Writing a cover letter for your manuscript can feel challenging. Many talented writers struggle with presenting their work professionally to editors and publishers. The cover letter serves as your first impression, and getting it right can make all the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Reading through these examples will help you craft the perfect cover letter for your next submission. Each sample addresses different situations, publications, and writing styles to give you a wide range of options that can be adapted to your specific needs.
Sample Cover Letters for Writing Submission
Here are fifteen expertly crafted cover letters that will help you make a lasting impression with your submission.
1. Fiction Short Story to Literary Magazine
123 Writer’s Lane
Storyville, NY 10001
555-123-4567
writer@email.com
May 1, 2025
Jane Editor
Fiction Editor
Literary Quarterly
456 Publishing Avenue
New York, NY 10002
Subject: Submission – “The Last Summer Day”
Dear Ms. Editor,
Thank you for the opportunity to submit my short story “The Last Summer Day” (3,200 words) for consideration in Literary Quarterly. After reading your Spring 2025 issue, particularly the piece “Morning Shadows” by Thomas Wright, I was struck by how your publication values subtle emotional depth and character growth through quiet moments.
“The Last Summer Day” follows thirteen-year-old Eliza during the final hours before her family moves away from their coastal hometown. The story explores themes of childhood’s end, the meaning of home, and the bittersweet nature of necessary change—themes that align with your publication’s focus on transformative personal experiences.
My fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly, and Small Town Review. Last year, my collection “Ordinary Wonders” received the Grayson Prize for Fiction.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson
Sarah Johnson
2. Poetry Collection to University Press
432 Poet’s Path
Versetown, MA 02138
555-765-4321
poet@email.com
May 5, 2025
Dr. Michael Richards
Acquisitions Editor
Harvard University Press
79 Garden Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Subject: Poetry Collection Submission – “The Spaces Between Stars”
Dear Dr. Richards,
My poetry collection “The Spaces Between Stars” (64 poems, approximately 85 pages) examines the human relationship with cosmic scale and existential questions through accessible yet profound verse. As Harvard University Press continues to publish thoughtful work that bridges academic and public interest, I believe this collection complements your catalog while bringing a fresh perspective to contemporary American poetry.
The collection arranges itself around four sections: “Beginnings,” “Distances,” “Connections,” and “Returns,” creating a narrative arc that takes readers from cosmic origins to personal meaning-making. Eleven poems from this collection have appeared in journals including Poetry, The Paris Review, and Ploughshares.
As Professor of Creative Writing at Amherst College and recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Award for my previous collection “Everyday Physics,” I bring both academic rigor and creative excellence to this work.
I have enclosed the full manuscript as requested in your submission guidelines, along with my publication history. Thank you for considering this work.
With appreciation,
David Chen
David Chen, MFA
3. Nonfiction Article to Popular Science Magazine
789 Research Road
Knowledge City, CA 94305
555-987-6543
scientist@email.com
April 28, 2025
Sam Thompson
Features Editor
Discovery Science Monthly
1200 Innovation Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94107
Subject: Article Submission – “How Birds Navigate Without Maps”
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Please consider my 2,500-word article “How Birds Navigate Without Maps” for publication in Discovery Science Monthly. This piece details recent findings from UC Berkeley about how migratory birds use quantum entanglement effects in their retinas to detect Earth’s magnetic field—essentially seeing magnetic lines as we see colors.
The article goes beyond basic explanations to show how quantum biology is changing our understanding of animal senses. I’ve written the piece to fascinate your general readership while maintaining scientific accuracy, including interviews with three leading researchers in the field.
As a science journalist with a PhD in Ornithology and contributions to National Geographic, Scientific American, and The New York Times science section, I bring both expertise and accessibility to complex topics. My previous article in your January 2025 issue, “The Secret Language of Corvids,” received positive reader feedback.
I appreciate your consideration and look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Dr. Elena Martinez
Dr. Elena Martinez
4. Humor Essay to Online Publication
321 Laugh Lane
Funnytown, OR 97204
555-246-8101
humorist@email.com
May 7, 2025
Alex Wong
Content Director
The Chuckle
thechuckle@email.com
Subject: Submission – “Why My House Plants Are Plotting Against Me”
Dear Alex,
Your website needs this essay. Trust me.
