When submitting your manuscript to a journal, it is important to include a well-written cover letter which could help your paper to reach the next level of the process. A good cover letter can voice your manuscript on behalf of you to the journal editor. You can take this opportunity to describe why your manuscript will be of importance and interesting to the journal’s readers, which is something that every journal editor looks for. Therefore, it is worth spending time to write a coherent and convincing cover letter for journal article submission. This article provides the best cover letter example format for your easy understanding.
Cover Letter for Journal Submission
Before starting to write your cover letter, check the instructions for authors of your journal for any specific information to be included in the cover letter. Some journals suggest including a few additional details in the cover letter.
The cover letter should claim that your article is a good fit for the journal, and it should highlight your major research findings. Specify the theme or scope of the journal under which you are submitting the manuscript. The author should assure the editor that there are no conflicts of interest in publishing your manuscript.
To help you with this, iLovePhD imparts to you how to write an effective cover letter to a journal for research article submission, providing examples of what should be included, what should not be included, and a sample template of the cover letter.
Key points to include:
- Editor’s name (you can find this on the journal webpage).
- Name of the journal
- Your article’s title
- Brief description of the novelty of the research and emphasis on your major research findings.
- A statement that your paper is not currently under consideration by another journal
- Contact information for you and any co-authors
- Confirm that you have no conflicts of interest
- A list of potential reviewers (If asked by the journal)
- Any researchers/reviewers who should not review your manuscript (If asked by the journal)
Points to avoid:
- Keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page (brief introduction and overview).
- Don’t copy your abstract into your cover letter; instead explain significance and novelty of your work in your own words.
- Don’t use too much jargon or acronyms; instead use simple, easy and straightforward language.
- Avoid spelling and grammar errors and ensure your letter is professional before submitting.
Example Cover Letter for Journal Submission
The best cover letter example for any publication (Elsevier, Wiley, IEEE, Springer, PubMed, Taylor and Francis, and SAGE ) is shown below:
Date
To
Dr. / Prof. (Editor’s name)
Editor-in-Chief
Journal name
Dear Dr. /Prof. (Editor’s name)
I/we wish to submit a research manuscript entitled “(title of research article)” for publishing in your esteemed journal. (Briefly describe your research work in your own words. Don’t paste your abstract here. Clearly explain the novelty of your work and its significance and the reason to choose this journal for publication.)
I/we declare that all the authors (all the authors’ name) of this manuscript agreed to submit the manuscript to the journal (Journal name). We also agree to transfer copyright from the authors to the journal. The manuscript has been prepared as per the journal’s guidelines and checked for language correction.
I/we do confirm that this work is original and the manuscript is not currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.
Please address all the correspondence pertaining to this manuscript to me at (email address).
Thanking you
Sincerely
(Your name)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cover Letters for Journal Submission
1. How do you write a cover letter for a journal submission?
To write a cover letter for a journal submission:
End with a thank you and your contact information.
Start with a formal salutation to the editor.
Introduce your manuscript by title and article type.
Explain the significance and originality of your work.
Mention that it has not been submitted elsewhere.
2. How long should a cover letter for journal submission be?
A journal cover letter should typically be half a page to one full page, concise yet comprehensive. Aim for 150–300 words.
3. Is a cover letter necessary for journal submissions?
Yes, most reputable journals require a cover letter. It introduces your work and helps the editor assess its relevance before peer review.
4. What is a good format for a cover letter?
Use a professional format:
Close with gratitude and your full signature.
Author details and date at the top.
Editor’s details and journal name.
Clear paragraphs: Introduction, manuscript summary, novelty, ethical declaration.
5. Do I always need a cover letter?
While not all journals mandate it, providing a cover letter is considered best practice and enhances your submission’s professionalism.
6. What do you include in a cover letter for a research paper?
Include:
Conflict of interest and funding (if applicable).
Title and type of article.
Brief abstract or key findings.
Statement on originality and ethical compliance.
Why it suits the target journal.
7. How do I write a cover letter for an Elsevier journal submission?
Follow Elsevier’s template:
Use a polite and formal tone.
Address the editor properly.
Mention article title and authors.
State the novelty and how it fits the journal scope.
Declare ethics compliance.
8. What should you do before submitting your cover letter?
Proofread carefully for errors.
Ensure it aligns with the journal’s scope.
Use a clear, academic tone.
Avoid overstatements or vague language.
9. How do I write a cover letter for a poetry or literary journal submission?
Be concise and personal.
Mention the theme or concept behind the work.
Highlight where your work has been previously published (if applicable).
Keep the tone suitable for creative work.
10. What is the title page in a journal submission?
The title page typically includes:
Word count and article type
Manuscript title
Author(s) with affiliations
Corresponding author’s contact info
I Hope, this article helps you to know how to write an effective cover letter with an example to a journal for research article submission.
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