How to write a cover letter for your poetry submission
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Writing the Perfect Cover Letter for Your Poetry Submission
Submitting poetry to literary magazines is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. While your poems take center stage, the often-overlooked cover letter plays a crucial supporting role. It’s your chance to make a professional and personal impression on editors. In this article, we’ll guide you through writing a compelling cover letter, with practical advice and a poetry submission cover letter example to help you get started.
Why Your Cover Letter Matters in a Poetry Submission
A cover letter serves as your introduction to the editors considering your work. It’s not just a formality; it sets the tone for how they approach your submission. A thoughtful, well-written letter shows that you take the process seriously and understand the etiquette of literary publishing. Conversely, a careless or overly casual letter can detract from the quality of your poems, no matter how brilliant they are.
Editors are often inundated with submissions. Your cover letter won’t guarantee publication, but it can help ensure your poems are given the thoughtful consideration they deserve.
The Anatomy of a Strong Cover Letter for your Poetry Submission
A good cover letter is concise, respectful, and professional while reflecting your personality. Here are the key components:
A Polite Greeting: Begin with a proper salutation. If possible, address the editor by name.
A Brief Introduction: State who you are and why you’re submitting. Keep it concise and relevant.
Details About Your Submission: Mention the titles of the poems you’re including and confirm that they’re unpublished. If you are submitting previously published poems to a literary magazine that accepts them, you’ll want to state where each poem has been previously published and when.
Optional Personal Note: If appropriate, include a sentence or two about why you admire the magazine or how your work aligns with its aesthetic.
A Professional Closing: End with gratitude and your contact information.
How to Address Your Cover Letter: Personalizing Your Submission
Editors appreciate the effort it takes to personalize your cover letter. It shows you’ve done your homework and respect their time. It can also show that you’re a reader of their literary magazine, which will suggest to them that you know the kind of work they are looking for and might be able to offer something similar. Whenever possible, address the letter to the specific editor handling poetry submissions. Most magazines list their editors on their website or submission guidelines page.
Begin your note with: Dear [Editor’s Full Name],
Remember not to make assumptions about the editor’s pronouns – it’s better to not address them with a title at all if you’re worried about getting them wrong.
If you can’t find a specific name listed on the literary magazine’s website, it’s perfectly acceptable to use: Dear Poetry Editor, or Dear Editors of [Magazine Name],.
What to Include in Your Poetry Submission Cover Letter
To keep your cover letter effective, focus on the essentials. Here’s what to include:
1. A Polite Opening
Begin with a brief greeting and introduction. For example:
Dear [Editor Full Name],
I am writing to submit three poems – “[Poem Name One]”, “[Poem Name Two]”, and “[Poem Name Three” – for your consideration at [Magazine Name].
2. A Line About the Magazine
Mention why you’re submitting to this publication. A genuine compliment can go a long way. If the magazine is known for publishing new voices engaging with experimental poetry, you might write this:
I’ve long admired [Magazine Name] for its commitment to showcasing emerging voices alongside established poets. I believe my work aligns with your focus on experimental poetry.
3. Your Bio (Optional)
A one-sentence bio is optional, especially for poets without prior publication credits. If you include one, keep it brief:
I am a poet based in [City, Region/Country], and my work has appeared in [Publication 1] and [Publication 2].
If you’re unpublished, you might write:
This would be my first publication, and I am grateful for your consideration.
4. A Polite Closing
Wrap up with gratitude:
Thank you for considering my work. I look forward to hearing from you.
5. Contact Information
Ensure the editor can easily reach you. Include your email address and, optionally, a phone number. The latter will help in the event that an email lands in your junk folder.
Do’s and Don’ts for a Memorable Poetry Submission Cover Letter:
Here are some quick tips to help your cover letter shine:
Do’s
Follow Guidelines: Always read the submission guidelines for the magazine and adhere to them.
Be Concise: Keep your letter short – no more than 3–4 short paragraphs.
Proofread: Spelling errors or typos can distract from your professionalism.
Use a Professional Tone: Be polite and respectful, but let your personality come through.
Don’ts
Overshare Personal Details: Editors don’t need your life story – only what is relevant to your writing.
Make Demands: Avoid statements like, ‘I look forward to being published in your magazine.’
Include Unrelated Work History: Focus on your writing credentials, not your unrelated job experience.
Apologize for Inexperience: If you’re a new writer, there’s no need to draw attention to it.
Poetry Submission Cover Letter Example and Sample
Here’s a sample cover letter to guide you:
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am writing to submit three poems – “[Poem Name One]”, “[Poem Name Two]”, and “[Poem Name Three]” – for consideration at [Magazine Name]. I admire your magazine’s dedication to publishing [type of poetry published by magazine], and I believe my work aligns with this vision.