“Why My House Plants Are Plotting Against Me” (1,800 words) documents my paranoid but totally justified suspicions about the fifteen houseplants currently holding me hostage in my apartment. From the suspicious way my snake plant seems to grow an inch every time I turn my back, to how my supposedly “easy-care” pothos keeps dropping leaves despite perfect conditions—clearly as a form of psychological warfare.
The Chuckle specializes in finding humor in everyday anxieties, and what’s more universal than the quiet dread that comes from failing at keeping simple plants alive? This essay fits right in with your recent pieces on pandemic pets and smart home devices with attitude problems.
My humorous essays have appeared in McSweeney’s, The New Yorker’s Daily Shouts, and on NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me.” My comedy newsletter has 15,000 subscribers.
Thanks for reading. I hope this submission brings a smile to your face.
Humorously yours,
Jamie Garcia
Jamie Garcia
5. Young Adult Novel to Literary Agent
567 YA Boulevard
Teenville, WA 98101
555-135-7911
yawriter@email.com
May 3, 2025
Taylor Williams
Literary Agent
Next Chapter Literary Agency
888 Representation Road
Seattle, WA 98104
Subject: Query – YA Fantasy Novel “MOONLIGHT ACADEMY” (85,000 words)
Dear Ms. Williams,
Sixteen-year-old Zoe Chen can see ghosts, but that’s not even the strangest part of her life anymore. Not since she received an acceptance letter to Moonlight Academy, a boarding school where teenagers with supernatural abilities train to become ghostly peacekeepers—maintaining balance between the living and spirit worlds.
MOONLIGHT ACADEMY (85,000 words) is a YA fantasy novel that combines the magical school elements that fans of “Shadow Academy” enjoy with the ghost-hunting adventure of “Lockwood & Co.” The manuscript explores themes of grief, belonging, and finding strength in vulnerability through a diverse cast of characters.
Your client list shows your passion for YA fantasy with heart and humor, particularly those featuring Asian American protagonists like S.K. Wu’s “This Place Is Magic.” My own background as a Chinese American teacher brings authenticity to Zoe’s cultural experiences and family dynamics.
I have a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington and previously published short stories in Teen Ink and Cicada Magazine.
Per your submission guidelines, I’ve included the first three chapters and a synopsis below. The complete manuscript is available upon request.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michelle Lin
Michelle Lin
6. Academic Article to Research Journal
901 Scholar Street
Academia, CA 94720
555-222-3333
professor@university.edu
April 30, 2025
Editorial Office
Journal of Urban Economics
Academic Publishing Group
Oxford, UK OX1 2JD
Subject: Manuscript Submission – “Housing Affordability Crisis: A New Analytical Framework”
Dear Editors,
Please consider the attached manuscript, “Housing Affordability Crisis: A New Analytical Framework,” for publication in the Journal of Urban Economics.
This research introduces a quantitative model that redefines how we measure housing affordability by incorporating transportation costs, time value, and access to essential services. Using data from fifteen metropolitan areas across three continents, we show that traditional affordability metrics significantly underestimate cost burdens for middle-income households.
The manuscript falls within your journal’s scope of urban economic analysis and policy evaluation. Our findings have direct applications for policymakers addressing housing shortages and could significantly affect future development planning.
This manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere. All authors have contributed substantially to the research and approve this submission. The research was funded by the National Science Foundation (Grant #URB-2025479), with no conflicts of interest to disclose.
We suggest the following potential reviewers who have expertise in housing economics:
- Dr. Sarah Johnson, London School of Economics
- Dr. Mark Williams, University of Toronto
- Dr. Lisa Chen, Stanford University
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Robert Thompson
Dr. Robert Thompson
Professor of Economics
University of California, Berkeley
7. Personal Essay to Literary Magazine
345 Memoir Lane
Reflection City, MA 01609
555-444-3333
essayist@email.com
May 2, 2025
Jordan Stevens
Nonfiction Editor
True Stories Quarterly
78 Personal Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Subject: Submission – Personal Essay “The Things We Carry Home”
Dear Jordan Stevens,
True Stories Quarterly consistently publishes the kind of honest, vulnerable nonfiction that helps readers understand their own experiences, which is why I hope you’ll consider my 3,400-word essay, “The Things We Carry Home.”
