Getting your manuscript noticed by publishers can feel like an uphill battle. The cover letter serves as your first handshake with editors, setting the tone for how they receive your work. A well-crafted cover letter can make the difference between your manuscript landing on the “review” pile versus the “reject” pile.
Writers often focus all their energy on perfecting their manuscripts while giving little thought to the cover letter. This could be a costly mistake. Your cover letter needs to be as polished and professional as your manuscript. The good news? With the right approach, you can create a cover letter that grabs attention and makes editors want to read more.
Sample Cover Letters for Manuscript Submission
Here are fifteen sample cover letters you can adapt for your own manuscript submissions.
1. Fiction Novel – Literary Fiction
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publishing House]
[Publishing House Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Submission of Literary Fiction Manuscript “The Silent Echo”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
My literary fiction novel, “The Silent Echo” (85,000 words), explores how three generations of a family deal with their shared trauma across five decades in rural Michigan.
As an admirer of [Publishing House]’s commitment to stories that examine family dynamics with depth and nuance, such as [mention a comparable book they published], my manuscript might appeal to your readers who appreciate character-driven narratives. The story draws partly from my background as a social worker, giving authenticity to the characters’ psychological journeys.
My short fiction has appeared in The Georgia Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, and Ploughshares. “The Silent Echo” would be my first novel.
As requested in your submission guidelines, I have attached the first three chapters and a synopsis. The complete manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
2. Children’s Picture Book
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publishing House]
[Publishing House Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Picture Book Submission – “Dinosaurs Don’t Eat Broccoli”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
After reading several of [Publishing House]’s wonderful picture books with my kids, including [mention specific book], I am submitting my 600-word picture book manuscript, “Dinosaurs Don’t Eat Broccoli.”
This humorous story follows five-year-old Sam who thinks he’s a T-Rex and refuses to eat his vegetables until he discovers that real dinosaurs actually ate plants. The manuscript targets children ages 3-6 and includes suggestions for illustration opportunities on each page.
As an elementary school librarian for the past eight years, I have gained helpful insights into what makes children laugh and what keeps them engaged during story time. My previous work includes two educational articles published in School Library Journal.
The full manuscript and illustration notes are attached as requested in your submission guidelines.
Thank you for considering “Dinosaurs Don’t Eat Broccoli.”
Warmly,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
3. Non-Fiction Self-Help Book
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Non-Fiction Submission – “Mindful Money: Psychology-Based Financial Strategies”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
Many financial self-help books focus on numbers and calculations but fail to address the psychological factors that influence our money decisions. My 65,000-word manuscript, “Mindful Money: Psychology-Based Financial Strategies,” fills this gap by combining practical financial advice with behavioral psychology.
Based on my fifteen years as a financial therapist and certified financial planner, this book offers a step-by-step approach to breaking harmful money habits. Each chapter includes exercises, case studies, and actionable guidance that readers can apply right away. The target audience includes adults ages 25-45 who struggle with financial anxiety despite having adequate income.
My platform includes a weekly financial psychology podcast with 15,000 subscribers, a blog that receives 30,000 monthly visits, and regular speaking engagements at financial wellness conferences. I have previously published articles in Money Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider.
As per your guidelines, I have attached a detailed proposal, table of contents, and the first two chapters. The full manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for considering “Mindful Money” for your catalog.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
4. Poetry Collection
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Poetry Collection Submission – “Glass Houses”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am pleased to submit “Glass Houses,” a collection of 45 poems (approximately 70 pages) that examines vulnerability and transparency in modern relationships.
Having followed [Publishing House]’s poetry selections for years, I believe my work aligns with your focus on contemporary voices that blend traditional poetic forms with fresh perspectives. My writing style has been compared to that of [mention poet published by this house], though with a stronger focus on urban domesticity.
My poetry has appeared in Prairie Schooner, The Kenyon Review, and Tin House. I was a finalist for the [Name] Poetry Prize in 2022, and I hold an MFA from [University].
