The George Washington University (session 11-6)

Components of an Effective Cover Letter

Writing an effective cover letter for your journal submission is crucial as it is often the first document that editors will read. The letter should capture the editor’s attention, make a case for why your manuscript is a good fit for the journal, and persuade them of its significance and relevance. Here’s how to structure and write a compelling cover letter for an academic journal submission:

Components of an Effective Cover Letter

1. Header and Greeting

• Header: Include your contact information at the top of the letter, followed by the date and the contact information of the editor. If available, use the editor’s name.
• Greeting: Address the editor formally using “Dear Dr. [Last Name],” or if the name is not known, “Dear Editor-in-Chief,” or “Dear Managing Editor,”

2. Introduction

• First Paragraph: Begin by mentioning the title of the manuscript and the type of article (e.g., research article, review, case study). Introduce yourself and any co-authors briefly, highlighting any details that establish your credibility or relevance to the topic (e.g., expertise, previous publications).

3. Manuscript Significance and Relevance

• Second Paragraph: Clearly state the significance of your research. Summarize the main findings and the novel contributions of your work. Explain why your research is important and how it advances the field.
• Journal Fit: Explain why you chose this particular journal. Link your manuscript’s focus and findings to the journal’s scope and recent publications. Highlight how your paper complements and expands the current research published in the journal.

4. Technical and Ethical Compliance

• Third Paragraph: Confirm that your manuscript has not been submitted elsewhere and that all authors agree with its content and submission to the journal. Mention any potential conflicts of interest.
• Ethics Statement: If relevant, include a statement about ethical compliance, such as institutional review board approval or adherence to ethical guidelines for studies involving humans or animals.

5. Call to Action and Closing

• Final Paragraph: Express your willingness to revise and improve the manuscript based on the journal’s feedback. Mention any supplemental information attached (e.g., responses to a previous review, if a resubmission).
• Closing: Thank the editor for considering your manuscript for publication. Include a polite sign-off like “Sincerely,” followed by your name and affiliation.

6. Postscript (Optional)

• Postscript: You may add a P.S. to highlight a particularly interesting finding that could pique the editor’s interest, or to mention attached multimedia elements that enhance the manuscript (if applicable).

[Click HERE for a Template + an Example]

Tips for Writing the Cover Letter

• Be Concise: Keep the letter to one page. Editors are busy, so a succinct, informative cover letter is appreciated.
• Customize Your Letter: Avoid generic letters. Tailor each cover letter to the specific journal, referencing recent articles published in the journal to demonstrate alignment with its scope.
• Professional Tone: Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the letter. Avoid overly colloquial language.

An effective cover letter can set the stage for a positive review process by framing your manuscript in the best possible light. It communicates not only the details of your research but also your professionalism and seriousness as a scholar.

---

---

Evaluation Criteria

• Participation and engagement in class discussions
• Quality and timeliness of assignments
• Improvement and development in writing skills
• Final paper and presentation

---

---

LINKS