This personal essay chronicles my experience caring for my father during his battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s, focusing specifically on how objects from his past temporarily restored his memory and our connection. From his old baseball mitt to his vinyl records, these items became bridges across the widening gap of his condition.
The essay explores how physical objects hold emotional memories and how caregivers can find unexpected moments of joy amid great loss. This theme seems particularly relevant to your recent issue on “Objects and Their Meanings.”
My essays have appeared in The Sun, Creative Nonfiction, and Fourth Genre. I received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College and teach personal essay writing at Boston University.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Thomas Walker
Thomas Walker
8. Cookbook Proposal to Publisher
123 Culinary Court
Flavourtown, CA 90210
555-888-7777
chef@email.com
May 4, 2025
Patricia Garcia
Acquisitions Editor
Golden Spoon Publishing
450 Cookbook Lane
New York, NY 10003
Subject: Cookbook Proposal – “Family Table: Recipes That Bring Us Together”
Dear Ms. Garcia,
Golden Spoon Publishing has built a reputation for cookbooks that tell stories along with sharing recipes, which is why I’m submitting my proposal for “Family Table: Recipes That Bring Us Together.”
This cookbook features 75 recipes across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert categories, each accompanied by a short story about its significance to families across cultures. These recipes focus on accessibility, affordability, and adaptability, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to create meaningful meals.
What makes this cookbook unique is its organization around moments rather than food types—first days of school, recovery from illness, celebrations, and reconciliations. Each chapter explores how food serves as both comfort and connection during these universal experiences.
As a professional chef with fifteen years of experience, food columnist for The Home Cook magazine, and host of the “Kitchen Stories” podcast (250,000 monthly listeners), I bring culinary expertise along with storytelling ability to this project.
The attached proposal includes a detailed concept overview, sample chapter, ten complete recipes with photos, and marketing plan. My platform includes 175,000 Instagram followers and regular appearances on morning television cooking segments.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I look forward to discussing how this cookbook might fit into your publishing lineup.
Warmly,
Maria Sanchez
Maria Sanchez
9. Screenplay to Production Company
789 Screenwriter Drive
Hollywood, CA 90028
555-789-1234
screenwriter@email.com
May 5, 2025
Ryan Washington
Development Executive
Visionary Pictures
1500 Studio Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Subject: Screenplay Submission – “SECOND CHANCES” (Drama, 110 pages)
Dear Mr. Washington,
My screenplay “SECOND CHANCES” tells the story of former high school rivals who reconnect twenty years later when one becomes the other’s heart transplant donor. This 110-page drama explores how organs carry more than just biological function, as the recipient begins experiencing memories and personality traits of the donor.
Your recent productions “The Memory Keeper” and “Life After” demonstrate Visionary Pictures’ commitment to character-driven stories that blend emotional depth with high-concept premises. “SECOND CHANCES” fits this profile while offering a fresh take on identity and human connection.
The screenplay was a finalist in the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition and received mentorship through the Sundance Screenwriters Lab.
My agent, Sarah Johnson at Creative Representation (555-321-7654), recommended I contact you directly based on your previous interest in medical drama with supernatural elements. The complete screenplay is available for your review.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your thoughts on this project.
Best regards,
Marcus James
Marcus James
WGA #12345678
10. Children’s Picture Book to Publisher
456 Storybook Lane
Imagination Town, NY 12345
555-111-2222
childrensbookauthor@email.com
May 6, 2025
Emily Rodriguez
Children’s Book Editor
Rainbow Press
300 Kids Corner
New York, NY 10014
Subject: Picture Book Submission – “The Backwards Birthday Party”
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
“The Backwards Birthday Party” is a 650-word picture book manuscript for children ages 4-7 about Liam, who decides to plan a completely backwards birthday party—starting with goodbye gifts and ending with “good morning” as guests arrive.
The story celebrates creativity and embracing unexpected outcomes, as Liam’s backwards party doesn’t go exactly as planned but turns out to be memorable for everyone. The manuscript includes page-turn suggestions and art notes for key visual moments.