As requested in your guidelines, I have attached a selection of 10 poems from the collection. The complete manuscript is available at your request.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
5. Young Adult Novel
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: YA Novel Submission – “The Algorithm of Us”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
Sixteen-year-old coding prodigy Mina accidentally creates an algorithm that predicts romantic compatibility with 98% accuracy. When her high school buys the rights to her app, chaos ensues. My YA contemporary novel, “The Algorithm of Us” (78,000 words), follows Mina as she learns that human connections are far more complex than any code she could write.
Your recent publication, [mention relevant YA title], captivated me with its authentic teen voice and thoughtful approach to technology themes. I believe “The Algorithm of Us” would appeal to the same audience while offering a fresh take on coming-of-age stories in our digital age.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and work as a STEM teacher for high school students, experiences that inform the technical aspects of the story while keeping them accessible to teen readers. My short stories have appeared in Cicada Magazine and Teen Ink.
As requested in your submission guidelines, I’ve attached the first three chapters and a synopsis. The complete manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
6. Academic Manuscript
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Manuscript Submission for Consideration – “Reimagining Urban Spaces: Community-Led Design in Post-Industrial Cities”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am writing to submit my manuscript, “Reimagining Urban Spaces: Community-Led Design in Post-Industrial Cities” (approximately 90,000 words), for your consideration.
This academic work examines five case studies of successful community-led urban renewal projects in former manufacturing centers across North America and Europe. The research combines quantitative data on economic impacts with qualitative analysis of social outcomes, contributing to current scholarly discussions on participatory urban planning.
As a Professor of Urban Studies at [University] and having led community design initiatives for fifteen years, I bring both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to this topic. The manuscript includes 35 original photographs, 12 diagrams, and 8 data visualizations that could be published in color or black and white.
My previous publications include two books with [Publisher Name] and numerous articles in the Journal of Urban Planning and The Community Design Quarterly. This new manuscript would complement your excellent urban studies list, particularly works like [mention relevant book they published].
Following your submission guidelines, I have attached a prospectus, table of contents, and sample chapter. The complete manuscript, including all images and data visualizations, is available upon request.
Thank you for considering this submission. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name, Title] [University Affiliation]
7. Mystery/Thriller Novel
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Mystery Novel Submission – “The Last Patient”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
When psychiatrist Dr. Emma Kent inherits her mentor’s practice, she also inherits his most troubled patient—and a deadly secret that someone will kill to protect. My 92,000-word mystery novel, “The Last Patient,” combines psychological suspense with a race-against-time investigation set in coastal Maine.
I am submitting to [Publishing House] because of your strong mystery list with psychological elements, including works by [mention author they publish]. My novel would appeal to readers who enjoy [mention comparable titles], but with a unique focus on mental health ethics.
My background as a clinical psychologist adds authenticity to the therapy scenes and ethical dilemmas portrayed in the book. While this is my first novel, my short fiction has won the [Name] Mystery Writers Contest and appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.
As specified in your submission guidelines, I have attached the first 50 pages and a synopsis. The complete manuscript is available at your request.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
8. Science Fiction Novel
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Science Fiction Novel Submission – “Quantum Displacement”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
What if quantum physicists could travel to parallel universes but could never return to exactly the same reality they left behind? My 95,000-word science fiction novel, “Quantum Displacement,” follows physicist Ada Chen as she searches across multiple realities for her missing research partner while facing the growing knowledge that her own home universe might be forever lost to her.
[Publishing House]’s commitment to character-driven science fiction with strong scientific foundations, such as [mention title they published], makes you my first choice for this submission. While the manuscript contains cutting-edge quantum theory concepts, the human story of loss, adaptation, and finding connection remains at its core.
With a Master’s degree in Physics and work experience at CERN, I bring scientific authenticity to the speculative elements in the story. My science fiction short stories have appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction and Clarkesworld Magazine, and I received a Nebula Award nomination in 2023.
