The art of writing a strong cover letter can make all the difference when submitting your short stories to publications. A well-crafted cover letter shows professionalism and gives editors context about your work and background. Many talented writers face rejection not because their stories lack quality, but because their cover letters fail to make a positive first impression.
Ready to boost your chances of getting published? These fifteen sample cover letters showcase different approaches that work for various publications and writing styles. Each one offers unique elements you can adapt for your own submissions.
Sample Cover Letters for Short Story Submission
Here are fifteen effective cover letter examples you can use as templates when submitting your short stories to literary magazines, journals, and other publications.
1. Basic Professional Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Submission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
Please consider my short story, “[Story Title]” (approximately [word count] words), for publication in [Publication Name].
This story follows a young woman who discovers an abandoned lighthouse with unexpected occupants. The story explores themes of isolation and unexpected connection that align with the thoughtful character studies previously published in your summer issues.
My fiction has appeared in [Publication 1], [Publication 2], and [Publication 3]. I earned my MFA from [University Name] in [Year].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Personalized Connection Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Fiction Submission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
As a longtime reader of [Publication Name], I was particularly moved by the recent story “[Title of Story You Read]” in your Spring issue. The way the author captured the subtle dynamics of family relationships resonated with my own writing interests.
With this connection in mind, I would like to submit my short story “[Story Title]” (approximately [word count] words) for your consideration. My story examines how siblings reconnect after years of estrangement when forced to clean out their childhood home.
My previous work has appeared in [Publication Names]. This would be my first contribution to your publication, which has long been a goal of mine.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
3. Brief and Direct Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Fiction Submission for [Season/Year] Issue
Dear Fiction Editor,
Attached please find my short story submission, “[Story Title]” ([word count] words), for consideration in [Publication Name].
The story centers on a rural mailman who becomes obsessed with a mysterious letter he cannot deliver. This piece fits with your publication’s focus on character-driven narratives set in small-town America.
My short fiction has appeared in [Publications]. I hold a BA in English from [University].
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
[Your Name]
4. New Writer Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Short Story Submission – First-Time Contributor
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am submitting my short story “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for consideration in [Publication Name]. This would be my first published piece.
The story follows a night shift janitor who discovers messages left on classroom chalkboards that seem directed specifically at him. The story explores themes of loneliness and the search for meaning that I notice frequently appear in your publication.
Though I am new to publishing, I have been writing fiction for five years and am an active member of [Writing Group/Community]. I greatly admire [Publication Name] for its support of emerging voices like mine.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my work.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Themed Issue Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Submission for “[Theme]” Issue
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am excited to submit my short story “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for your upcoming “[Theme]” issue.
My story examines how technology changes human connections through the lens of an elderly man who forms a relationship with his healthcare robot. The narrative directly addresses your call for stories that explore “the intersection of humanity and technology” while maintaining emotional resonance.
My previous publications include stories in [Publication Names], and I recently won [Award/Recognition] for my short fiction.
Thank you for considering my submission for this special issue.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
6. Solicited Submission Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Solicited Submission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
Thank you for your interest in my work following our conversation at the [Conference Name] last month. As requested, I am submitting my short story “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for your consideration.
The story explores the aftermath of a local disaster through multiple viewpoints within a tight-knit community. As we discussed, this piece showcases the type of community-centered narrative that appeals to your readership.
My work has previously appeared in [Publication Names]. I look forward to the possibility of adding [Publication Name] to that list.
Thanks again for the invitation to submit.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
7. Contest Entry Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Contest Coordinator’s Name]
[Publication/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Entry for [Contest Name] – [Story Title]
Dear [Contest Coordinator’s Name],
Please accept my entry “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for the [Year] [Contest Name]. I have included the entry fee of $[Amount] via [payment method].
The story follows a park ranger who encounters an unusual family camping in a restricted area during a forest fire evacuation. This piece examines questions of authority, compassion, and what makes a place “home.”
I have carefully reviewed the contest guidelines and confirm that this story meets all requirements. This story has not been previously published and is not currently under consideration elsewhere.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this contest.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
8. Genre-Specific Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Science Fiction Submission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am submitting my science fiction short story “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for your consideration.
Set on a generation ship facing unexpected system failures, the story follows an apprentice engineer who discovers the ship’s AI has been subtly altering course for decades. The story combines technical elements with character development in a way that should appeal to your readers who enjoy both hard and soft science fiction.