Rainbow Press consistently publishes picture books that balance humor with heartfelt messages, such as your recent title “Sam’s Spectacular Mess,” which my students consistently request during story time. “The Backwards Birthday Party” maintains this balance while encouraging children to think outside conventional expectations.
As an elementary school librarian with fifteen years of experience reading to children, I understand what keeps young audiences engaged. My previous picture book, “Too Many Socks” (Sunshine Books, 2023), has sold 12,000 copies and was selected for the “Kids Pick” reading list.
I have included the full manuscript below as specified in your submission guidelines. This is a simultaneous submission.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Olivia Martinez
Olivia Martinez
11. Technical Article to Professional Blog
234 Tech Terrace
Codeville, WA 98052
555-777-8888
developer@email.com
May 3, 2025
Content Team
TechStack Blog
content@techstack.com
Subject: Article Submission – “Building Accessible Apps: WCAG 3.0 Implementation Guide”
Dear Content Team,
The TechStack Blog has been a valuable resource for developers seeking practical advice on emerging technologies. With the recent adoption of WCAG 3.0 standards, I’m submitting my 2,500-word tutorial, “Building Accessible Apps: WCAG 3.0 Implementation Guide.”
This step-by-step article walks developers through implementing the latest accessibility guidelines with code examples for both front-end and back-end considerations. The tutorial covers:
- Practical keyboard navigation improvements
- Screen reader compatibility techniques
- Color contrast and visual presentation best practices
- Performance optimizations for assistive technologies
- Testing methodologies with popular accessibility tools
What sets this tutorial apart is its focus on practical application rather than theory, with downloadable code snippets and a demo project showing before-and-after implementations.
As a full-stack developer with ten years of experience specializing in accessibility, I’ve implemented these techniques across enterprise applications serving millions of users. My previous technical articles have been published on CSS-Tricks, Smashing Magazine, and A List Apart.
Thank you for considering this submission. I’m happy to make any adjustments to better fit your audience’s needs.
Best regards,
Raj Patel
Raj Patel
Senior Software Engineer
Accessible Technologies Inc.
12. Travel Article to Magazine
567 Wanderlust Way
Traveltown, CA 94123
555-987-7654
traveler@email.com
May 4, 2025
Leslie Thompson
Features Editor
Global Explorer Magazine
890 Destination Drive
San Francisco, CA 94111
Subject: Article Pitch – “The Hidden Cafés of Lisbon: A Walking Tour”
Dear Ms. Thompson,
Portugal’s capital city has become increasingly popular with tourists, but away from the crowded attractions, Lisbon’s café culture offers a genuine glimpse into local life. My proposed 2,000-word article, “The Hidden Cafés of Lisbon: A Walking Tour,” takes readers through five neighborhoods to discover family-owned establishments where tradition and innovation coexist.
This article goes beyond typical travel coverage by:
- Creating a walkable route connecting these cafés
- Sharing conversations with multi-generational café owners
- Highlighting architectural details and historical significance of each space
- Providing practical information about hours, specialties, and nearby attractions
The piece will be accompanied by my own photography documenting both the spaces and the people who make them special. Having spent three months living in Lisbon last year, I developed relationships with these café owners that allowed for authentic access and stories.
My travel writing has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and National Geographic Traveler. My recent photo essay on Tokyo’s hidden gardens won the 2024 Travel Photography Award from the International Tourism Association.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I’m available to discuss any aspects of this article that might better suit your upcoming editorial calendar.
Sincerely,
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim
13. Business Article to Trade Magazine
890 Corporate Circle
Business Park, NY 10017
555-444-1212
consultant@email.com
May 2, 2025
Nathan Green
Managing Editor
Retail Innovation Quarterly
120 Commerce Street
New York, NY 10011
Subject: Article Submission – “Predictive Analytics: How Small Retailers Can Compete with Big Data”
Dear Mr. Green,
Small retailers face significant challenges competing with large chains that use sophisticated data analysis tools. My 1,800-word article, “Predictive Analytics: How Small Retailers Can Compete with Big Data,” offers practical strategies for independent businesses to implement affordable data solutions.
