How to write a cover letter for journal submission

Download our cover letter template

When you submit your article to a journal, you often need to include a cover letter. This is a great opportunity to highlight to the journal editor what makes your research new and important. The cover letter should explain why your work is perfect for their journal and why it will be of interest to the journal’s readers.

When writing for publication, a well-written cover letter can help your paper reach the next stage of the manuscript submission process – being sent out for peer review. So it’s worth spending time thinking about how to write a cover letter to the journal editor, to make sure it’s going to be effective.

To help you, we’ve put together a guide to explain how to write a cover letter for journal article submission. You will receive cover letter instructions of what you should include and what you shouldn’t, and a word template cover letter.

Download your cover letter template

Ready to submit?

Taylor & Francis Editing services has a high quality premium editing package to make you feel confident to submit.

  • Customized cover letter

  • Feedback on original writing

  • Complete language check

  • Extensive revisions.

Get a quote

What should my cover letter include?

Before you start to write, please check the instructions for authors (IFAs) of your chosen journal, as not all journals will require one. You should also check the IFAs for any journal specific information on what to include. This may include a list of relevant articles written by you or your co-authors that have been or are currently being considered for publication in other journals.

Key points to include in your letter to the editor:

  • Your manuscript’s title.

  • Name of the journal you are submitting to.

  • Statement that your paper has not been previously published and is not currently under consideration by another journal.

  • Brief description of the research you are reporting in your paper, why it is important, and why you think the readers of the journal would be interested in it.

Things to avoid:

  • Don’t copy your abstract into your cover letter, instead explain in your own words the significance of the work, the problem that is being addressed, and why the manuscript belongs in the journal.

  • Don’t use too much jargon or too many acronyms, keep language straightforward and easy to read.

  • Avoid too much detail – keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page, as an introduction and brief overview.

  • Avoid any spelling and grammar errors and ensure your letter is thoroughly proofed before submitting.

Key information for cover letter

Click to enlarge your PDF on key information to include in your cover letter.

Cover letter template

If you need further help to write a cover letter for a journal, you can download and use our sample template as a guide.

You might find that the submission system for your chosen journal requires your cover letter to be submitted into a text box rather than as a separate document, but it is still a good idea to write a draft first to make sure you have included everything.

Always make sure to check the journal’s instructions for authors for any specific additional information to include.

Download your cover letter template

Submission ready

Use our submission checklist to make sure you’ve included everything you need to.

If you need more guidance, take a look at our other information and resources to help you make your submission.

Rapid constructive feedback

Consider the Taylor & Francis Rapid Technical Review service to help you meet your deadline, through peer-review-like comments on your manuscript.

Get a quote

Related resources

Publishing tips, direct to your inbox

Expert tips and guidance on getting published and maximizing the impact of your research. Register now for weekly insights direct to your inbox.

Sign up to Research Insights today