Why Your Short Story Cover Letter Matters
In the competitive world of short story publishing, your cover letter is often the first impression you make on an editor. It’s your chance to go beyond the story itself and demonstrate why your work deserves a place in their publication. A well-crafted cover letter can significantly increase your chances of acceptance, while a poorly written one can lead to immediate rejection. Think of it as a concise marketing pitch, a way to sell yourself and your story to the editor. It’s not just about stating facts, but about conveying your passion, professionalism, and understanding of the publication’s needs. A strong cover letter shows that you’re serious about being published and have taken the time to present your work in the best possible light. Therefore, treating your cover letter with the same care and attention you give your story is absolutely crucial.
Grabbing Attention with Your Opening
The opening paragraph is your opportunity to immediately capture the editor’s interest. Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Editor.” Instead, personalize it if possible, addressing the editor by name if you know it, or referencing something specific about the publication that resonates with you. Start with a strong hook – a brief, intriguing statement about your story or yourself as a writer. Briefly introduce the story and its central theme. Showing you’ve read and understand their publication is key. Keep this section concise; the editor has many submissions to review. A well-crafted, engaging opening sets a positive tone and makes the editor want to read on. Make it personal and show enthusiasm, which reflects positively on your submission.
Highlighting Your Best Work
While the story itself is the star, your cover letter can subtly highlight what makes your work stand out. Briefly mention the story’s genre, word count, and any relevant awards, publications, or accolades it has received. Focus on the most significant achievements or aspects of your story that align with the publication’s interests. Keep it brief and relevant; the cover letter isn’t meant to be a full resume. If your story has won any awards, list them concisely. Mention any unique aspects of your story – perhaps its innovative structure, thought-provoking themes, or captivating characters. The goal is to give the editor a snapshot of why your story is worthy of their consideration. Keep your language confident, but avoid hyperbole. Focus on the story’s strengths and leave the editor wanting more.
Showcasing Your Unique Voice
Your cover letter is a chance to let your personality shine through. Even though the tone should remain professional, injecting your unique voice will help the editor connect with you as a writer. This doesn’t mean writing in slang or being overly casual, but use language that reflects your authentic style. If you are known for a certain genre or theme, briefly mention it. Show enthusiasm and passion for your work. This will help the editor to understand you as a writer. Consider this section as a brief introduction to you and your literary style. It’s an opportunity to express your voice in a way that subtly demonstrates why your writing is special and worthy of publication.
Formatting Your Cover Letter for Success
Proper formatting is a crucial element that can elevate your cover letter from good to excellent. Ensure your letter is easy to read by using a standard, professional font like Times New Roman or Arial, and maintain a consistent font size (typically 11 or 12 points). Use single spacing with a blank line between paragraphs for clarity. Keep the margins standard at one inch on all sides. Structure your letter logically, with clear paragraphs and concise sentences. Avoid excessive use of bolding or italics; let your writing speak for itself. Maintain a professional and polished look. The presentation of your cover letter reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, setting a good first impression. Make it easy for the editor to read and appreciate the information you provide.
Understanding Submission Guidelines
Thoroughly review the submission guidelines of each publication before writing your cover letter. Failing to adhere to these guidelines is a common and easily avoidable mistake that can result in immediate rejection. Pay close attention to the preferred format (e.g., .doc, .pdf), word count limits, and specific content requests. Some publications have specific requirements regarding cover letter content or the information they want you to include. Address the editor by the name mentioned in the guidelines, and follow the submission process meticulously. Failing to follow the instructions is a sign that you haven’t taken the time to do the necessary research. Always double-check the guidelines just before you send your submission, as they can change. Make certain to meet the guidelines provided to ensure the editor considers your submission.
Tailoring Your Letter to the Publication
Generic cover letters are easily spotted and often discarded. Show the editor you’ve done your homework by tailoring your letter to the specific publication. Reference their past issues, authors, or themes, demonstrating that you understand their focus and are genuinely interested in being published there. Briefly mention why your story is a good fit for their audience. This will demonstrate that you have put in the effort to research the publication and understand their needs. Do not send a cover letter written for a different publication; instead, personalize each letter. Tailoring your letter will demonstrate your professionalism and commitment. It also demonstrates your interest in the publication and the editor will recognize your effort.
The Importance of Proofreading
Errors in your cover letter can immediately undermine your credibility. Always proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it. Look for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and typos. Read the letter aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or sentence structures. Consider asking a friend, colleague, or writing group member to proofread it for you, as a fresh pair of eyes can often spot errors you’ve missed. Pay particular attention to the editor’s name, publication name, and any specific details you’ve included. Sloppy editing suggests a lack of attention to detail, which can reflect poorly on your writing and professionalism. Ensure that your cover letter is polished and error-free to make a positive and professional impression. A polished cover letter shows respect for the editor and the publication.
