Cover Letters: How-to and Format
So, you decided to submit to the Glass Kite Anthology... but immediately panicked and stopped once you reached the word "cover letter".
What is a cover letter? You say. How does it work, and why do I need one? Am I going to be rejected if I have a "bad" cover letter?
Never to fear, we are here to help. Cover letters are surprisingly simple, and the least terrifying thing in the world. The main idea is to introduce your piece, and give a little bio of yourself. Most anthologies and literary magazines require a cover letter when submitting, so this is good practice too.
Below is a general outline/format of a cover letter you may feel free to use:
Dear Editors at the __(name of publication)__,
Please find attached, my poem/short story/visual art submission* "__(name of piece)__" to be considered for publication in the __(name of publication)__.
FIRST PERSON BIO: things to include could be: achievements, awards won, special interests, why you enjoy writing/art, and what you do outside of writing/art. Basically, anything that you feel gives the editors the best representation of yourself and your writing/art.
Thank you for your time,
Name (in which you would like your piece to be published under)
*When submitting visual art, please specify medium.
See? Easy. If the format wasn't enough then below is a wonderful sample, if you should you be interested in what it looks like when everything is filled out:
Dear Editors at Best of Both Worlds Anthology,
Please find attached, my poem "Can't Be Tamed" to be considered for publication in the Best of Both Worlds Anthology.
I am a professional Cyrus living in Wrecking Ball County, Montana. My writing has been recognized by the "We Can't Stop" Association for Emerging Artists and Writers, and the Annual International Bangerz Contest for Genre Fiction. My work has also appeared in literary magazines such as "Breakout", "Fly on the Wall", "7 Genres", and "The Climb: 25 Promising Writers Who Rose to Fame from Struggling Childhoods". When not writing, I enjoy twerking, playing cowgirl, and collecting large teddy bears.
Thank you for your time,
Mooylooy Cooyroos
What is a cover letter? You say. How does it work, and why do I need one? Am I going to be rejected if I have a "bad" cover letter?
Never to fear, we are here to help. Cover letters are surprisingly simple, and the least terrifying thing in the world. The main idea is to introduce your piece, and give a little bio of yourself. Most anthologies and literary magazines require a cover letter when submitting, so this is good practice too.
Below is a general outline/format of a cover letter you may feel free to use:
Dear Editors at the __(name of publication)__,
Please find attached, my poem/short story/visual art submission* "__(name of piece)__" to be considered for publication in the __(name of publication)__.
FIRST PERSON BIO: things to include could be: achievements, awards won, special interests, why you enjoy writing/art, and what you do outside of writing/art. Basically, anything that you feel gives the editors the best representation of yourself and your writing/art.
Thank you for your time,
Name (in which you would like your piece to be published under)
*When submitting visual art, please specify medium.
See? Easy. If the format wasn't enough then below is a wonderful sample, if you should you be interested in what it looks like when everything is filled out:
Dear Editors at Best of Both Worlds Anthology,
Please find attached, my poem "Can't Be Tamed" to be considered for publication in the Best of Both Worlds Anthology.
I am a professional Cyrus living in Wrecking Ball County, Montana. My writing has been recognized by the "We Can't Stop" Association for Emerging Artists and Writers, and the Annual International Bangerz Contest for Genre Fiction. My work has also appeared in literary magazines such as "Breakout", "Fly on the Wall", "7 Genres", and "The Climb: 25 Promising Writers Who Rose to Fame from Struggling Childhoods". When not writing, I enjoy twerking, playing cowgirl, and collecting large teddy bears.
Thank you for your time,
Mooylooy Cooyroos