As requested in your submission guidelines, I have attached the first three chapters and a synopsis. The complete manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
With appreciation,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
9. Cookbook or Food Writing
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Cookbook Submission – “Family Table: Recipes and Stories from Four Generations”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
Food connects us to our past while nourishing our present. My cookbook manuscript, “Family Table: Recipes and Stories from Four Generations” (75,000 words, 120 recipes), traces my family’s culinary journey from Lebanon to Mexico to the United States through dishes that have sustained us through hardship, celebration, and everyday life.
Each chapter focuses on a specific family member, sharing their signature recipes alongside stories that provide cultural and historical context. All recipes have been tested multiple times with home cooks of varying skill levels to ensure accessibility.
As the founder of the food blog Spice & Story (150,000 monthly visitors), I have built an engaged audience eager for this collection. My food writing has appeared in Saveur, Food & Wine, and The Kitchn. My approach aligns with [Publishing House]’s focus on cookbooks that blend cultural narrative with practical recipes, such as [mention book they published].
As specified in your submission guidelines, I have attached a proposal, sample chapter with five recipes (including photos), and marketing plan. The complete manuscript with 50 sample photographs is available upon request. I understand that final photography would be commissioned separately if acquired.
Thank you for considering “Family Table” for your list.
Warmly,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
10. Short Story Collection
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Short Story Collection Submission – “Ordinary Miracles”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am pleased to submit my collection of twelve short stories, “Ordinary Miracles” (65,000 words), for your consideration.
Set primarily in small-town New England, these interconnected stories examine quiet moments of transformation in seemingly ordinary lives—a grocery store cashier who becomes a local hero during a power outage, a widow who discovers her husband’s secret charity work, a school bus driver who changes a bullied child’s life through small daily kindnesses.
Eight stories from this collection have appeared in literary journals including The Paris Review, Ploughshares, and New England Review. The story “Waiting for Light” won the O. Henry Prize last year.
[Publishing House]’s commitment to literary short fiction that finds the extraordinary in everyday life, as seen in collections like [mention title they published], makes you an ideal home for this work.
As requested in your submission guidelines, I have attached three complete stories from the collection and a table of contents. The full manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
11. Memoir
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Memoir Submission – “Playing Through: A Golfer’s Journey Through Loss and Recovery”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
At age 42, I was a successful golf pro when a car accident left me with an injury doctors said would end my career. My 80,000-word memoir, “Playing Through: A Golfer’s Journey Through Loss and Recovery,” chronicles my unlikely comeback and the surprising life lessons I learned from the sport during my darkest days.
This narrative goes beyond sports memoir to explore themes of identity, purpose, and redefining success that would resonate with [Publishing House]’s readers. While golf provides the backdrop, the emotional journey will connect with anyone who has faced unexpected life challenges.
As a former PGA tour player and current golf commentator for [Network], I have a platform that includes 75,000 social media followers and regular appearances on sports shows. My articles on golf and resilience have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest, and The Players’ Tribune.
Following your submission guidelines, I have attached a proposal, table of contents, and sample chapter. The complete manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for considering “Playing Through” for your list.
Best regards,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
12. Historical Fiction Novel
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Historical Fiction Submission – “The Cartographer’s Daughter”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
My historical novel, “The Cartographer’s Daughter” (98,000 words), tells the story of Isabel Barreto, the first woman to become an Admiral in the Spanish Navy and lead an expedition across the Pacific in 1595. Though based on a real historical figure, the novel imagines her early life and the challenges she faced in a world where women were expected to remain invisible.
I am approaching [Publishing House] because of your impressive list of historical fiction that centers on overlooked women in history, such as [mention relevant title]. My research for this novel included work in Spanish archives, study of 16th-century navigation techniques, and visits to key locations in Spain and the Philippines.
With a PhD in Spanish History and several academic articles published on women in the Age of Exploration, I bring historical accuracy to this narrative while creating an engaging fictional account. This would be my first published novel.
As requested in your submission guidelines, I have attached the first three chapters and a synopsis. The complete manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
13. Graphic Novel or Comic Book Script
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Graphic Novel Script Submission – “The Ghost Frequency”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I would like to submit my graphic novel script, “The Ghost Frequency” (120 pages), for your consideration.