What to Include in Your Cover Letter
A well-crafted cover letter includes several key elements. Begin with a professional salutation, preferably addressing the editor by name, if known. Briefly introduce yourself and mention the title of your story. Include a brief synopsis of your story, highlighting its central theme and any unique aspects. Indicate the genre and word count of your story. Mention any previous publications or awards (if applicable). Express your interest in the publication and why you believe your story is a good fit. End with a polite closing, thanking the editor for their time and consideration, and provide your contact information. Make sure all essential information is clear and concise. Do not include anything that isn’t relevant to the story or the publication. The letter must showcase all the important information.
Personalizing Your Approach
While maintaining a professional tone, personalizing your cover letter can make it more memorable. Instead of simply stating your story’s genre, briefly mention what inspired the story, if relevant and appropriate. If you’re a fan of the publication, reference a specific story or author that resonates with you, demonstrating that you have engaged with their content. Avoid clichés, and show some of your personality, but keep the focus on your writing and the story. Tailor your letter to each publication, highlighting relevant details. This demonstrates a sincere interest in being published. It is the difference between a generic submission and a submission crafted specifically for the publication you’re targeting. Personalization is what makes your cover letter unique.
Mentioning Prior Publications
If you have previously published short stories or have any writing credits, including them in your cover letter can bolster your credibility. List the titles of your published stories, the publications they appeared in, and any relevant awards or accolades. If you have a website or online portfolio, include a link. Keep this information concise and relevant; focus on publications that align with the genre or style of your current story. This establishes your writing experience and shows that you have a proven track record. Only include publications that are relevant to the story you are submitting. If you’re new to publishing, you can simply state your background, like a university degree. This adds credibility.
Keeping it Concise
Editors are busy people. Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Aim for no more than one page, ideally. Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary fluff. Get straight to the point. Make every word count. Only include relevant information, and focus on the most important aspects of your story and your background. Respect the editor’s time. A concise cover letter reflects your professionalism and shows that you value their time. Do not over explain or provide an excessive amount of information. The cover letter’s goal is to introduce your story and grab their attention; the story itself does the work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes is crucial for increasing your chances of success. Here’s how to steer clear of the most frequent pitfalls that can sink your submission.
Overly Formal Language
While professionalism is important, avoid overly formal language that sounds stilted or impersonal. Editors want to get a sense of your personality, not read a dry, academic essay. Avoid using overly complex words or convoluted sentence structures. Keep your language clear, direct, and engaging. Write in a conversational tone that still demonstrates respect and courtesy. Do not come across as arrogant, over-enthusiastic, or overly formal. Write as you would normally speak, making it engaging.
Generic Cover Letters
Sending a generic cover letter to multiple publications is a surefire way to end up in the rejection pile. Tailor each letter to the specific publication, demonstrating that you’ve researched their content and understand their needs. Mentioning specific stories or authors from the publication’s back catalog is a great way to show that you’ve done your homework. Generic cover letters are easily identified. Avoid the temptation to copy and paste a standard template. Make sure your letter is specific to the publication. It is important to make each cover letter unique.
Ignoring Submission Guidelines
As mentioned earlier, ignoring the submission guidelines is one of the most common and easily avoidable mistakes. Always carefully read and adhere to the guidelines of each publication. Pay attention to the required format, word count limits, and any specific content requests. Failure to follow these guidelines is a sign that you haven’t taken the time to do your research and shows disrespect to the editor. Double-check the guidelines just before submitting, as they can change. The editor may instantly reject your submission if guidelines aren’t followed.
The Power of a Strong Closing
Your closing paragraph should leave a positive and lasting impression. It’s your final opportunity to reinforce your professionalism and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. A strong closing includes a polite thank you, a reiteration of your interest in the publication, and your contact information.
Expressing Gratitude and Enthusiasm
End your cover letter by expressing your gratitude to the editor for their time and consideration. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the publication and the opportunity to be considered. Let the editor know how much you’d like the chance to see your story published. Expressing your gratitude demonstrates your respect for the editor. Showing your enthusiasm increases the likelihood that the editor will remember your submission. Be sincere. You’ll demonstrate that you are truly passionate about your writing and the publication.
Including Your Contact Information
Make it easy for the editor to contact you by including your full name, email address, and any relevant contact information (e.g., website, social media handles). Ensure that your email address is professional and easy to read. Your contact information should be clearly displayed. Double-check that all your contact information is accurate. Do not miss this opportunity. Make it easy for the editor to reach you. This small detail can significantly speed up the publication process if your story is accepted.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a compelling short story cover letter is an essential skill for any writer. By following these secrets, you can increase your chances of getting noticed, getting published, and launching your writing career. Remember to always be professional, passionate, and persistent. Your cover letter is the key. Give it the attention it deserves, and your story will be more likely to find a home in a publication you admire. It is worth the effort.