A cover letter is the first document an editor reads when reviewing your submission. It is your initial pitch to the editor, helping them determine if your manuscript is a good fit for their journal.
The Basics
When writing a cover letter, it is crucial to address the editor by their correct and complete name. If there are multiple co-editors, address your letter to the right person based on their specialization or designated responsibilities. If unsure, it is okay to go with a more general salutation, like “Dear Editors.”
Presenting Your Research
Provide a clear and concise title for your submission and specify whether is is an article, communication, review, perspective, or another type of manuscript. If the journal guidelines recommend, consider including a list of all authors in the manuscript.
After covering the preliminary information, briefly explain your paper’s central theme or focus to give the editor an idea of its contents. Keep this as a brief outline without going into too much detail.
Conveying the Importance of Your Work
How you communicate the impact of your work can make or break your cover letter. To make a strong impression on the editor, clearly articulate the significance of your research, emphasizing its relevance to the field. Also, show how your work aligns with the journal’s scope and mission.
Including a Formal Declaration
Some journals require a set of declarations to ensure your manuscript adheres to their ethical standards. Here are the required declarations in a cover letter:
- Originality of work: Confirm that your work is original and has not been published elsewhere. This tells the editor your research is unique.
- Conflict of interest statement: Be clear about any potential conflicts of interest, including personal, financial, or professional connections that might affect your research.
- Funding source (if applicable): Mention where your research funding came from, including any support or grants from organizations.
Including Personal Suggestions for Reviewers on a Separate Page (Optional)
If the submission process does not collect researcher suggestions for reviewers and you have special requests (e.g., recommending the inclusion or exclusion of a specific reviewer), you may note this in the cover letter.
Last!
A strong cover letter can ensure success for researchers looking to publish their manuscripts. Your cover letter is the opening act, setting the stage for how editors perceive your manuscript. Do not see it as just another formality but as a crucial opportunity to make a strong impression.