The cover letter is critical not only for applying to jobs, but it is also a key component of a submission for publication in a journal. Just as cover letters for job applications have a formula, so do those for submitting manuscript to journals. As I hiring manager and editor, I read many cover letters. Some general rules apply to both.
- Consider the audience
- Hiring manager and human resources staff
- Journal editor
- Keep it short
- 1 page for the description
- Extra page for personal references, literature references, suggested or excluded reviewers
- Provide background
- Provide information about yourself relevant to the position
- Provide context for your study
- Demonstrate understanding of the position and company or journal
- Include details about how you fit with the company’s mission and meet specific requirements of the position
- Include details about why your study fits within the journal’s scope and is relevant to the journal’s audience
- Be enthusiastic
- Use language and include statements that show excitement for the position
- Explain why your study is exciting and advances the field
For the cover letter going with the submission of a manuscript for publication in a journal, I have a few additional suggestions.
- Remember that the editor may not be an expert in your field
- Provide sufficient information for the editor to understand your work
- Avoid excess detail and field-specific jargon so that the editor maintains focus and stays engaged
- Mention your work early in the letter
- Make the letter skimmable (for example, use bullet points for short highlights of the main findings)
- Emphasize how your study extends or challenges previous work
- Suggest reviewers who have an established publication record in the field, expertise in the methodologies, expertise in the topic of your study, no connection to the authors
- Avoid excluding more 5 potential reviewers
- Check and double check that the journal name is correct
Cite as: N. R. Gough, Writing a Great Cover Letter, BioSerendipity (28 July 2018) https://www.bioserendipity.com/writing-a-great-cover-letter/