My science fiction has previously appeared in [Publication Names]. I also maintain a blog about science and technology at [Website] with [number] regular readers.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Best,
[Your Name]
9. Simultaneous Submission Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Simultaneous Submission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I would like to submit my short story “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for consideration in [Publication Name]. Please note that this is a simultaneous submission. I will promptly notify you if the piece is accepted elsewhere.
The story examines the complex relationship between a talented piano student and her demanding teacher. Through their interactions, the story explores themes of perfectionism, mentorship, and the costs of artistic dedication.
My fiction has appeared in [Publication Names]. I hold an MA in Creative Writing from [University Name].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
[Your Name]
10. Resubmission Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Resubmission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
Thank you for your encouraging feedback on my story “[Previous Story Title]” from [date of previous submission]. Your suggestions about developing the protagonist’s motivation were extremely helpful.
I would like to submit a new story, “[Story Title]” ([word count] words), for your consideration. This piece follows a census taker who discovers a community that wants to remain uncounted and explores themes of visibility and official recognition.
My work continues to appear in [Publication Names]. I appreciate your previous consideration and hope you enjoy this new submission.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
11. Cover Letter for Literary Fiction
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Literary Fiction Submission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am pleased to submit my short story “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for your consideration.
The narrative follows an academic who returns to his hometown to care for his ailing father, confronting unresolved tensions and rediscovering connections to a place he thought he had outgrown. The story examines how our relationship to home changes throughout life, a theme that appears regularly in your publication.
I completed my PhD in Comparative Literature at [University Name] and my fiction has appeared in [Publication Names]. My story “[Previous Story Title]” was selected for [Anthology/Award].
Thank you for considering my work.
All best,
[Your Name]
12. Flash Fiction Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Flash Fiction Submission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am submitting my flash fiction piece “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for consideration in [Publication Name].
This brief narrative captures a significant moment of change between two siblings as they pack their grandmother’s kitchen after her death. The story demonstrates how small objects can carry enormous emotional weight.
Your publication’s commitment to compact yet emotionally resonant fiction makes it an ideal home for this piece. My flash fiction has previously appeared in [Publication Names].
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
13. Cover Letter with Story Background
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Fiction Submission with Historical Elements
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am submitting my short story “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for your consideration.
The story is set during the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, following two childhood friends separated by the new border. The historical setting is drawn from my grandmother’s experiences during this period, though the characters and specific events are fictional.
Given your publication’s interest in stories that blend personal narrative with historical contexts, I believe this piece would resonate with your readers. My work has appeared in [Publication Names], and I received [Award/Fellowship] for my writing on diaspora experiences.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
14. Requested Revision Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Revised Submission – [Story Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on my story “[Story Title]” and for the opportunity to submit a revised version. I have carefully considered your suggestions regarding the pacing in the middle section and the development of the secondary character.
The revised story ([updated word count] words) now includes expanded scenes that clarify the protagonist’s motivations and strengthen the emotional arc. The ending has also been reworked to provide more resolution while maintaining ambiguity where appropriate.
I appreciate your editorial guidance and believe these changes have significantly strengthened the piece while maintaining its core themes and voice.
Thank you again for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
15. Cover Letter for Experimental Fiction
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
[Editor’s Name]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Experimental Fiction Submission
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am submitting my experimental short story “[Story Title]” ([word count] words) for consideration in [Publication Name].
The piece uses fragmented narrative, multiple viewpoints, and typographical elements to tell the story of a community affected by a local factory closing. The form reflects the fractured experiences of the characters as they attempt to make sense of economic and social changes.
Your publication’s support for innovative approaches to storytelling makes it an ideal venue for this work. My experimental fiction has previously appeared in [Publication Names].
Thank you for considering my submission.
With appreciation,
[Your Name]
Wrap-up
Creating an effective cover letter doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is to be professional, concise, and show that you understand the publication you’re submitting to. Each letter should be tailored to the specific magazine or journal, mentioning why your story fits their aesthetic or themes.
A good cover letter complements your story rather than overshadowing it. Editors appreciate clear communication that gives them the necessary information without excessive detail. Always follow submission guidelines exactly and maintain a professional tone throughout.
Use these samples as starting points, adapting them to your unique voice and submission needs. With practice, writing cover letters will become a natural part of your submission process, helping your stories reach the audiences they deserve.