what is a cover letter when submitting poetry

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How to Write a Poetry Submission Cover Letter

The best publishing option for a collection of poems is to submit it to literary magazines or poetry publishing houses.

But getting your poetry collection accepted by a reputable poetry publication isn’t a slide; you have to write awesome poetry and have to abide by the submission guidelines.

Major poetry publications have specific submission processes that are a bit similar and, in most cases, the cover letter is going to be addressed to the publisher’s poetry editor. You need a good cover letter that will impress the editor and increase the chances of your poetry being published.

You need to know what you’re doing and understand that you don’t need an insanely creative, impressive cover letter. What you need is a brief letter that sets up the editor for the submission. Cover letters on their own won’t get your poems accepted; however, they can easily get them rejected.

So, how can you write a perfect cover letter for a poetry submission? Read on to find out how.

What is a Cover Letter for Submitting a Poem?

When you submit your poems to a publishing house , literary magazine, or poetry contest, you’re required to submit your poetry with a cover letter that comes with some details about the poems submitted and the author (that’s you!).

The publishers often have varying formats, but basically, cover letters have a format that includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

As I already stated, the cover letter is brief but it is very important because the editorial team does make decisions (including whether to publish your poetry or not) based on that small piece of writing. If it weren’t that important, it wouldn’t be the document that editors always read first before going into your poems.

Why Do They Need It?

There are lots of things that a cover letter contains that may aid the decision-making process of the editor or contest organizer.

If it’s a submission from a non-native English speaker, a cover letter may reveal this and the editor can take into consideration the difficulties that such a writer may face writing in a foreign language. The submission might come from a child and that may require the editor to engage the writer’s parents or legal guardian to co-sign the publishing contract.

A cover letter contains more information than those two, and such information makes it easier for an editor to do their job.

What a Good Cover Letter Should Have

A concise introduction.

The whole cover has to be concise and gets to the point as quickly as possible. This is one of the secrets of writing a good cover lever for a poetry submission; you put a huge stamp in a very brief letter.

That’s hard and easy, at the same time. The editor will probably have to read hundreds of poetry submissions, so you must craft a cover letter that shows respect for the editor’s time and editorial duties.

A Courteous Tone

A good cover addresses the editors/publication by name and has a nice tone. You don’t want to leave a bad first impression by sending a cover letter that comes off as a copied and pasted letter.

Right Context

When writing a cover letter , you have to consider the context. You have to remember that it’s a poetry submission, so you have to mention your credentials that have something to do with writing and nothing else (unless requested by the publication/editor). The guidelines also provide some sort of context; you have to follow them to the letter when writing your cover letter.

What Most Submissions Want In a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Although the contents of a cover letter may vary between submissions, your personal information is required in almost all submissions.

Editors go back to look at your cover letter and bio after reading your poems to match them. Here are some of the requirements for different cases:

Poetry Publication

A list of the submitted poems’ titles.
A short bio.
Your recent publications or upcoming publications.

Poetry Retreats, Residencies, and Fellowships:

A list of the submitted poems’ titles
A short bio (below 100 words)
3-5 places where you’ve been published, or say you haven’t been published yet
Aesthetics statement (your artistic influences and some context for your poems)
A few words about your bio (what you do, where you work, and any work you do in the art community).

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

1. research and follow guidelines.

Before writing your cover letter (and, sometimes, before writing your poems), the first thing to do is research your target publication, contest, fellowship, etcetera. Every one of these institutions or organizers has specific guidelines, and submissions that fail to satisfy them are instantly thrown out.

2. Address the Organizers/Publishers by name

Addressing the Organizers/Publishers by name shows your professionalism and due courtesy. Covers letters that achieve this are bound to face warm reception and that is a good start for your submission.

3. Link to your past work

If it’s your first submission, don’t worry, your work will speak for you. However, if you have a couple of published works to your name, link to your published work if the organizers allow or provide means of doing so.

Some organizers or publishers provide somewhere else for such links. Submitting using email is even better. You can attach copies of your published work along with the current poem submission.

4. Stay On Topic

I talked about respecting context when writing a cover letter, and this also touches on that. The cover has to contain the necessary info (publications, writing credentials, etc.), but it shouldn’t stray out of context and mention unrelated academic and personal referrals. It might be a good thing to tell the editor what you’ve learned, but it’s unwarranted in this case.

5. Skip Unnecessary Pleasantries

Addressing the editors directly is encouraged but don’t drop a ‘newbie alert’ on them by trying to be too nice.

They’re not your buddies and don’t waste their time—go straight to the matter at hand.

6. Provide Contact Information

Your submission should include contact information (i.e., your full name, email, phone number, et cetera) that may help the organizers to get in touch with you.

Poetry Cover Letter Example

Here’s an example of a brief but effective cover letter for a poetry submission. There are countless ways of writing and the form that a cover letter depends, to an appreciable extent, on the publisher’s preferences and guidelines.

This is just a sample, not a template that you can use for all your poetry submissions. But it’s a very good reference, in case you decide to use some parts of this sample.

Dear Editor, Please consider my three poems for publication in your journal, Poetry Mountain. The first poem ‘Milk way Love’ is a free verse that talks of one man’s undying love for a selfish woman. The other two, ‘Morning Dance’ and ‘Happy Horses’ are inspiring sonnets based on my auntie’s life story. I am a poet based in New York. I began writing poetry when I was 7 and have 30 published poems to my name. My poetry (none of which is among these 3 submissions) has previously been published in the Otter Voice, Talking Hills review, and the Mustard Poetry Journal. Thank you very much for your time and consideration . Sincerely Yours, Dennis Bergman

In this template, I briefly talked about the poems and slotted them in my succinct bio. You could write a longer cover letter but be economical with your words. If you add anything to a template like this one, it should be something requested by the publisher or something you’re convinced enhances the cover letter’s intentions.

Write A Great Cover Letter, Submit Delicious Poetry

The cover won’t get your poems accepted and published—the quality of your poems will.

If you want to write poems about beauty , you have to ensure that your writing is evocative and thought-provoking. So before writing your cover letter, you have to ensure that your poetry is ‘on point.’

Some well-established editors give the cover letters to their assistants while they savor your poems. In this case, you have to write poems that match the quality of your cover letter.

In most cases though, editors look at your cover letter before reading your poems, you cannot mess up. You have to satisfy the publisher’s guidelines before you start thinking about how creative you’re going to be with your cover letter.

Written Samples

15 sample cover letters for poetry submission.

Submitting your poetry to literary journals and magazines can feel like sending your creative work out into a void, unsure if it will ever find its intended audience.

While the power of your poems should speak for itself, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in catching an editor’s attention and increasing your chances of publication.

Sample Cover Letters for Poetry Submission

In this article, we provide 15 sample cover letters to inspire and guide you as you embark on your poetry submission journey.

Cover Letter 1

Dear Poetry Editor,

Please consider the attached poems, “Moonlit Musings,” “Whispers in the Wind,” and “Echoes of Eternity,” for publication in your esteemed journal. These pieces explore themes of introspection, nature, and the human condition, weaving together vivid imagery and lyrical language.

My poetry has previously appeared in Poetic Horizons, The Verse Review, and Inkwell Magazine. I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Sylvan University and have been refining my craft for the past decade.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of seeing my work grace the pages of your publication.

Cover Letter 2

Dear Editors of Lyrical Visions,

I am submitting three poems for your consideration: “Dancing Shadows,” “Unspoken Truths,” and “Symphony of Silence.” Each piece examines human emotions, using metaphor and symbolism to convey universal experiences.

As an emerging poet, I have been published in several online literary magazines, including Poetic Pulses and Verse Vibes. I am constantly seeking opportunities to share my work with a wider audience and believe that Lyrical Visions would be an excellent platform for my poetry.

Thank you for taking the time to review my submission. I eagerly await your response.

Best regards,

Ethan Wordsmith

Cover Letter 3

Dear Poetry Review Team,

Enclosed please find three poems for your consideration: “Reflections in the Rain,” “Uncharted Territories,” and “Whispering Pines.” These pieces explore the themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the beauty of the natural world.

I have been writing poetry for over a decade and have had my work featured in various anthologies and literary journals, such as Poetic Impressions and The Rhyming Review. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your publication and share my voice with your readers.

Thank you for your consideration. I appreciate the time and effort you put into reviewing submissions.

