The cover letter is your first chance to speak directly to a journal editor. It does not replace the manuscript, but a well-written letter can frame your research, explain its significance, and encourage the editor to send it to peer review.
This guide covers what to include in a cover letter for journal submission.
Purpose of the Cover Letter
The letter introduces your manuscript, states why it fits the journal, and confirms that the work is original and not under consideration elsewhere. It is also where you can highlight the key finding and why it matters to the journal's readership.
What to Include
- Manuscript title and the journal you are submitting to.
- A concise statement of the research question and main finding.
- Why the manuscript is a good fit for the journal's scope and audience.
- A declaration that the work is original and not simultaneously submitted elsewhere.
- Corresponding author contact details and any suggested or excluded reviewers, if the journal allows.
Keep It Professional and Brief
Editors are busy. A cover letter should be one page, written in a professional tone, and free of errors. Avoid overstating your claims — let the significance of the research speak for itself.
Proofread Before Sending
A cover letter with typos or awkward phrasing creates a poor first impression. Have your letter reviewed along with your manuscript. Our editors can check both for clarity and correctness.
Ready to Submit?
Pair your manuscript and cover letter with professional editing so both make the right impression on the editor.
