The George Washington University (session 11-8)

Cover Letter: Template & Example

Creating an effective cover letter for journal submissions is a critical component of the publication process. Below, I’ll provide a basic template for a cover letter and include a sample example to illustrate how you might adapt this template to suit your specific research and target journal.

Basic Template for a Journal Submission Cover Letter

[Your Name]
[Your Institution]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Editor’s Name (if known)]
[Editor’s Title]
[Journal’s Name]
[Journal’s Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Editor’s Name or “Editor-in-Chief”],

I am writing to submit our manuscript entitled, “[Your Manuscript Title],” for consideration as a [Article Type, e.g., Research Article, Review Article] in [Journal Name]. This manuscript has not been published and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere.

Our research examines [briefly describe the focus of the manuscript and major findings]. We believe that our work adds to the understanding of [mention the significance of the research in the context of the journal’s scope] and is of interest to the readers of [Journal Name].

[In one or two sentences, explain why the journal is a good fit for your manuscript. Mention any journal-specific themes or initiatives that align with your research.]

The manuscript is divided into [mention the key sections, such as methods, results, discussion], and includes [any supplementary materials, such as data files, questionnaires, etc., if applicable]. Our findings highlight [mention one or two important results and their possible implications].

We have followed all submission guidelines, as listed on [Journal Name]’s website, and have included [mention any additional documents, such as conflict of interest disclosures, ethics committee approval, etc., if required].

Thank you for considering our manuscript for publication in [Journal Name]. We appreciate your time and look forward to your feedback.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Institution]
[ORCID ID if applicable]

Example Cover Letter

Dr. Jane Smith
University of Research Excellence
123 Academy Lane
Science City, Knowledge 12345
jsmith@email.com
555-123-4567
October 1, 2024

Dr. John Doe
Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Environmental Studies
1234 Journal Street
Metro City, Academia 67890

Dear Dr. Doe,

I am writing to submit our manuscript entitled, “Impact of Urban Development on Local Wildlife Habitats,” for consideration as a Research Article in the Journal of Environmental Studies. This manuscript is original, has not been published elsewhere, and is not under consideration by another journal.

Our research assesses how urban expansion adversely affects local wildlife, utilizing a decade-long study of species diversity in Metro City. We believe that our work provides critical insights into sustainable development practices and complements the focus areas highlighted in your recent call for papers on urban ecosystems.

The manuscript includes sections detailing our methodology, data analysis, results, and comprehensive discussions on the implications for policy and urban planning. Notably, our findings suggest actionable strategies for urban planners to mitigate ecological disruption.

We have adhered to all submission guidelines and have attached necessary supplementary materials, including GIS data files that support our conclusions. Ethics approval was granted by the University of Research Excellence, and all co-authors have agreed to this submission.

Thank you for considering our work for publication in the Journal of Environmental Studies. We believe it will contribute significantly to ongoing discussions in your esteemed journal about effective urban management and wildlife conservation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jane Smith
Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences
University of Research Excellence
ORCID: 0000-0002-1234-5678

This example illustrates how to structure your cover letter to highlight the relevance of your research to the journal’s focus and readership, providing clear and concise information to help editors assess your submission quickly and effectively.

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Evaluation Criteria

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

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