Getting your poetry published starts with a strong cover letter. This crucial document serves as your first handshake with editors and publishers. A good cover letter can make your work stand out among hundreds of submissions that literary magazines receive daily.
Want to increase your chances of getting published? The right cover letter shows respect for the publication and demonstrates your understanding of their needs. The samples below will guide you through creating professional, attention-grabbing cover letters that help your poetry shine.
Sample Cover Letters for Poetry Submission
Here are fifteen carefully crafted cover letters you can adapt for your own poetry submissions.
1. Basic Poetry Submission Cover Letter
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Poetry Submission – [Title(s) of Poem(s)]
Dear Editor’s Name,
Please consider the attached poems “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title]” for publication in [Publication Name]. As a regular reader of your publication, I appreciate how you showcase fresh voices with unique perspectives.
These poems explore themes of nature and human connection, which align with the thoughtful work you published in your Spring issue. Thank you for your time and consideration of my work.
Sincerely,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
2. Cover Letter with Publication History
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Poetry Submission for Your Consideration
Dear Editor’s Name,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am submitting three poems titled “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title]” for your consideration.
My work has appeared in [Publication Name], [Publication Name], and [Publication Name]. The poems I am submitting continue my focus on urban life and family relationships, themes I noticed featured prominently in your Fall issue.
Thank you for taking the time to review my submission. I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
3. Cover Letter for First-Time Submitter
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: First Poetry Submission – [Your Name]
Dear Editor’s Name,
I am a new poet submitting my work for publication for the first time. Please consider my poems “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title]” for [Publication Name].
After following your publication for several years, I feel my voice might add to the thoughtful conversation you foster. These poems focus on childhood memories and rural landscapes, written in free verse form.
Thank you for considering my work. I appreciate the opportunity to share my poetry with your readers.
With gratitude,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
4. Cover Letter Mentioning a Recommendation
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Poetry Submission – Recommended by [Recommender’s Name]
Dear Editor’s Name,
[Recommender’s Name], a contributor to your Spring 2024 issue, suggested I submit my work to your publication. I am enclosing three poems for your consideration: “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title].”
These pieces examine the intersection of technology and human emotion, a theme I notice frequently appears in your pages. Your dedication to publishing thought-provoking work inspires me to share these particular poems with you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warmly,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
5. Cover Letter for Themed Issue
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Submission for “[Theme]” Issue
Dear Editor’s Name,
I am excited about your upcoming issue focused on “[Theme]” and would like to submit three poems that engage with this topic: “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title].”
My work explores [theme] through the lens of personal experience and cultural heritage. The second poem, “[Poem Title],” was specifically written in response to your call for submissions, as the theme resonated strongly with my current creative focus.
Thank you for considering these poems for your special issue. I appreciate the platform you provide for exploring meaningful themes.
Best regards,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
6. Cover Letter with Brief Bio
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Poetry Submission and Bio
Dear Editor’s Name,
Please consider the enclosed poems “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title]” for publication in [Publication Name].
I hold an MFA from [University] and currently teach creative writing at [Institution]. My poetry chapbook, [Title], was published by [Press] in 2023. These new poems continue my exploration of identity and belonging in American suburbs.
Thank you for your consideration. I hope these poems might find a home in your pages.
Sincerely,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
7. Cover Letter for Simultaneous Submission
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Simultaneous Poetry Submission
Dear Editor’s Name,
I would like to submit three poems for your consideration: “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title].” Please note that these poems are being simultaneously submitted to other publications. I will promptly notify you if any are accepted elsewhere.
Your recent issues have showcased powerful narrative poetry, which aligns with my style. I especially enjoyed the work by [Poet’s Name] in your Winter issue.
Thank you for your time and the care you take with each submission.
Regards,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
8. Cover Letter Addressing Specific Guidelines
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Poetry Submission Following Guidelines
Dear Editor’s Name,
As requested in your submission guidelines, I am submitting three poems totaling fewer than 100 lines: “[Poem Title]” (20 lines), “[Poem Title]” (30 lines), and “[Poem Title]” (25 lines). I have included them in the body of this letter rather than as attachments.
These poems follow the formal structures you prefer, with an emphasis on traditional meter and rhyme schemes. They address themes of loss and renewal that complement the mission statement on your website.
Thank you for considering my work. I look forward to your response.