Maya Rhymes

Cover Letter 4

Dear Editorial Team,

I am submitting three poems for your consideration: “Whispers of the Heart,” “Uncharted Paths,” and “Moonlit Musings.” These pieces explore themes of love, self-discovery, and the beauty of the night, using evocative language and vivid imagery to capture the reader’s imagination.

As an aspiring poet, I have had my work published in several online literary magazines, such as Poetic Pulses and Verse Vibes. I am passionate about sharing my poetry with a wider audience and believe that your publication would be an excellent platform for my work.

Thank you for taking the time to review my submission. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sophia Stanza

Cover Letter 5

Enclosed please find three poems for your consideration: “Echoes of Silence,” “Unspoken Truths,” and “Whispering Shadows.” These pieces examine human emotions, using symbolism and metaphor to convey universal experiences.

I have been refining my craft for several years and have had my poetry featured in various anthologies and literary journals, including Poetic Impressions and The Rhyming Review. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your publication and share my voice with your readers.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate the effort you put into reviewing submissions.

Cover Letter 6

Dear Verse Vanguard Editors,

Please consider the attached poems, “Reflections in the Rain,” “Unwritten Destinies,” and “Moonlit Reveries,” for inclusion in your upcoming issue. These pieces explore themes of introspection, potential, and the magic of the night, employing rich imagery and emotive language to engage readers.

As a dedicated poet, I have had the privilege of seeing my work published in several literary magazines, such as Poetic Horizons and The Stanza Scene. I believe my poetry would resonate with your audience and contribute to the diverse voices showcased in Verse Vanguard.

Thank you for taking the time to review my submission. I look forward to the possibility of my poems finding a home in your esteemed publication.

Olivia Octave

Cover Letter 7

I am submitting three poems for your consideration: “Dancing with Shadows,” “Uncharted Territories,” and “Symphony of Silence.” Each piece examines the human experience, using vivid imagery and lyrical language to convey emotions and ideas.

As an emerging poet, I have been published in several online literary magazines, including Poetic Pulses and Verse Vibes. I am constantly seeking opportunities to share my work with a wider audience and believe that Poetry Review would be an excellent platform for my poetry.

Ethan Elegy

Cover Letter 8

Dear Editors of Lyrical Landscapes,

Enclosed please find three poems for your consideration: “Whispers in the Wind,” “Unspoken Truths,” and “Echoes of Eternity.” These pieces explore the beauty of nature, the power of words, and the timelessness of the human spirit.

Cover Letter 9

Please consider the attached poems, “Moonlit Musings,” “Whispers of the Heart,” and “Echoes of Silence,” for publication in your esteemed journal. These pieces explore themes of introspection, love, and the power of quiet moments, weaving together vivid imagery and emotive language.

Cover Letter 10

I am submitting three poems for your consideration: “Unwritten Destinies,” “Reflections in the Rain,” and “Dancing with Shadows.” Each piece explores the themes of potential, introspection, and the interplay of light and darkness, using metaphor and symbolism to convey universal experiences.

As a dedicated poet, I have had my work published in several literary magazines, including Poetic Pulses and The Stanza Scene. I am constantly seeking opportunities to share my poetry with a wider audience and believe that Verse Vanguard would be an excellent platform for my work.

Cover Letter 11

Enclosed please find three poems for your consideration: “Symphony of Silence,” “Uncharted Territories,” and “Whispers in the Wind.” These pieces explore the beauty of stillness, the excitement of new experiences, and the gentle voice of nature.

I have been writing poetry for several years and have had my work featured in various anthologies and literary journals, such as Poetic Impressions and The Rhyming Review. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your publication and share my voice with your readers.

Cover Letter 12

Please consider the attached poems, “Echoes of Eternity,” “Unspoken Truths,” and “Moonlit Reveries,” for inclusion in your upcoming issue. These pieces examine the timelessness of the human spirit, the power of words, and the magic of the night, employing rich imagery and lyrical language to engage readers.

As an emerging poet, I have had the privilege of seeing my work published in several online literary magazines, including Poetic Horizons and Verse Vibes. I believe my poetry would resonate with your audience and contribute to the diverse voices showcased in Lyrical Landscapes.

Cover Letter 13

I am submitting three poems for your consideration: “Whispers of the Heart,” “Echoes of Silence,” and “Moonlit Musings.” These pieces explore the depths of emotion, the power of quiet moments, and the beauty of the night, using evocative language and vivid imagery to capture the reader’s imagination.

As a passionate poet, I have had my work published in several literary magazines, such as Poetic Pulses and The Verse Review. I am constantly seeking opportunities to share my poetry with a wider audience and believe that your publication would be an excellent platform for my work.

Cover Letter 14

Enclosed please find three poems for your consideration: “Unwritten Destinies,” “Dancing with Shadows,” and “Reflections in the Rain.” These pieces explore the themes of potential, the interplay of light and darkness, and the power of introspection, using symbolism and metaphor to convey universal experiences.

I have been refining my craft for over a decade and have had my poetry featured in various anthologies and literary journals, including Poetic Impressions and Inkwell Magazine. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your publication and share my voice with your readers.

Thank you for your consideration. I appreciate the effort you put into reviewing submissions.

Cover Letter 15

Please consider the attached poems, “Symphony of Silence,” “Whispers in the Wind,” and “Uncharted Territories,” for publication in your esteemed journal. These pieces explore the beauty of stillness, the gentle voice of nature, and the excitement of new experiences, weaving together vivid imagery and emotive language.

My poetry has previously appeared in Poetic Horizons, Verse Vibes, and The Stanza Scene. I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Sylvan University and have been dedicated to my craft for the past decade.

Crafting a compelling cover letter is an essential skill for any poet seeking publication.

By following the examples provided in this article, you can create a cover letter that showcases your unique voice, highlights your publishing history, and demonstrates your passion for the craft.

Always customize each cover letter to the specific publication you are submitting to, and maintain a professional and courteous tone.

Submitting your poetry can be a challenging process, but with persistence, dedication, and a well-written cover letter, you’ll increase your chances of catching an editor’s eye and seeing your work in print.

Embrace the journey, continue to refine your craft, and let your love for poetry shine through in every submission.

The world is waiting to read your words.

what is a cover letter when submitting poetry

Alex Knepper's Newsletter

How to write a cover letter for poetry submissions, plus a downloadable template.

If you are looking to submit your poetry for publication, you may come across a request for a cover letter.

A cover letter’s main purpose is to give context for your poetry. You will want to explain why you are writing, and what you are submitting.

WHY You’re Writing

It may seem obvious that you are submitting your poetry in the hopes of getting published. But it is essential that you still state the obvious.

State why you are writing— “I am writing for your consideration of my poetry for publication in your literary magazine”. Easy Peasy.

WHAT You’re Submitting

Make sure then, to include the titles of the poems you are submitting, in quotations. And also reference the publication you are submitting to, the title of the publication in italics.

But that is not nearly enough information, so we will want to include a few more things.

Include your contact information and relevant social media accounts, especially if you have a significant following

Reference or link your other published works (if you have none, not to worry, this doesn’t necessarily count against you)

Give a little context for you, as a poet. Have you studied poetry? Who is your favorite poet? Is there a form that you particularly enjoy? Do your views align with the publication you are submitting to?

The cover letter requires a little bit of research as well. It will behoove you to read past issues of the publication and reference what you enjoyed reading. Nothing is more flattering than talking to a fan, so become a fan.

On the flip side, you must remember that you are asking someone to take time to read and consider your work. The least you can do is read their work, and as the Editor the publication *is* their work.

These are the essential steps to writing your cover letter. But here are a few other things to keep in mind…

Less is More

Keep it relevant

Address the Editor Directly if possible. A name is always better than, To Whom it May Concern. With a little research, it should not be difficult to figure out who the editor is.

Be Respectful & Humble*

* I say be humble with the utmost trepidation. So I will define it here: Be Humble in Deference to the Editor. Not in regards to your own achievements. Do you see the difference? Acknowledging the prestige and “rank” of the editor does not mean that you have to downplay yourself.

Still need help? Not to worry! Click here for a simple template to help you write your cover letter.

Now tell me below in the comments, what is the thing that makes you the most nervous when submitting your work?

How to Write a Poetry Cover Letter

We always get questions about cover letters and it’s only because of our work on both sides of the desk (poet and organizer) that we’ve began to understand this a little better. Yes, we work for The Watering Hole, but we have also worked for The South Carolina Review , Yemassee , among others. We’ve been through hundreds of cover letters. Hopefully, this will demystify them for you.

