Some journals require a cover letter as part of the submission process. Others don’t, but you might consider including one as a way to really make a case for your manuscript. Here are some general tips for writing a cover letter:
- Put it on department letterhead
- If possible, address it to a specific person, like a managing editor
- Be professional
- Keep it to one page
- Provide the title of the manuscript in the first paragraph
- Explain why the article would be of interest to the journal’s audience
- Provide any statements explicitly requested in the author instructions
- Do not suggest reviewers unless the journal requests suggestions
- Feel free to explain why particular reviewers might present a conflict of interest (they’re a competitor in the field)
Scientific Editor, Kathryn Hale, wrote at length on this topic in our newsletter, The Write Stuff. You can view that article here.