Best wishes,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
9. Cover Letter for Contest Entry
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Contest Coordinator’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Entry for [Contest Name]
Dear Contest Coordinator’s Name,
Please accept my entry for the [Contest Name]. I am submitting “[Poem Title],” a [form/style] poem of [number] lines that explores [brief description of theme or content].
I have included the entry fee of $[Amount] via [payment method] and have followed all formatting requirements specified in the contest rules. My contact information appears both here and on each page of my submission as requested.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this contest. I appreciate your consideration of my work.
Sincerely,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
10. Cover Letter for Online Submission
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Subject: Online Poetry Submission – [Your Name]
Dear Editors of [Publication Name],
Through your online submission system, I am submitting three poems for consideration: “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title].”
As a digital publication that focuses on experimental forms, [Publication Name] seems like an ideal home for these works that play with whitespace and typography. The second piece uses visual elements that would display particularly well in your online format.
Thank you for reviewing my submission. I appreciate the accessible platform you provide for both readers and writers.
Kind regards,
Your Name
11. Cover Letter with Connection to Publication
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Poetry Submission from Workshop Attendee
Dear Editor’s Name,
I attended your poetry workshop at [Conference Name] last month and was encouraged by your feedback on my work. Following your suggestion, I am submitting three poems for [Publication Name]: “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title].”
These revised pieces incorporate the advice you gave about concrete imagery and line breaks. Your comments about creating tension through form were especially helpful as I finalized “[Poem Title].”
Thank you for your guidance at the workshop and for considering these poems for publication.
With appreciation,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
12. Cover Letter for International Submission
Your Name
Your Address
City, Country, Postal Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: International Poetry Submission
Dear Editor’s Name,
From [Your Country], I am submitting three poems for consideration in [Publication Name]: “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title].”
These poems reflect cultural perspectives from my region while addressing universal themes of human connection. I admire how your publication amplifies global voices and hope my work might contribute to this cross-cultural dialogue.
Thank you for reading submissions from international writers. I appreciate your consideration.
Respectfully,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
13. Cover Letter for Poet with Specific Style or Form
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Submission of [Form] Poetry
Dear Editor’s Name,
I am submitting three [form] poems for your consideration: “[Poem Title],” “[Poem Title],” and “[Poem Title].” As a publication that has historically supported formal poetry, [Publication Name] seems like an appropriate venue for these works.
Each piece follows the traditional rules of [form] while addressing contemporary subjects. I was particularly inspired by the [form] poems you published by [Poet’s Name] in your Fall issue.
Thank you for your consideration of these works. I appreciate your dedication to preserving traditional poetic forms.
Yours truly,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
14. Cover Letter for Sequential or Related Poems
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Submission of Related Poem Sequence
Dear Editor’s Name,
I would like to submit a sequence of three related poems titled “[Sequence Title],” which includes the individual pieces “[Poem Title 1],” “[Poem Title 2],” and “[Poem Title 3].”
These poems function as a unified work exploring [theme] through connected imagery and narrative threads. While each poem can stand alone, they create a deeper experience when read as a sequence. I noticed your Spring issue featured several poem sequences, suggesting you might be open to this format.
Thank you for considering this submission. I appreciate the thoughtful curation evident in your publication.
Sincerely,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
15. Cover Letter for Resubmission After Invitation
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Editor’s Name
Publication Name
Publication Address
City, State ZIP
Subject: Resubmission Following Your Invitation
Dear Editor’s Name,
Thank you for your encouraging response to my previous submission. As you suggested, I am resubmitting revised versions of “[Poem Title]” and “[Poem Title],” along with a new poem, “[Poem Title].”
I have addressed your editorial suggestions regarding line breaks in the first poem and clarified the imagery in the second. The new poem complements these pieces thematically while offering a different perspective on the subject.
Thank you for your continued interest in my work and for the opportunity to resubmit these poems.
With gratitude,
Your Signature (for printed letters)
Your Name
Wrapping Up: Cover Letters That Get Poetry Published
These fifteen examples show how to approach different submission situations with professionalism and clarity. Whether you are a first-time submitter or an experienced poet, your cover letter should be straightforward, respectful, and relevant to the publication.
A good cover letter does not guarantee publication, but it does ensure editors will give your poetry proper attention. Keep your letter brief, follow all submission guidelines, and always maintain a professional tone. With practice and persistence, your poetry will find its audience.
Remember to customize each letter for the specific publication. Editors appreciate when poets take time to understand their magazine and submission requirements. This attention to detail shows respect for their work and increases your chances of successful publication.