Importance of drafting a good cover letter: Templates, Techniques, Samples [The complete resource pack]

About 14 years before when I was submitting my first article to a journal, I did not know the importance of COVER LETTER. This small blog depicts stories of my struggle and learnings about cover letters.

When submitting an article to a journal, your cover letter is the first thing that editors read. A well-written cover letter can make a positive impression and increase the likelihood of your article being accepted. Here are some reasons why drafting a good cover letter is important and how you can make it impressive:

1. Introduces your article: A cover letter provides an opportunity to introduce your article and explain its relevance to the journal's scope and audience. It can also provide a summary of your key findings and how they contribute to the field.
2. Demonstrates professionalism: A well-written cover letter demonstrates that you have taken the time and effort to craft a thoughtful submission. It shows you are serious about your research and committed to following proper procedures.
3. Highlights your expertise: A cover letter can showcase your expertise in the field and demonstrate why you are the best person to write this article. It can also provide information about any relevant previous publications or research experience.
4. Addresses potential concerns: If there are any potential concerns about your submission, such as conflicts of interest or overlapping content with another publication, a cover letter is a place to address them. This can help alleviate any concerns the editors may have and decrease the chances of desk rejection and therefore, increase the chances of your article being accepted.
5. Establishes a professional relationship: A well-written cover letter can help establish a positive and professional relationship with the editors. It can set the tone for future correspondence and collaborations.

Taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter can increase the chances of your article being accepted and help further your career in academia. I am sharing a few resources (available in the public domain) which will be helpful in crafting a cover letter while submitting an article to the journal:

• A small blog and template from T&F
• 10 Tips to write an effective cover letter for journal submission (Download - cover letter template)
• Sample form Springer
• Cover Letter for Journal Submission: Sample & How To Write
• Writing a Successful Journal Cover Letter (Free Templates)