Prepare your manuscript, following all posted submission ...
How to Write a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission
Navigating the literary landscape requires more than just crafting beautiful poetry; it demands an understanding of how to professionally present your work to publishers, starting with the cover letter. A cover letter for poetry submission acts as your personal ambassador, introducing you and your poetic works to the editor or publication.
What Is A Cover Letter For Poetry Submission
A cover letter for poetry submission aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to a prospective publisher. It outlines the poet's experience and provides ... When writing a cover letter for a poetry submission, one should also consider including personal qualities,as those provide an insight into their character as a writer. Explain why ...
College & Career Pathways: Cover Letters & Personal Statements
This event will take place online/virtually. A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job. A personal statement is a brief essay you submit as part of a college application. Learn the ins and outs of putting pen to keyboard and leaving a good impression with your writing! Grades 10-12 are welcome to attend!
Our Trump reporting upsets some readers, but there aren't two sides to
The March 25 edition of the New Yorker magazine offers some insight. It includes a detailed review of a new book about Adolf Hitler, focused on the year 1932. It's called "Takeover: Hitler's ...
What Is A Cover Letter For A Poetry Submission
A successful cover letter for poetry submissions should be concise, include relevant information, and be sure to grab the attention of the reader. That's why it's important to make sure it includes the right elements. When writing a cover letter for poetry, it's best to use a professional writing style.

How to Write a Poetry Submission Cover Letter

What is a Cover Letter for Submitting a Poem?

Why Do They Need It?

What a Good Cover Letter Should Have

A Courteous Tone

Right Context

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

Poetry Publication

Poetry Retreats, Residencies, and Fellowships:

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

2. Address the Organizers/Publishers by name

3. Link to your past work

4. Stay On Topic

5. Skip Unnecessary Pleasantries

6. Provide Contact Information

Poetry Cover Letter Example

Write A Great Cover Letter, Submit Delicious Poetry

Recommended Reading...

How to Write a Cover Letter for A Poetry Submission

Provide your contact information

Write the greeting and body

Write the closing

Provide exactly what they want

Tips to consider for literary magazines

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

What is a Cover Letter for Submitting a Poem?

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

A Basic Template for a Poetry Cover Letter

Sample Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Tips on Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Your Take-Away

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Alex Knepper's Newsletter

WHY You’re Writing

WHAT You’re Submitting

Further Reading:

How to write a covering letter

Good luck with your submissions! You can find ideas of places to send your work on our list of Poetry Opportunities .

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The Perfect Cover Letter: Advice From a Lit Mag Editor

A little research goes a long way

Terms to Know

Cover Letter That Needs Work

What Went Wrong?

Cover Letter Ready to Be Sent

What Went Right?

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter

Introducing Yourself and Your Work

Demonstrating Your Knowledge of the Publication

Showcasing Your Passion for Poetry

Formatting Your Cover Letter

Body of the Letter

Closing and Signature

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

Briefly Mentioning Your Background

Highlighting Your Connection to the Publication

Describing Your Poetry Submission

Mentioning Themes and Styles

Discussing the Inspiration Behind Your Poetry

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

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Creative Cover Letter For Poetry Submission

Cover Letter Sample for a Poetry Submission in .docx Format

Poetry Submission Cover Letter Example – Text Format

How to Write a Cover Lette for Poetry Submission

Follow The Instructions to a T

Help The Audience Learn More About You

Write To The Editor

Keep Everything Relevant

Manage Your Expectations

Be Prepared To Pay

Final Tip: Stop Fawning