Cover letters change shape based on what you are applying for. Sometimes poetry submissions lay out exactly what they are looking for in a cover letter. Often they don’t. Always, check that organization’s guidelines.

In general for poetry retreats, residencies, and fellowships , the poetry is read first, then the editors make a shortlist of acceptances, after which the cover letters are read, and more cuts are made. However, for publication , the cover letters are only read a month after all acceptances have been made, when editorial assistants copy and paste bio information for the publication. Clearly, these need not be comprehensive. The poetry is most important. Check out these sample below. Note the “business letter” format, which we’ll discuss further at the end.

Cover letters can be anywhere from 30 words to 2.5 pages, depending on whether you are applying for publication (30 words to 1 page), retreat (up to 1 page), fellowship and residency (up to 2 pages), job (up to 2.5 pages), and so on.

Definites for Publication: You definitely need to end the cover letter with a list your submission poems’ titles. The cover letter’s primary function is to match the blind poems (which don’t name the author) with the author’s cover letter (which does name the author and all contact info). The editorial assistants separate these parts during reading and judging and need to be able to put them back together easily.

Optional for Publication: Optional elements to include for a publication cover letter would be a 30-75 word professional bio, and 3-5 places where you’ve been published. (Really? No more than 5? Yes. Really. Definitely. No flex zone. ) If you haven’t been published yet, feel free to say that. Journals jump at the chance to “discover” a hot new poet.

Definites for Other Programs: On the other hand, for retreats, fellowships, and residencies the cover letter is very important. This is helps determine who makes the short-shortlist. In addition to the information above, these cover letters would add a brief aesthetics statement of who’s influenced your art and what you seek to accomplish within your poems (to contextualize the poems in your submission); what you do; where you work; and any work you do in the arts community. The acceptance committee is trying to find out what kind of person you are, whether you work well with other artists on a regular basis, how your personality and personal goals jive with the retreat’s spirit and objectives, how you can enhance and be enhanced by that community of artists, whether there might be any issues that could disrupt the feelings of community (i.e. ego, belligerence towards equals, etc.), whether you are the best fit for their program. You have to tailor the letter to their interests and goals. As we mentioned before, always check the organizations requirements.

Sidenote for Longer Cover Letters: After having read a ton of these, in longer cover letters, everyone says the same thing. “I’ve been writing since x grade/year. Since my teacher read x poem, it’s been my passion. love love blah blah blah. I write for love, expression, revolution. I couldn’t breathe. Writing is my air.” Everybody has this story. Cut it. Don’t tell your passion: give evidence of it. Think about what would be the best evidence in a court of law. Think FACTS=PASSION. Think FACTS=CHARM. “Since 2014, I have participated in a small livingroom reading group, which led to my interest in Afrofuturism. That has resulted in a publication in Pluck titled ‘Superwoman gives up tights.’” This method will help you say something that is unique to you and will therefore make you stand out.

Definites for Everyone: Finally, pay close attention to following the “business letter” format, even for e-mailed submissions—your name and address, e-mail, phone, their name and address, e-mail, phone, date, Dear Name of Actual Person In Charge, letter, Sincerely, your name and brief list of 1-3 resume affiliations/titles. A little bit of professionalism goes a long way.

If you are applying to our ANTHOLOGY SUBMISSIONS , the deadline is March 31, 2015. Since we are a budding grassroots organization, we don’t have a street address just yet, so don’t worry about that part of the cover letter you write for us.

Anyway, I hope this provides some clarity. I’ve included a sample below. Feel free to steal it. Good luck, poets! Hit us if you have any questions.

P.S. Don’t play with the font. Single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point is standard. The smallest you can go is 11.5. Any smaller than that and people over the age of 50 get angry. And never put poems in the body of an e-mail. Always attach them as a Word document, unless you are told specifically to do otherwise.

Sample Publication Cover Letter:

[Your Name] [Your Street Addy] [Your Town, State, Zip] [Your E-mail Addy] [Your Phone Number] [Your website if you have one]

[Name of Editor] <—-You want the editor or poetry editor [Job Title] [Journal/Magazine Title] [Department if applicable] [Their Street Addy] [Their Town, State, Zip] [Their Country if outside of the U.S.]

March 1, 2015 <—-This should be the date that you send the submission

Dear [Name of Editor]:

I’ve enclosed my [fiction/nonfiction/poetry] submission for publication in [Journal/Magazine Title]. Included are [Titles of Poems]. My work has appeared in [3-5 Titles of other publications] among others . [*If submitting via mail] I’ve included an SASE for [response only/the return of my manuscript].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name] [Your Title if applicable] [1-3 affiliated organizations or universities]

[Short Professional Bio written in the third person in case of publication] Ex. Jane Smith was born and raised in Camden, S.C. After graduating from Hilman College, she has studied poetry at VONA, Breadloaf, and The Watering Hole. Muffet currently works as an insurance agent and hosts open mic nights in Memphis, T.N.

^ ^ ^ If you choose to integrate this bio into the body of your letter (instead of the postscript), use the first person I.

If you need query letter help, check out our article on that!

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Ready to submit your poems for publication? Write a strong cover letter to introduce yourself and your work and give one more reason for editors to choose you.

A cover letter is part and parcel of poetry submission as each poet needs an introduction and a few words of their bio and creative method. A cover letter is a resume in the literary world that can vary from two brief paragraphs to a couple of pages, depending on the requirements and guidelines. In this article, we’ll cover everything from small details, like fonts and length of a cover letter, to broader topics, like content and do’s and don'ts of a poetry submission cover letter.

What is a Cover Letter for Submitting a Poem?

Any literary magazine, anthology, poetry competition, or poetry fellowship requires poets to submit their work plus a cover letter with some details about the poems submitted and the author themselves. Although a cover letter format is generally similar (introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion), the length and other elements may vary depending on its purpose.

You can rest assured that an editorial office makes any publication-related decisions based on your poetry. The poetry is always read first. However, later in the selection process, when deciding which to choose and which to reject, cover letters become the critical tiebreaker.

Typically, cover letters for publication will make do with just 30 words while applications for poetry retreat, poetry residency, or a job will require 1 to 2.5 pages. Submission requirements contain all the information regarding the format of a cover letter.

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

It is important to include your personal information along with all information required by the organization’s descriptions. In almost all cases, poetry reading before publication is blind. Therefore, editorial assistants will later need to quickly match poems with the author’s cover letter and bio.

List your submitted poems’ titles;
Professional bio (30-75 word) (optional);
3-5 places where you’ve been published, or say you will be published (optional).
Professional bio (30-75 word);
3-5 places where you’ve been published, or say you haven’t been published yet;
Aesthetics statement (your artistic influences and some context for your poems)
A few words about your personal bio (what you do, where you work, and any work you do in the art community).

Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Even if you know nothing of writing poetry cover letters, it is common sense to stick to a business letter format. What you must remember at all times, though, is to start your cover letter by reading the submission instruction first. Read the organization’s submission requirements before you start writing, and after you proofread a piece several times. Make sure you include all of the specific information requested of you. After you have included it all, double-check the instructions again to see if you followed them correctly. In many cases, applicants find out that they missed an important part, or two, of the instructions.

Provide Your Contact Information. Many magazines, such as the Poetry Foundation , have stopped accepting paper submissions and invite poets to send their work via email. Although your email submission contains your email address, include all your contact information at the upper left-hand corner of your document to be on the safe side and ensure that a magazine or a journal can reach you. Nowadays, they don’t need to know your residential address. Normally, your valid email and working phone number are enough for any organization.

A sound piece of advice is to “include your name in the subject line so the editor can easily find your message in their inbox if they are looking for it again.”

Write a Greeting. Personalized greetings are favored over generic ones. ‘Dear Sirs’ is a big no-no. There’s no reason why an editor should be a man.

A good rule of thumb is to look for the current editor’s name on the organization’s website or Submittable page. If you cannot find the editor’s name, say ‘Dear editor’ or ‘Dear editors.’

Address All Requested Information in the Body Paragraphs. The guiding principle of writing body paragraphs in a poetry cover letter is brevity. Rely on the requirements but address each item on the list briefly and succinctly.

The staple element of all poetry cover letters is the content of a submission.

