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This article is from the misc.writing Writing FAQ, by Wendy Chatley Green wcgreen@cris.com with numerous contributions by others.

6.1.1 What is a cover letter? (misc.writing Writing FAQ)

A cover letter introduces you and your work to an
editor. For most short fiction, a cover letter is optional;
many magazines don't really want one. For non-fiction, it
is almost mandatory. Of course, if you used a query letter
(see that section) to get the writing assignment, then a
cover letter may not be necessary; the editor already knows
what to expect from you.

A basic cover letter is:

[usual date and header]

Dear Editor (Use the correct name!)

Enclosed is my article on Usenet cookbooks--10,000 words as
you requested in your letter dated 5 January, 2000.

[usual closing and signature]

Do not use a cover letter to "sell" your story; if
an editor requested it, you've already "sold" it. At this
point, your writing must do the rest.

 

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• prev: 6.0 How do I submit my manuscript? (misc.writing Writing FAQ)
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• next: 6.1.2 When should I use a cover letter? (misc.writing Writing FAQ)

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writing, manuscript, submission, word counts, author, novel, short stories, book, poetry