Cover Letter for Poetry Submission
Crafting a cover letter for a poetry submission can be complex. It requires a balance between professionalism and creativity. Your goal is to introduce yourself and your work to the editor in a concise and compelling manner. Here are some key elements to include.
Introduction
Start with a formal greeting. Address the editor by name if possible. If the submission guidelines don’t provide a name, a simple Dear Editor is acceptable. Make sure your tone is respectful.
Introduce Yourself
Provide a brief introduction about yourself. Mention your current occupation, your experience with poetry, and any relevant literary achievements. Keep this section short and focused. Editors are more interested in your poetry than extensive personal details.
Description of Your Poetry
Briefly describe the poems you are submitting. Mention any common themes, forms, or inspirations. This helps the editor understand the essence of your poetry. Avoid overexplaining or being overly descriptive. Trust your poems to speak for themselves.
Publications and Experience
List any previous publications or literary experience. Mentioning a few credible journals or magazines where your poetry has appeared can enhance your credibility. If you are new to publishing, it’s okay to mention workshops, readings, or relevant courses.
Why This Journal?
Explain why you chose this particular journal. Show that you’ve done your homework. Mention specific issues or poems from the journal that you admire. Relate their focus to your work, demonstrating how your poems would be a good fit.
Politeness and Professionalism
Conclude with a polite sign-off. Thank the editor for their time and consideration. Provide your contact information, including an email address and phone number.
Sample Cover Letter
Here is a sample cover letter to visualize the points mentioned:
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am writing to submit three poems for consideration in [Journal Name]. My work has previously appeared in [Journal 1], [Journal 2], and [Journal 3]. I am particularly interested in your journal because of [specific reason related to the journal].
The enclosed poems—[Poem Title 1], [Poem Title 2], and [Poem Title 3]—explore themes of [brief themes description]. They seek to capture [aspect of your work].
Thank you for considering my submission. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]