Based on case studies from five successful independent retailers across different sectors, this article demonstrates how basic predictive analytics can help with:
- Inventory management and reducing overstock
- Customer retention programs that target high-value customers
- Pricing optimization during peak and off-peak seasons
- Staffing adjustments based on foot traffic patterns
What makes this piece valuable to your readership is its focus on accessible tools rather than enterprise solutions, with specific recommendations for retailers operating on limited budgets.
As a retail consultant with twenty years of experience working specifically with independent businesses, I bring practical expertise to this topic. My previous articles in Entrepreneur, Forbes, and Business Insider have focused on helping small businesses adopt technologies traditionally reserved for larger companies.
Thank you for considering this submission. The complete article is attached as requested in your guidelines.
Best regards,
Jonathan Baker
Jonathan Baker
Principal Consultant
Small Business Analytics Group
14. Opinion Piece to Newspaper
321 Thinker’s Avenue
Opinion City, DC 20008
555-333-2211
commentator@email.com
May 1, 2025
Editorial Page Editor
The Washington Post
1301 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20071
Subject: Op-Ed Submission – “How Public Libraries Are Solving the Digital Divide”
Dear Editorial Page Editor,
While much attention has focused on the challenges public libraries face in the digital age, my 750-word opinion piece, “How Public Libraries Are Solving the Digital Divide,” presents a counter-narrative based on recent success stories nationwide.
Drawing on data from the American Library Association and firsthand accounts from urban and rural communities, this op-ed makes the case that libraries are uniquely positioned to bridge technological gaps through:
- Free computer and internet access for job seekers and students
- Digital literacy programs for seniors and low-income residents
- Technology lending programs that bring devices into homes
- Partnership models with tech companies that can be replicated nationally
This perspective is timely given the current congressional debate on infrastructure funding that includes broadband access components.
As the former director of the Digital Inclusion Initiative and current board member of the National Libraries Foundation, I bring both expertise and firsthand knowledge of successful programs. My commentary has previously appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
Thank you for considering this submission. I can be reached at the contact information above for any questions or edits.
Respectfully,
Dr. Angela Washington
Dr. Angela Washington
15. Grant Proposal to Foundation
765 Community Circle
Nonprofit Village, IL 60615
555-123-7890
director@communityarts.org
May 7, 2025
Grant Committee
Phillips Family Foundation
230 Philanthropy Plaza
Chicago, IL 60611
Subject: Grant Proposal – “Youth Arts Mentorship Program”
Dear Grant Committee Members,
The Community Arts Alliance respectfully submits this proposal requesting $75,000 to launch our Youth Arts Mentorship Program, connecting disadvantaged youth ages 12-18 with professional artists for weekly mentoring sessions culminating in a community exhibition.
The South Side of Chicago has seen a 45% reduction in arts education funding over five years, while research consistently shows that arts participation increases academic performance and reduces juvenile crime rates. Our program directly addresses this gap by:
- Providing 50 youth with year-long mentorship from practicing artists
- Offering technical training across multiple artistic disciplines
- Creating pathways to college scholarships and career opportunities
- Building community connections through public art projects
The Community Arts Alliance has successfully operated in Chicago for twelve years, serving over 2,000 youth through after-school programs. Our financial statements demonstrate responsible stewardship, with administrative costs consistently below 15% of our operating budget.
The full proposal attached includes our detailed implementation timeline, budget breakdown, evaluation metrics, and sustainability plan. Letters of support from the Chicago Public Schools Arts Department, local business association, and three participating artists are also included.
We appreciate your consideration and welcome any questions about our organization or this proposal.
Sincerely,
Gabriela Torres
Gabriela Torres
Executive Director
Community Arts Alliance
Wrapping Up: Cover Letters That Make an Impact
The perfect cover letter can open doors for your writing career. By studying these examples and adapting them to your specific situation, you can create professional, compelling cover letters that showcase both your work and your understanding of the publication or organization you’re submitting to.
Remember that your cover letter should complement your writing rather than overshadow it. Keep it concise, relevant, and professional. Make sure to follow submission guidelines exactly, address the appropriate person, and proofread carefully before sending.
With these templates as your guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating submissions that get noticed by editors, agents, and publishers across the industry.