If you include less than three pieces, add a short sentence for each poem. If your submission has more than four poems, try to come up with a common theme(s) and describe it in 2-3 sentences under 100 words.
If you include your bio, do it briefly: “I am a poet from New Brunswick currently studying at New York University.”
If you want or are asked to add a more extended biography, include your pronouns, your primary form of employment, your most significant awards, and your level of education/city of residence. Keep it under 100 words.
If you include your publication history, 2 to 5 places are more than enough. If you have had multiple publications, pick the most impressive ones but don’t give them all.
If you submit your poetry to other publications, mention it briefly, too.
If you’re an avid reader of the magazine, you can mention a few poets or poems you like the most.

Close with Some Nice Words. It is ok to finish off on a dry, unimaginative note, like “Thank you for considering my work. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.” However, you can add some vitality to your letter and make it more memorable. Tell them what you love the most about their organization. Thank them for their time. Try not to step over a fine line between familiarity and niceness and not to tumble down into rigidity and formality.

A Basic Template for a Poetry Cover Letter

[Your Name] [Your Postal Address] [Your E-mail Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Website or Social Media] [Name of Editor] [Job Title] [Journal/Magazine Title] [Department if applicable] [The date when you send the submission]

Dear [Name of Editor]: I’ve enclosed my poetry/fiction submission for publication in [Journal/Magazine Title]. Included are [Titles of Poems]. My work has appeared in [3-5 Titles of other publications], among others. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Short Professional Bio is written in the third person in case of publication] Enola Holmes was born in Hawaii and raised in Washington, D.C. After graduating from New York University, she became a self-taught poet. Holmes currently works as a freelance copywriter and volunteers as a vet in Soho, NY.

To expand on the template , ALWAYS read the description on the organization’s website, follow their instruction, and add what is required.

Sample Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Sample 1: Here’s a cover letter for the submission of four poems with explicit instructions not to include a biography.

To the readers and editors of Poetry Foundation,

I write to offer my four poems for submission in Poetry Magazine. To elaborate, the poem ‘Japanese Nocturne’ refers to the mass destructive events of WWII. ‘Apples and Figs’ appeared as a response to a recent Trump political decision and the sense of alienation some people are experiencing now while ‘Dressed to Impress’ and ‘Hope’ touch on the theme of migration and globalization. I hope you enjoy the work, and thank you for considering my submission.

Sample 2: This cover letter also includes a short bio as required by the submission instruction.

I have included two poems – ‘Cat Forgotten’ and ‘Leaves on the Ground’ – from my recent manuscript. Both poems are connected by the theme of loneliness in the digital era and alienation in urban spaces. Among my current loves is Patrick Melbourne’s ‘Love Deterred’ and Felicia Jones’ ‘Given and Forgotten’ published in your magazine. If you accept my submission for publication, it would be an incredible honor for me. These poems have been submitted to another publication as well.

Bio: Enola Holmes (she/her) is a poet and multimedia artist. She was shortlisted for the 2019 National Book Foundation Award and is a finalist for the 2020 PEN/Hemingway Award for the poetry collection Silver Bells and Cockle Shells (Hawaii Publishing Books, 2019). Holmes has been awarded American Library in Paris Visiting Fellowship in 2018 and Vermont Studio Center Residency in 2019. Her work has been published in Slate and Playboy. Holmes received a BA in Creative Writing from NYU.

Tips on Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

You are probably aware that editors and editorial assistants read tons of applications and submissions daily. It means they have developed inevitable fatigue to trite and banal introductions and approaches. Therefore, you must follow the rules of cover letter writing, but at the same time, you need to try and infuse some vitality and freshness into these few simple paragraphs.

Here are the rules you must follow:

Always support your words with facts. Avoid describing your biography in banal phrases like “I have always loved poetry, and I cannot live without writing.” To stand out from the others, show your emotion and passion through facts. “After I read Langston Hughes for the first time I got infatuated with Harlem Renaissance, which resulted in a publication in Black Poetry titled ‘Born Again with a Retrograde Mercury.’”

Stay on topic. Although earlier, a cover letter was referred to as a resume of the literary world,’ it should not be as detailed as a formal resume. The exact number of earlier publications and/or awards is given for a reason. Don’t include exhaustive lists of all your awards and residencies. Add only the most impressive items.

Avoid small talk. You absolutely must skip any pleasantries if you believe they are part of common formalities. Editors do not expect you to entertain them. Rather, they appreciate if applicants are polite and to the point.

Control your tone. Respect is expressed not only through proper greetings, good grammar, and error-free writing. Show respect by not acting as if you submitted exceptional work that cannot help but be accepted. But also don’t act as if you expect your poems to be rejected! Neither overconfidence nor self-doubt will pay off.

Choose adequate fonts. Single-spaced, Arial or Times New Roman, 12 point is standard. Any smaller fonts are difficult to read. Any larger fonts are irritating.

Some technical details. If you submit your poetry online, insert your cover letter in the body of an email, and add your poems as a separate attachment (as a pdf-file or Word file) unless you are explicitly told to do otherwise.

Your Take-Away

We prepared this material to help you not to smudge the memorable impression your poetry made on editors. If you believe your poetry is strong enough to be published in a magazine or a journal, polishing your cover letter will seal the deal. Just follow the rules and give your cover letter a thorough read-through, double-checking all publication requirements. However, remember that getting published demands time and effort. It often takes publishers months to respond. Poets get rejected more often than not. So don’t get disheartened and keep submitting. Often poetry publication is a matter of taste of an editorial office. Eventually, all writers can find their publishers.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

By: Author Marcel Iseli

Posted on Last updated: September 1, 2022

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

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You’ve been working hard at learning how to write poems, and now you think you might be ready to submit some of them to a journal.

This is an exciting step, but make sure that you don’t get so excited that you neglect to read the guidelines for how to submit.

One of the things you will probably need to include is a cover letter.

But how do you go about writing a cover letter for a poetry submission? What kinds of things should you include?

We’ll help you figure out how to write this letter below.

Check the guidelines before writing your cover letter for a poetry submission

Your very first step should be to check the guidelines of the market you are submitting to.

Don’t assume that you know what the requirements for a cover letter are just because you have looked at another market’s requirements.

Some markets may request that you do not include a cover letter at all.

Others may ask that you include or exclude specific things in the cover letter.

The instructions in any publication’s guidelines should override what you read here, so modify your cover letter as needed based on that.

However, most guidelines will just say something like “submit up to 10 poems and a cover letter” without any other information about what the cover letter should contain.

The purpose of a cover letter for a poetry submission

Understanding the purpose of a cover letter can help you understand what you should put in it.

For example, if you are writing a cover letter for an event manager job , you are trying to highlight some of your main accomplishments to the hiring manager and make your resume stand out from other applicants.

The purpose of a cover letter for a poetry submission is to introduce yourself to the editor and briefly provide information about prior publications.

You will also mention the poems that you are sending, usually their titles and perhaps their length.

You should include any recent or prestigious credits, awards or other career-related information in your cover letter.

A cover letter also signals something about you to the editor. When done correctly, it lets the editor know that you are professional and that you can follow directions.

Starting a cover letter for a poetry submission

You might submit your poems by email, by regular mail or by uploading them to a database.

The publication will have information on the ways to submit.

If you are submitting by email, you will put your cover letter in the body of the email and attach your poems unless the publication requests that you do otherwise.

You do not need to include a header on your email with your address or anything else.

You can just start the letter.

By regular mail, you need to have a header that includes your contact information, the address of the publication and the date.

If you are uploading your submissions and a cover letter is requested, it will probably actually be more like one you would write for regular mail than an email.

Essentially, it should be in the same format, with contact information and the date.

It is always best to begin by addressing the editor by name.

Be sure that you spell their name correctly. Make sure as well that it is the current editor.

If you aren’t sure who the editor is, you can simply write “Dear Editor,” “Dear Poetry Editor” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

The body of your cover letter for a poetry submission

This part of your letter should only be a few sentences long.

You should say what you are submitting: “Attached please find three poems for the New Voices contest: ‘Strawberry Spring,’ ‘The End’ and ‘With the Lilies.'”

You should also include some credits, awards or other professional information if you have any.

Do not include every single place you’ve been published unless it is just a handful of places! Choose the most recent or prestigious publications or related information to highlight.

Unpublished writers often suffer a lot of angst when it comes to writing cover letters because they think they will be overlooked if they cannot share any credits.

The truth is that every editor dreams of discovering a talented new voice.

If you don’t have any publications to include, it’s fine to just name the poems you are sending and thank the editor for their time.

Editors are busy and your work needs to speak for itself, so don’t fall into the temptation of trying to explain your poems or talk about your background.