This science fiction story follows radio astronomer Dr. Maya Chen who discovers a signal pattern that appears to connect with the consciousness of those who have passed away. As she investigates, she must question her scientific training, confront government agents who want to weaponize her discovery, and deal with messages seemingly from her deceased wife.
The script is complete, and I have collaborated with artist [Artist Name] to create 15 sample pages and character designs, which are included in this submission. [Artist Name]’s previous work includes [mention relevant titles], and their atmospheric style perfectly captures the blend of science and supernatural elements in the story.
My writing has appeared in [Publication] and [Publication], and I won the [Award] for speculative fiction in 2023. I am drawn to [Publishing House]’s focus on graphic novels that combine genre elements with emotional depth, such as [mention title they published].
As specified in your submission guidelines, I have attached the complete script, 15 sample pages with art, character designs, and a synopsis. The artist is committed to completing the project if accepted.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
14. Romance Novel
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Contemporary Romance Submission – “The Statistics of Love”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
When data scientist Lucy meets free-spirited artist Diego, their differences should make them statistically incompatible. My 82,000-word contemporary romance novel, “The Statistics of Love,” follows their unexpected connection as Lucy learns that some things can’t be predicted by algorithms and Diego discovers that structure might be just what his creative life needs.
Set against the backdrop of Seattle’s tech industry and art scene, this dual-POV romance features strong friendships, cultural family dynamics (Lucy is Chinese-American, Diego is Mexican-American), and a slow-burn relationship that builds to a satisfying happily-ever-after.
I am submitting to [Publishing House] because of your outstanding contemporary romance list that features diverse characters and fresh, modern takes on the genre, such as [mention title they published]. My novel would appeal to readers who enjoy [author] and [author] but are looking for stem-arts crossover stories.
As a software engineer who married a musician, I bring authenticity to both professional worlds portrayed in the book. This would be my debut novel, though I have published short romance stories in [Publication] and maintain a romance book review blog with 10,000 monthly readers.
As specified in your submission guidelines, I have attached the first three chapters and a synopsis. The complete manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Warmly,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
15. Technical or Professional Book
[Date]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
[Editor’s Name] [Publishing House] [Publishing House Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Professional Book Submission – “Accessible Design: Creating Digital Products for All Users”
Dear [Editor’s Name],
My professional book manuscript, “Accessible Design: Creating Digital Products for All Users” (70,000 words), offers a practical guide for UX designers, developers, and product managers who want to create truly inclusive digital experiences.
Unlike many accessibility resources that focus solely on technical specifications or legal compliance, this book provides a human-centered approach with clear examples, case studies, and actionable workflows. Each chapter addresses a different aspect of accessible design, from planning to implementation to testing, with code samples and before/after demonstrations.
With 18 years of experience as an accessibility consultant for companies including [Company Names], I bring real-world solutions to common challenges. My webinar series on accessible design has attracted over 25,000 participants, and my articles on the topic have appeared in A List Apart, UX Magazine, and Smashing Magazine.
As [Publishing House] has established itself as a leader in practical professional books for the tech industry, such as [mention relevant title], my manuscript would complement your existing catalog while addressing a growing area of interest as digital accessibility regulations become more stringent worldwide.
Following your submission guidelines, I have attached a detailed proposal, table of contents, and sample chapter. The complete manuscript with all code examples and illustrations is available upon request.
Thank you for considering “Accessible Design” for your professional list.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for hard copy)]
[Your Name]
[Professional Credentials]
Wrap-up
The perfect cover letter serves as a bridge between you and potential publishers. It showcases not just your manuscript, but also your professionalism, attention to detail, and understanding of the market. By studying these fifteen examples, you now have templates you can adapt to your specific situation.
Keep in mind that each publishing house has unique submission guidelines. Always research these requirements before sending your materials and tailor your cover letter accordingly. A personalized approach that shows you understand the publisher’s list and audience will always stand out from generic submissions.
With a strong manuscript and a thoughtful cover letter, you greatly increase your chances of getting noticed in the competitive publishing market. Good luck with your submissions!