I am a poet based in [City, Region/Country], and my work has previously appeared in [Publication 1] and [Publication 2]. These poems are as yet unpublished.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Email Address] | [Your Phone Number]
Feel free to adapt this template to suit your voice and the specific magazine you’re submitting to.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Poetry Submission Cover Letters
Even with the best intentions, poets often make errors in their cover letters that can leave a negative impression. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Being Too Long-Winded
Editors are busy – trust us! – and they will appreciate brevity. A concise cover letter demonstrates respect for their time.
2. Ignoring Submission Guidelines
Always adhere to the specific requirements of the magazine. For example, if they request a third-person bio or limit the number of poems, follow those instructions to the letter.
3. Using a Generic Approach
Submitting the same, one-size-fits-all letter to every magazine can be off-putting. Personalizing your letter shows care and effort.
4. Overloading with Personal Details
Editors don’t need to know your life story or why poetry saved you unless it’s directly relevant to the submission. If it is directly relevant – absolutely include it.
5. Including Previously Published Work Without Disclosure
Be transparent about the publication status of your poems. Submitting work that has already appeared elsewhere without telling them is a major misstep.
How Long Should a Poetry Submission Cover Letter Be?
When it comes to cover letters, less is more. The ideal length is two to four short paragraphs. It shouldn’t be more than a single page. This keeps the letter professional, clear, and easy to read. As stated above, editors are very, very busy and often inundated with submissions.
The Role of Tone and Style in Your Cover Letter
Striking the right tone in your cover letter is essential. Editors are looking for professionalism but also want to get a sense of your personality. Here are some tips:
Professional, Not Formal: Avoid overly stiff language. A conversational yet respectful tone works best.
Example: Instead of I am humbly submitting these works for your esteemed publication, try I am thrilled to share my work for consideration in your magazine. Remember that editors are human beings who love poetry – so you’re kind of already on the same level.
Authentic, Not Overly Familiar: Be yourself, but don’t assume a casual familiarity with the editor unless you have an existing relationship.
Respectful Gratitude: Always thank the editor for their time and consideration. Politeness goes a long way.
When (and How) to Follow Up on a Poetry Submission
Patience is key after submitting your poems, but there are times when a follow-up is appropriate. Here’s how to handle it:
1. Wait Until the Stated Response Time Has Passed
Many magazines include their expected response time in their guidelines. If they say 3 months, wait at least that long before following up.
2. Send a Polite Query
Your follow-up email should be brief and courteous:
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to inquire about the status of my poetry submission, sent on [date]. My submitted poems are: “[Poem Name One]”, “[Poem Name Two]” and “[Poem Name Three]”. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Make sure you’re following up with the same email address so the editor is able to find your original submission. Also ensure you include a list of poems you submitted – but if you don’t have a record of that, it should be OK. They’ll be able to use your email address, name and date of submission.
3. Be Patient After Following Up
If you still don’t hear back after your query, it’s best to move on. Literary magazines often face overwhelming workloads, and silence may simply mean your work wasn’t a fit.
How to Format Your Poetry Submission Cover Letter
A clean, professional format ensures your letter is easy to read and makes a good impression. Follow these formatting tips:
1. Font and Size
Unless otherwise specified, use a standard, readable font like Times New Roman, size 12.
2. Alignment
Left-align your text with standard 1-inch margins. Avoid justified text, as it can be harder to read.
3. Spacing:
Use single spacing within paragraphs and a blank line between each section for clarity.
4. Header (Optional)
Some poets include their contact information as a header at the top of the letter. Example:
Your Name
Your Email Address
Your Phone Number (Optional)
5. Document Type
If submitting electronically, save your cover letter as a PDF or Word document, depending on the magazine’s preferences. You might be able to paste directly into their submission form – if so, ensure the formatting hasn’t been messed up, but happily this will mean you don’t have to worry about the font.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cover Letters for Poetry Submissions
Do I need a cover letter for every poetry submission?
Not necessarily – this will vary between literary magazines. You can find out either through reading the submission guidelines, or for online submissions the form itself will include space to upload the cover letter if it’s required. Free the Verse (that’s us!) doesn’t require a cover letter with submissions – we prefer to let the poetry speak for itself.
If there’s something you want to say and the magazine doesn’t accommodate cover letters, you can add it to the top of the submission. Just make it clear it’s not part of your poetry submission, and ensure you don’t include any information that identifies you (name, address, email) if the magazine has requested fully anonymous submissions.
What if I have no prior publications?
That’s perfectly fine! Simply focus on your work and enthusiasm. For example:
This is my first submission, and I’m excited to share my work with you.
Should I mention previous rejections?
No. Keep the tone positive and forward-looking.
Can I submit without addressing a specific editor?
If you can’t find the editor’s name, addressing the letter to Dear Poetry Editor or Dear Editors is completely acceptable.
Submitting poetry is an act of courage and hope. By writing a professional, polished cover letter, you increase your chances of making a great first impression. Remember, your poems will speak for themselves, but a thoughtful cover letter ensures they’re received in the best possible light. That being said – it’s very unlikely you’ll get rejected just because your cover letter isn’t perfect. And if you do – maybe that literary magazine isn’t worthy of publishing your work anyway! So don’t sweat it too much.
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