The one exception is if something in your background is relevant to the work itself, and even then, it should be brief.

For example, if you are a surgeon and your poems about the human body are directly inspired by your work in the operating room, you might include that information in a single sentence in the letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission Pin

How to write the closing of a cover letter for a poetry submission

The closing should be similar to what you would write for any other type of cover letter, such as a cover letter for a video editor job .

Thank the editor for their time, and say that you look forward to hearing from them.

Use a standard professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best” at the end.

Sample of an email cover letter with some credits for a poetry submission

In the example below, note that while based on the prestige of the publications listed and her teaching job, this writer probably has a lot more credits, she has just chosen a few of the best to highlight.

Review, Tin House and The Sun. I also teach poetry writing at Graceville Community College.

Thank you for taking a look at these. I hope they work for you, and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely, Sarah Hall

Sample of a regular mail cover letter without credits for a poetry submission

Note that with no professional credits to share, this letter is very short.

It’s okay to write a cover letter that is this short! In fact, if you don’t have anything to add, it’s much better to keep it this brief than to bog the editor down in unnecessary information about you or the poems you’re submitting.

Leah Rosenfield 123 Pinedale Avenue Anytown, California 12345

Asha Patel Longshore Literary Journal 456 Easy Street Everytown, Missouri 78910

July 3, 2020 Dear Ms. Patel:

Enclosed are three of my poems for your consideration, “Shining,” “Twigs” and “The Ocean Blue.”

Thank you for taking the time to read them. I hope you enjoy them enough for publication in the Longshore Literary Journal.

Best, Leah Rosenfield

Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.

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The Perfect Cover Letter: Advice From a Lit Mag Editor

Today’s guest post is from Elise Holland, co-founder and editor of 2 Elizabeths , a short fiction and poetry publication.

When submitting your short-form literature to a magazine or journal, your cover letter is often the first piece of writing an editor sees. It serves as an introduction to your thoughtfully crafted art. As such, it is significant, but it shouldn’t be intimidating or even take much time to write.

As editor at 2 Elizabeths , I see a variety of cover letters every day; some are excellent, and others could stand to be improved. There are a few key pieces of information to include, while keeping them short and sweet. In fact, a cover letter should only be a couple of paragraphs long, and no more than roughly 100-150 words.

A little research goes a long way

Seek out the editor’s name, and address the letter to him/her, as opposed to using a generic greeting. Typically, you can find this information either on the magazine or journal’s website, or in the submission guidelines.

Read the submission guidelines thoroughly. Many publications will state in their guidelines the exact details that need to be included in a cover letter. With some variation, a general rule of thumb is to include the following:

Editor’s name (if you can locate it)
Genre/category
Brief description of your piece
If you have been published previously, state where
Whether your piece is a simultaneous submission (definition below)

Terms to Know

The term simultaneous submission means that you will be sending the same piece to several literary magazines or journals at the same time. Most publications accept simultaneous submissions, but some do not. If a publication does not accept them, this will be stated in their guidelines.

Should your work be selected for publication by one magazine, it is important to notify other publications where you have submitted that piece. This courtesy will prevent complications, and will keep you in good graces with various editors, should you wish to submit to them again in the future.

The term multiple submission means that you are submitting multiple pieces to the same literary magazine or journal.

Cover Letter That Needs Work

Dear Editor, Here is a collection of poems I wrote that I’d like you to consider. I have not yet been published elsewhere. Please let me know what you think. Bio: John Doe is an Insurance Agent by day and a writer by night, living in Ten Buck Two. He is the author of a personal blog, LivingWith20Cats.com. Best, John Doe

What Went Wrong?

John Doe didn’t research the editor’s name. A personal greeting is always better than a simple “Dear Editor.” Additionally, John failed to include the word count, title and a brief description of his work.

There is no need to state that John has not yet been published elsewhere. He should simply leave that piece of information out. (Many publications, 2 Elizabeths included, will still welcome your submissions warmly if you are unpublished.)

John included a statement asking the editor to let him know what he/she thinks about his work. Due to time constraints, it is rare that an editor sends feedback unless work is going to be accepted.

Unless otherwise specified by the magazine or journal to which you are submitting, you do not need to include biographical information in your cover letter. Typically, that information is either requested upfront but in a separate document from the cover letter, or is not requested until a piece has been selected for publishing.

Cover Letter Ready to Be Sent

Dear Elise, Please consider this 1,457-word short fiction piece, “Summer.” I recently participated in the 2 Elizabeths Open Mic Night, and am an avid reader of the fiction and poetry that you publish. “Summer” is a fictitious tale inspired by the impact of a whirlwind, yet meaningful, romance I experienced last year. In this story, I gently explore the life lessons associated with young love, with a touch of humor. This is a simultaneous submission, and I will notify you if the piece is accepted elsewhere. Thank you for your consideration. Kindest Regards, John Doe

What Went Right?

In this letter, John includes all pertinent information, while keeping his letter clear and concise. In his second sentence, John also briefly states how he is familiar with the magazine. While doing this isn’t required, if done tastefully, it can be a nice touch! Another example might be: “I read and enjoyed your spring issue, and believe that my work is a good fit for your magazine.”

I hope these sample letters help you as you send your short works to magazines and journals for consideration. While you’re at it, I hope you will check out 2 Elizabeths ! We would love to read your work.

Elise Holland is co-founder and editor of 2 Elizabeths , a short fiction and poetry publication. Her work has appeared in various publications, most recently in Story a Day . Through 2 Elizabeths, Elise strives to create value and visibility for writers, through writing contests , events , and more!

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[…] view post at https://janefriedman.com/perfect-cover-letter-advice-lit-mag-editor/ […]

[…] To get into literary magazines, you need a cover letter, so Elise Holland lays out how to write the perfect cover letter for a literary magazine. […]

Love this! The letter is short and to the point, and covers all the necessary information. Great tips! I always worry that the only publishing credit I have is the winning entry in a short story contest through the local paper. Should I mention that? And writing conferences I’ve attended?

As Elise says, it’s OK if you’re unpublished. Don’t worry about it. But feel free to mention your winning entry. If the writing conferences would likely be known to the journals’ editors, you might mention one or two.

[…] recently wrote a full article on the perfect cover letter, here. Check it out for clear, simple instructions, along with sample […]

[…] publication. Her work has appeared in various publications, most recently in Story a Day, and at JaneFriedman.com. Through 2 Elizabeths, Elise strives to create value and visibility for writers, through writing […]

Thanks for the concise and useful information! I’ve heard that it’s also a good idea to include a sentence or two that makes it clear that you are familiar with the kind of work the magazine has published in the past. Is this generally advised, or would you consider it nonessential unless specified in the submission guidelines?

Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submissions

Two Sylvias Press

Whether you are a beginning poet or a well-established writer, the cover letter you create for your submissions is important. If you are completely new to the publishing world, you might be wondering, What’s a cover letter? When you submit your poems or poetry manuscripts, you include a letter in your submission which summarizes your writerly accomplishments and introduces you to the journal or press to which you are sending your poetry.

One of the most frequent questions we receive as editors of a press is: How do I write a well-constructed cover letter when I submit my poems to a journal or to a press?

We would like to offer you some tips when it comes to composing your cover letter:

· Take a moment to find out the names of the editors of the literary journal or poetry prize that you are submitting to . In your opening, use the editor(s) name(s) if you can find them on the publisher’s website. We always appreciate a cover letter which addresses us by name. If you are unable to locate the editor’s name, you can also simply open with “Dear Editor.” We suggest not using gender identifiers, such as Mrs., Ms., Mr., and Miss. We also suggest that you not use “To Whom It May Concern.”

· Begin your cover letter by stating what you are sending (use the titles of your poems or the title of your manuscript) . You can also state the name of the literary journal or contest to which you are submitting: “For your consideration, I am submitting “On the Mountain” and “Thunder Honey” to the Portland Poetry Prize…”

· Mention your book publications and any awards . Include your book publications (chapbooks and full-length manuscripts) and the press who has published you and the year ( The Long Road , Canyon View Press, 2023). Also include any literary awards (State Book Award) or if a poem has received recognition (“One of my poems received an Honorable Mention in the Kaillee Poetry Prize”). Be sure to state whether a manuscript has been a finalist or semifinalist in a poetry prize.

· Include a list of publications where your poems have appeared if you have had work previously published . For example, “My poems have appeared in West American Review, Cedar Journal , and Lakeside Review .” If you haven’t been previously published, that is fine — just skip this section or tell the editor that you do not yet have any published work.

