Freebie! My Publishing Cover Letter Template

This cover letter template is from my six-month one-to-one editorial training and mentorship programme, Get into Children's Publishing.

As part of the programme, I guide participants in effectively showcasing their skills and experience and teach them how to tailor their applications to specific job requirements.

Give it a try... it has had success!

Don't forget to include your contact details at the top and if the role requires a relocation, add that you are open to moving (if you are).

Other top tips:

• Always rewrite/edit your cover letters for new job applications
• Get someone to proofread each one you send out
• Show a bit of personality and passion while retaining a succinct and formal tone

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

[At the top of your letter: include the job title you are applying for in bold in Sentence Case e.g: Editorial Assistant]

Date:

Dear Hiring Manager (or their name if you know it),

Open with a sentence similar to: I wish to apply for the [XXX] position advertised on www.websiteaddress.co.uk.

Now have a paragraph about this length introducing yourself. Demonstrate that you understand the company and its place in the market. Mention your most recent and relevant experience and relate it to the job specification. For example, as part of the programme you were taught how to prepare sales material and carry out effective presentations. You also undertook research throughout the process to observe and monitor current trends and bestsellers. You filled in administrative forms such as purchase orders etc. Show that you are passionate about books and mention the things that make you stand out the most. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and show a bit of personality.

Then guide them to your CV: Please see my attached CV for information on my background and skills. The following points may be of interest for this role:

[Pick 3–5 aspects of your CV that closely relate to the role]

? Excellent organisation and time-planning

? Proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks

? Knowledge of MS Office, Adobe InDesign

Finish off with something like: I am very keen to begin my publishing journey with a company just like [XXX], and I hope to have the opportunity to discuss my application with you in more detail.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Get into Children’s Publishing is a comprehensive children’s publishing course run by me, Claire Philip, a children’s editor, author and publishing trainer. It provides an insider’s perspective on every stage of book production from an editor's viewpoint and prepares you for your first role in publishing. While we focus on non-fiction, the skills and processes you’ll learn apply across traditional book publishing. Participants have gone on to secure roles at publishers such as Penguin, Hachette and Pearson.

To find out more, email your CV to [email protected].