· Let the editor know that you are familiar with the press or literary journal by telling them what you liked in a recent issue or if you have read a book published by their press. This step is optional and may take some work on your part, but it’s important to be familiar with the places you are submitting your work to.

· Add in some personal information about your literary life. This is also an optional step, but if you would like, include something that shows your involvement in the writing community, like curating a monthly poetry reading or being an intern with an online journal.

· Conclude your letter with a brief “thank you” to the editors for considering your work and for their time. They will appreciate it!

· Include in your cover letter your full name, email address, mailing address, and author website (if you have one). You can place this info at the top of the letter or after the conclusion.

Below is an example of a simple and short cover letter:

Dear Jane Johnson and Mike Martin,

For your consideration, I am submitting two poems, “On the Mountain” and “Thunder Honey” for publication in West America Review .

My chapbook, In Mid-Winter, was published by Tree Ring Press in 2021, winning their annual chapbook prize. My poems have appeared in Oxtail Journal, Ocean Review , and in Daylily Magazine .

I live in Seattle and run a monthly poetry reading series for youth poets at Coffee Cats, a local café.

I am a fan of your literary journal, and I especially enjoyed your Autumn 2023 issue, which explored the theme of caregiving. I was happy to see two of my favorite poets included in this issue: Sarah Teller and Janice Smith. It would be an honor to have my poems appear in your publication.

Thank you for all that you do in the literary world and thank you for considering my work.

Terrie Jones

[email protected] 2222 Little Loop Road Seattle, WA 98101 terrieajonespoet.com

We would also like remind you to always update your cover letter whenever you have a book published, poems published, or if you are a finalist or semifinalist in a contest.

*Please note — the names of journals, presses, poets, cafés, and editors which appear in this article do not exist in real life!

Written by Two Sylvias Press

We are a press in the Seattle area publishing poetry, craft-writing books, and creativity tools. We offer the bestselling resource for poets: The Weekly Muse!

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Submission Series: How It’s Done.

So you’ve never submitted your poems to literary magazines before. Where do you start? It can definitely feel intimidating (and time-consuming) the first time you send your work out to potential publishers; but once you’ve gone through the steps a few times, it just becomes another part of your writing routine. To help you get going, here are some tips to guide you through the process and proper etiquette.

Before You Submit Your Work

This might seem obvious but it bears saying aloud: read lots of literary magazines! This is essential homework if you’re going to start submitting work to them. This helps you to know what is being published by these journals, and what they’re looking for. Two great resources for discovering literary magazines are NewPages and Chill Subs , which maintain a fairly comprehensive database of listings and publish reviews of literary magazines. And, most of all, consider subscribing to literary magazines, if you can. Regularly reading the new issues of journals in which you hope to publish can often lead to breakthroughs in your work. Remember: there are no good writers without good readers. Here are some helpful resources and links:

NewPages posts calls for submissions for magazines in their classified section.
Duotrope & Chill Subs both house databases containing information about thousands of literary magazines and journals, so you don’t have to scour the interwebs all by yourself.
We’ve even gotten into this data compilation action ourselves by running a quarterly “Where to Submit” blog series to let you know who is currently open and looking for your poems & manuscripts!

A Duotrope account also comes with the ability to log your submissions and responses on the site, which helps you track your submissions while also contributing data to the statistical information that Duotrope gathers & provides for each lit mag profile.

Start a little smaller at first: submit to literary magazines that focus on work by emerging and/or unpublished writers. You can always find this information on the publication’s website.

Most literary magazines and journals receive submissions online (some exclusively) and many of those use the submission management platform Submittable for receiving and responding to those submissions. So, you should also go ahead and set up your free Submittable account. Other literary magazines either receive submissions by email or through an alternative submission management platform.

How to Craft a Cover Letter

Most literary magazines and journals will ask you to include a brief cover letter to accompany the packet of poems you’re submitting. Although most publications will not disqualify a submission based on the cover letter, it is important to make a professional first impression. There is definitely an art to the submission cover letter, so here are some tips for how to do it right:

Use the appropriate editor’s name in your opening address (you can find this on their website, usually on the masthead page),

Briefly state your intention (“I am submitting my poems XYZ for consideration for a future issue of Lit Mag Name .”)

If this is a simultaneous submission , let them know here, but you don’t have to say where else you’re sending your work. (“These poems are simultaneous submissions but I will inform you promptly should they be accepted elsewhere and need to be withdrawn.”)

Do not describe your poems or give your life story . If you choose, you can give a very brief third-person biographical note (generally 50–100 words). But this is usually optional.

Briefly thank the editor(s) for considering and reading your work.

Close with your first and last name, and your contact information.

Cover Letter Template:

Dear [Insert Editor Name],

I would like to submit my poems [insert poem titles] for consideration for a future issue of [ Insert Magazine/Journal Title ]. I have also included a brief biographical note below, should that be needed.

[Insert brief bio here.]

This is a simultaneous submission. Thank you so much for reading my work!

[Your Name]

[Your Mailing Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

How to Track Submissions

This is so incredibly important to remember: you are responsible for keeping track of your submissions! This is the information you need to keep a detailed record of:

The titles of the poems you submitted.

The title of the publication to which you submitted them.

The date you submitted the poems.

The submission fee you paid (if any).

The type of response you receive (acceptance, personalized rejection, form rejection, or author withdrawal).

We recommend keeping a spreadsheet customized for this purpose. If you simultaneously submit poems to multiple places (which is standard practice, but check the guidelines), and one or more of those poems are accepted by a publication, you will have to know which places you need to withdraw those accepted poems from. It is your responsibility to keep track of this. It is also your responsibility to withdraw those accepted poems from the lit mags still considering them in a timely manner — which means the same day you receive the acceptance for the poem(s) in question.

What to Expect (When You’re Waiting & Waiting & Waiting)

It will take anywhere from two months to one year for literary magazines to send you a response. Check the submission guidelines for this information. Many times, they will let you know how long they tend to hold onto submissions before responding. They will also let you know when it is acceptable to query about a submission — do not do this before the prescribed response time has lapsed. You don’t want to annoy the editors who are often working on hundreds of submissions at any given time.

You will want to make sure you are checking your email account regularly, so that when you do receive a response, you are able to get to it right away. Always check your spam or junk folder because sometimes they get erroneously filtered there! It’s also a good idea to log in to your Submittable account at least once a week to check the status of your current submissions because sometimes those emails can go astray.

If you receive an acceptance, don’t leave the literary magazine waiting! Make sure you respond to their message as soon as possible — in the precise manner and with the exact information they request — so that you don’t end up missing out on this publishing opportunity. Some publishers have a shorter turnaround time for issue production, so letting them know they have permission to publish your work sooner rather than later will be most helpful for the editors. If an accepted poem is simultaneously submitted elsewhere, you need to make sure you withdraw the accepted poem (from the lit mags still considering it) as soon as possible. If another publisher sends you an acceptance letter for the same poem, you’ll find yourself in an uncomfortable situation where you have to disappoint one editor or the other. If you receive a rejection, first of all, don’t take it personally. Allow yourself to feel the disappointment briefly, then let it go. There will be more of these than you will want to count. Second, do not reply to a rejection letter, unless it is absolutely clear that the letter has been personalized.

Best Practices

The best advice we can give you is this: always read the submission guidelines! They will be slightly different for each publication. Make sure you follow them, or your submission could be disqualified without being read. Here are a few terms you will need to become familiar with:

Blind submissions: If a publication says that submissions must be blind, that means that no identifying information is allowed to appear on your submission document: no name or contact information, either within the document or even in the file name.

Simultaneous submissions: This refers to submitting the same poems to multiple publications at the same time. Most journals accept this practice, but you must inform them about it in your cover letter. And, as mentioned numerous times above, you must also be responsible about withdrawing poems promptly if they are accepted at one publication while under consideration at others.

Finally, this is a very important thing to remember for first-timers: posting your poems to Facebook, Instagram, a blog, etc. will count as “previously published” for a literary journal. Most of them (not all — check the guidelines) will only consider work that is entirely unpublished. So, if you want to publish specific poems in literary journals or magazines, do not post them online in any form before publication.

Did you know that Tell Tell Poetry also offers Submission Support services? Reach out to us here for more information. We’re wishing you the best of luck with your poetry submissions!

Pssst. We’re launching a submission course soon! Drop an email to [email protected] if you’re interested in hearing more when we launch!

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Submission Etiquette: How to Submit Your Poetry for Publication

Getting your work published is no easy feat, but living in the age of the internet makes it a little easier. That being said, there are a number of right (and wrong) ways to get your poetry into the hands of an editor. If you’re grappling with how to submit poetry for publication, there are a few simple steps to follow help you get the ball rolling.

pick a place to send your stuff

The first step in figuring out how to submit poetry for publication is deciding where to submit it. Start by looking at what you plan to submit. If it’s a few poems, you’ll want to look at literary journals and magazines who publish similar types of writing. For instance, if your poems are free verse, you won’t want to submit to a magazine that strictly publishes sonnets. If you’re looking to submit a collection of poetry, make sure you have at least 60 pages to work with at the minimum, but 160 is a little more ideal.

check the guidelines

Every journal, magazine, and publisher will have different rules for how to submit poetry. Make sure to read the guidelines carefully to make sure your poetry makes it into the proper channels. DMing your poems to an editor off the cuff probably won’t help you– even if you’re the next E.E. Cummings.

Some publishers and magazines will accept submissions online only, while others will only accept old-fashioned snail mail. And some places will take both. If you send work via snail mail, be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (often called a SASE) for publishers to return your work to you along with their response.

write a cover letter

It’s only polite to introduce yourself before asking someone to consider your work. Depending on who you send your cover letter to, it could look a bit different. Magazines and journals don’t generally want that much information about the work itself in the cover letter. They want to know more about you– namely who you are, where your from, and any other relevant writerly information. Leave the poems to speak for themselves.

If you plan to submit poetry to a publisher with the goal of a book deal, it’s a little more difficult– especially without an agent. You’ll need to explain a bit about the book and why it’s worth printing. Explain your target audience, how you fit in with the publisher, and what makes your perspective unique.

Regardless of where you submit poetry, don’t be hard to find. Be sure to include contact information at the top of your cover letter. Give your name, address, telephone number, and email.

format it neatly

When you submit poetry, be sure to let your writing stand out—not the typeface. Be sure your poems are easy to read and annotate by selecting a simple sans serif font, double spacing your lines, setting 1-inch margins, and numbering the pages. Some publishers will have other formatting requirements as well. This isn’t to be mean or create some sort of ivory tower—it’s to streamline the editorial process. Editors want to be able to sort through the massive pile of manuscripts they receive and get back to you as soon as possible. Remember, the key is to make your work as easy as possible to get to. If it’s too difficult to find, read, or sort, it may end up in the trash.

proofread, proofread, proofread

Perhaps the most important step to submitting your poetry is making sure it’s error-free. Take a fine-tooth comb to your writing and remove any extraneous commas, wild typos, and any other issues that may pop up as you write. The last thing you want is a silly mistake to detract from your writing.

send original work

Don’t send out work that’s been published previously. For magazines and journals, this includes work previously posted on Instagram and personal blogs. Some book publishers will be okay with work that exists online, as long as not all of it has appeared together as a collection before. If you’re ever not sure whether something qualifies as “original,” don’t be afraid to send an email and ask.

be straightforward about simultaneous submissions

Simultaneous submissions are incredibly common. Publishers and magazines usually understand that aspiring authors often submit poetry to more than one place. If they don’t, it’ll be listed in their guidelines. However, if they do, be sure to write “This is a simultaneous submission. I will immediately withdraw my submission should it be accepted elsewhere” in your cover letter. And if it is accepted somewhere else, be sure to notify them! You’re in hot water if you allow more than one magazine to publish the same piece.

send out your work in tiers

Submit your poetry to your top choices first. If it’s your dream to be published in the New Yorker , give them the first shot. If you submit poetry to small and large magazines at the same time, you may end up saying yes and withdrawing your piece before your top choice has a chance to respond. Work your way down your favorites list as you send out your work.

accept the things you cannot change

This is probably the most difficult part of submitting your poetry for publication. Some publishers will get back to you within the week, some within the year, and some you’ll never hear from again. Don’t lose faith in your writing if you don’t receive a response right away. Rejection is part of the process, and it’s important not to take it personally. Once that submission goes out, the best we can do is keep writing, learning, and growing.

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How to write a covering letter

When you send your poems for submission to a magazine, you will generally have to include a covering letter..

Some magazines will tell you what they want from your covering letter, others won’t. If they do tell you, stick to their suggested content – editors want to know that you will be easy to work with, and following their advice is a good start!

Some magazines accept postal submissions, others accept email submissions. However you are submitting your work, keep the covering letter short and polite. If you are writing a letter, make sure you format it correctly. If you are writing an email, you don’t need to worry so much about the layout, but don’t become too chatty!

As well as checking what the editors want from a covering letter, check all the submissions guidelines very carefully. How many poems do they want? Do they specify formatting? Do they want the poems in the body of an email or as an attachment?

Below are some guidelines if you are starting to send out your work.

– DO see if you can find the editor’s name. If you can, address the letter to them. And make sure it’s the current editor!

– If you can’t find the editor’s name, DO say ‘Dear editor’ or ‘Dear editors’.

– DO keep it short – editors are often very pushed for time.

– If it’s an email, DO include your name in the subject line so the editor can easily find your message in their inbox if they are looking for it again.

– If it’s an email, they will have your email address. There’s no need for any other contact details. If it’s a letter, DO give a postal address and email address in the top right hand corner.

– If you are submitting by post, DO include your name and postal or email address on each poem. That way, if the poems get separated from the covering letter, the editor will still know who to contact.

– DO give your full name and the names of your poems. Pay attention to whether they have asked for your poems in the body of an email, or as an attachment. If your poem has unusual formatting which gets lost in the email, paste it in the body of the email and include an attachment as well, and explain why you have done this.

– You could include a very brief biography, e.g. ‘I am a poet from Newcastle currently studying at university.’

– You could also give a brief publication history – don’t include everything, just 2-4 places you have been pleased to see your work published. Don’t worry if you haven’t been published anywhere yet – if the editor likes you work, they will be pleased to discover a new talent!

– If you have read and enjoyed the magazine before DO say so – and you could list a couple of poems or a feature you particularly liked. (It’s a good idea to read any magazines you’re submitting to, as it will give you a sense of whether your work will fit).

– DO thank the editor for their time.

– If you are accepted, DO send a short email thanking the editor/s for their decision. You can be excited and enthusiastic – it’s nice for editors to feel like they have made someone’s day!

– DON’T say ‘Dear Sirs’! There’s no reason why an editor should be a man.

– DON’T meander off the point – the editor just wants to know who you are and what your poems are called.

– DON’T act like you expect your poems to be accepted – and don’t act like you expect your poems to be rejected!

– If you are rejected, you DON’T need to respond. If you feel like you should, keep it to a short email thanking the editor/s for their time. You could also say you are looking forward to reading the magazine/ book/ website etc. Careful not to sound reproachful – sending rejections is a horrible job and that will just make the editor feel uncomfortable.

– DON’T be disheartened if your poem is rejected – editors are just people with subjective tastes, and if they have rejected your poem it doesn’t mean it isn’t a good piece of work! It just means it wasn’t to their taste. Send it out somewhere else instead.

Good luck with your submissions! You can find ideas of places to send your work on our list of Poetry Opportunities .

Published April, 2015

14 thoughts on “ How to write a covering letter ”

If submitting by letter is it also acceptable to use a letterhead (with name, adress and contact details in bottom centre)? Instead of a plain sheet with the adress at the top right-hand corner.

Hi Em, as long as your contact details are clear then that would be fine.

“In particular, tell us who your target audience is and provide a rationale for why we are the best publisher for your work. An outline of the entire work and an estimate of the length of the prospective manuscript. Please be sure that your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address are on the submission “

This is what the guidelines say but I am really disturbed with the thought with how to write it. What about potential audience what am I supposed to write? I am doing this for first time and if only I get an example of how this thing as a whole is to be written that would be great. For now rest all points are clear except for the above mentioned 3. I want to know how to write about potential audience and why the publisher is best to publish me. Also there is nothing stated in the guidelines if it has to be attachment or e mail text what way do I do it? The who thing with attachment? Publisher Guidelines from Andrews Mcmeel

Please do clarify this and i would be really thankful

I appreciate your commitment towards poets

Thanks for your comment. If you have questions about a specific job, it’s always best to ask the employer directly – we don’t want to give you bad advice!

Our best guess? By ‘potential audience’ they might mean is your work aimed at young children, young adults, adults etc.; men, women etc.; LGBTQ audiences; audiences who like dogs; audiences who are also fans of X Y Z other writers… any indication of who you have in mind when reading your work!

We would guess they would prefer a cover letter as an attachment but hopefully it won’t matter too much. Do get in touch with them and ask.

Best of luck!

Young Poets Network

I just read one of your commenters Ajay sounds great i wanted to know about the same by meaning of attaching the cover letter do you mean only the manuscript or entire like our details and all requirements if so what should be the mail content? That cant be kept empty right? Andrews is real confusing

Thanks for your comment! It depends on the submission guidelines from the particular magazine you’re submitting to. Normally, though, you would attach a cover letter and, separately, your poems. In your email, you could write something short such as:

‘Dear [name of editor(s)], Please find attached 3 poems for your consideration and a covering letter. Thank you for your time. Best wishes, [your name]’.

Does that help? Best of luck!

Should you sign a cover letter with attached poems?

It depends! If you’re printing out your cover letter and sending it in the post, it might be nice to sign the cover letter, though most poetry magazines won’t mind whether you do or don’t. If you are submitting over email or Submittable then you shouldn’t need to sign anything. Do always check the submissions guidelines though.

Hope this is helpful!

Best of luck,

Helen at Young Poets Network

Hi, I want to submit my poems for publication in a magazine but their submission guidelines do not include a bio. should I send one anyway? plus, they did not indicate whether the cover letter should be sent as an attachment or in the body of the email. what’s the most professional way to do so?

Our top tip is to follow the submissions guidelines to a T. So, if they don’t mention a bio, then you don’t need to send one.

As for the cover letter: normally, if you are emailing your poems over, it’s most common to include your cover letter in the body of the email – unless they’ve specifically said to attach it. However, if they haven’t said either way, then it shouldn’t hurt your chances whatever you do!

thanks for the prompt response. it’s very helpful

No worries – best of luck!

Hi Little Poet, I just recently started watching your videos on Youtube. My, my, my, how I have been helped with your insights about things. Please let me know if I can be on your mailing list. I love you Little Poet. I really do. Isn’t life wonderful when something or someone just comes into your life and blesses you really good?

I’m pleased to hear you’ve found Young Poets Network useful! I’ll add you to our mailing list.

All the best,

How To Write A Poetry Cover Letter

How to Write a Poetry Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter for a poetry submission can be intimidating and overwhelming. However, it is a critical part of the poetry publishing process. An impressive and insightful cover letter can help an editor to quickly evaluate a submission and make a favorable decision about whether to accept or reject it. Here are some tips for crafting a successful poetry cover letter.

Accompany Your Submission with A Genuine Cover Letter

Your cover letter should include all the necessary information about your submission, such as your name, the title of the poem, and a list of any other relevant information. It should clearly explain why the poem is suitable for publication and explain any special circumstances, such as if the poem was chosen for a contest, if it’s part of a series, if it’s a reprint, or if it has won any awards. You should also explain anything else that is pertinent to your work, such as any techniques you used or special literary significance. You should also include a short bio or a short paragraph about yourself and why you decided to write the piece.

Be Professional

When writing a cover letter for poetry submission, maintain a professional tone. Use formal language, avoid being overly emotional or sentimental, and make sure to address the editor of the publication properly. You should also proofread it carefully. Typos and other errors will reflect negatively on you as a writer and will make the editor less likely to accept your work.

A cover letter should be no more than one page in length. Make sure you are concise when expressing your ideas and explain why this poem fits the topic or theme of the publication without going into too much detail. Stick to the facts and use big words sparingly.

When submitting your poem to a publication, remember to be polite and courteous. Do not make demands or be overly demanding. It is also important to thank the editor for their time and considerateness when reviewing your work.

Host an Event

One of the best ways to promote your work when submitting poetry is to host an event or reading for the publication. This will give the editor a chance to see the reactions of a live audience and how your piece is received. It also provides you with an opportunity to network with other writers and editors.

Participate in Social Media

Participating in social media can be a great way to promote your work and connect with other writers, editors, and publications. It is important to note, however, that it is important to be professional and polite when using social media. Avoid posting overly emotional or offensive content and make sure to respond to comments and questions in a polite and respectful manner.

Make an Impression

Your cover letter should make a lasting impression on the editor. It is important to stick to the facts, be professional, and make sure to highlight why your poem is suitable for the publication without going into too much detail. The goal is to show the editor why this poem is something special, and why it should be considered for publication.

Get Published

If the editor of the publication loves your work and decides to accept your poem, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you respond to any requests for revisions in a timely manner and be willing to make any changes or edits requested by the editor. Second, when the poem is published, it’s important to share it on all your social media outlets, as well as any other websites or blogs where you have an online presence. This can help build your credibility as a poet and get your poem more exposure. Finally, keep an eye out for any opportunities to share your work with a wider audience, such as readings, conferences, contests, and submissions to other publications.

Connect with Other Writers

One of the best ways to improve as a writer and get your work noticed is to connect with other writers and editors. Network with other poets and attend readings and workshops. Not only is this a great opportunity to learn more about the craft of poetry, but it also gives you a chance to get more eyes on your work and become a more visible presence in the literary world.

Seek Professional Advice

For those who feel they may need help, there are writing coaches and mentors who specialize in poetry and can help guide you in the writing and publishing process. These professionals can offer helpful advice and tips on how to write and submit a successful cover letter. They may also have connections to other writers and publications, which can be especially beneficial if you’re interested in getting your work published.

Offer Your Services to Publications

Many poets are looking for ways to promote their work and gain more exposure. A great way to do this is to offer your services to publications. For example, you can volunteer to review submissions, or provide feedback to writers who are just starting out. You can also offer to put together newsletters or other promotions for publications. These opportunities can help you to establish yourself as an experienced poet and to meet other like-minded individuals in the literary world.

Write Useful Reviews

By writing thoughtful, helpful reviews of other poets’ work, you can demonstrate your ability as a writer and gain credibility in the poetry world. When reviewing other writers’ work, make sure to be honest and constructive. If you have any questions or critiques, make sure to express them in a polite and professional manner.

Set Up a Blog or Website

Setting up a blog or website is a great way to showcase your work and build a presence online. You can create a portfolio of your poems and give readers a chance to learn more about you. This will also make it easier for editors to find your work and contact you with potential opportunities.

Learn from Others

Reading the work of other poets can be inspiring and beneficial. Not only can it help you to refine your own craft, but it can also give you an insight into what editors are looking for and what makes a successful poem. You should also pay attention to the techniques and processes used by experienced poets to construct their work. By understanding their methods, you can incorporate them into your own writing and improve your skills as a poet.

Minnie Walters

Minnie Walters is a passionate writer and lover of poetry. She has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the work of famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and many more. She hopes you will also fall in love with poetry!

what is a cover letter when submitting poetry

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How to Write a Poetry Submission Cover Letter

What is a Cover Letter for Submitting a Poem?

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Right Context

What Most Submissions Want In a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

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Poetry Retreats, Residencies, and Fellowships:

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

2. Address the Organizers/Publishers by name

3. Link to your past work

4. Stay On Topic

5. Skip Unnecessary Pleasantries

6. Provide Contact Information

Poetry Cover Letter Example

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Sample Cover Letters for Poetry Submission

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WHY You’re Writing

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Further Reading:

How to Write a Poetry Cover Letter

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

What is a Cover Letter for Submitting a Poem?

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

A Basic Template for a Poetry Cover Letter

Sample Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

Tips on Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission

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You may also be interested to read

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Poetry Submission

Check the guidelines before writing your cover letter for a poetry submission

The purpose of a cover letter for a poetry submission

Starting a cover letter for a poetry submission

The body of your cover letter for a poetry submission

How to write the closing of a cover letter for a poetry submission

Sample of an email cover letter with some credits for a poetry submission

Sample of a regular mail cover letter without credits for a poetry submission

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Writing a Cover Letter for Poetry Submissions

We would like to offer you some tips when it comes to composing your cover letter:

Below is an example of a simple and short cover letter:

Written by Two Sylvias Press

Submission Series: How It’s Done.

Comments (1)

Submission Etiquette: How to Submit Your Poetry for Publication

pick a place to send your stuff

check the guidelines

write a cover letter

format it neatly

proofread, proofread, proofread

send original work

be straightforward about simultaneous submissions