A cover letter for manuscript submission is frequently required when submitting a manuscript to a publication. This provides an excellent chance to demonstrate to the publication editor what causes your research to be unique and indispensable. The cover letter for manuscript submission must describe why your research is appropriate for publication and why the publication’s audience will be interested in it.
When submitting a manuscript to a journal, a well-worded cover letter for manuscript submission could enable your paper to advance to the subsequent phase of the manuscript validation process, which is critical analysis. So it’s worth considering how to write a cover letter to the publication editor to ensure that it’s efficient.
We’ve compiled a guide to describe how to compose a cover letter for manuscript submission to assist you. You will obtain cover letter directions, including what you should and shouldn’t add, as well as a template cover letter for manuscript submission.
What is a Cover Letter for Manuscript Submission?
A cover letter for manuscript submission is a formal letter that accompanies a manuscript when it is being submitted to a journal, publisher, or any other platform for consideration and potential publication. It serves as an introduction to the manuscript, provides important context, and highlights key aspects that make the submission relevant and valuable. A well-crafted cover letter can enhance the chances of your manuscript being seriously considered for publication.
Key elements of a cover letter for manuscript submission include:
- Recipient Information: Include the name, title, and contact information of the editor or appropriate recipient at the publishing entity.
- Salutation: Address the recipient with a formal salutation, such as “Dear Dr. [Last Name]” or “Dear Editor-in-Chief.”
- Introduction: State the title of your manuscript, its word count, and the type of submission (e.g., original research, review article, etc.).
- Brief Summary: Provide a concise summary of the manuscript’s content, research question, methodology, key findings, and any important implications.
- Relevance and Significance: Explain why your manuscript is relevant and significant in the field. Highlight how it contributes to existing knowledge or addresses a gap in research.
- Citations and References: If your manuscript builds upon or references previous work, mention it in the cover letter. This shows your familiarity with the field and positions your work within the context of existing research.
- Ethical Considerations: Mention any conflicts of interest, funding sources, or ethical considerations that the publishing entity should be aware of.
- Exclusivity and Originality: State that the manuscript is not under consideration by any other journal and that the content is original and has not been published elsewhere.
- Suggested Reviewers: Optionally, suggest potential reviewers who are experts in the field and can provide a fair assessment of your manuscript’s quality.
- Acknowledgments: If applicable, acknowledge individuals who contributed to the research but are not authors of the manuscript.
- Closing: Thank the recipient for considering your submission and express your willingness to provide additional information upon request.
- Contact Information: Provide your contact information, including email address and phone number, so that the recipient can easily reach you.
- Signature: Sign the cover letter with a handwritten or digital signature.
It’s important to adhere to the submission guidelines provided by the journal or publisher when creating your cover letter. Some may have specific requirements for formatting, content, or length. A well-crafted cover letter demonstrates professionalism and helps make a positive first impression on the editors or reviewers who will be assessing your manuscript for publication.
What information must I include in my cover letter for manuscript submission?
Before you begin writing, please review the publication’s guidelines for writers (IFAs), because not every publication will demand one. Review the IFAs as well for any published data regarding what to incorporate. This could consist of a list of pertinent pieces published by either you or your co-writers that have previously been published or that are being taken into account for publishing in other journals.
Important details to be included in your cover letter for manuscript submission to the editor:
- Name of the editor (you can usually find this on the journal page on Taylor & Francis Online)
- The title of your manuscript
- The name of the publication to which you are forwarding a letter saying that your manuscript has not previously been accepted for publication and that it isn’t presently being considered by some other publication
- A summary of the study you are relaying in your manuscript, why it’s essential, and also why you believe journal audiences will be excited about it.
- You as well as any co-authors’ contact details
- Verify that you do not have any conflicting priorities to reveal.
- Type of Submission: Indicate whether your submission is an original research article, review, case study, etc.
- Brief Introduction: Begin with a concise introduction that mentions the purpose of the letter and your manuscript’s title.
- Summary of the Manuscript: Provide a summary of your manuscript, including the research question, methodology, key findings, and their significance.
- Relevance and Contribution: Explain why your manuscript is relevant to the journal’s scope and how it contributes to the existing body of knowledge.
- Statement of Originality: Confirm that the manuscript is original, has not been published elsewhere, and is not under consideration by any other journal.
- Previous Work and Citations: If applicable, mention any previous related work you’ve published and how your current manuscript builds upon it. Also, reference relevant articles from the journal you’re submitting to.
- Ethical Considerations: Mention any conflicts of interest, funding sources, or ethical considerations that the editor should be aware of.
- Suggested Reviewers: Optionally, suggest potential reviewers who are experts in the field and could provide unbiased assessments of your manuscript.
- Acknowledgments: If there are individuals who have contributed to the research but are not listed as authors, acknowledge them.
- Closing Remarks: Thank the editor for considering your submission and express your willingness to provide further information upon request.
- Contact Information: Provide your contact information again, including your email address and phone number.
- Signature: Sign the letter with your handwritten or digital signature.
- Enclosures: If required, mention any additional documents or supplementary materials attached to the submission.
Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific journal and follow any formatting or submission guidelines provided by the journal. A well-structured cover letter that highlights the important details and showcases the significance of your manuscript can increase your chances of capturing the editor’s attention and receiving a favorable response.
Things to stay away from:
- Overly Long or Wordy Content: Keep your cover letter concise and focused. Avoid unnecessary details, lengthy explanations, or excessive jargon that may overwhelm the reader.
- Irrelevant Information: Stick to the pertinent details about your manuscript and its significance to the field. Avoid including unrelated personal anecdotes or excessive background information.
- Arrogance or Overconfidence: While it’s important to highlight the strengths of your manuscript, avoid coming across as overly confident or arrogant. Maintain a tone of professionalism and humility.
- Negative Comments About Previous Publications or Authors: Refrain from making negative remarks about previous publications, authors, or research. Maintain a positive and respectful tone throughout your letter.
- Flattery or Excessive Praise: While acknowledging the importance of the journal is fine, avoid excessive flattery or praise that may come across as insincere.
- Unsubstantiated Claims: Back up your statements with evidence or references. Avoid making unsupported claims about the significance of your manuscript or its potential impact.
- Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate, up-to-date, and complete. Double-check details such as manuscript title, word count, and author affiliations.
- Generic Language: Avoid using generic or template-like language. Tailor your cover letter to the specific journal and its focus.
- Inappropriate Tone or Language: Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid using overly casual language, slang, or humor that might not be well-received.
- Lack of Clarity: Be clear and straightforward in your communication. Avoid vague statements or unclear explanations that might confuse the reader.
- Requesting Immediate Acceptance: While expressing confidence in your manuscript is important, avoid demanding or expecting immediate acceptance in your cover letter.
- Poor Formatting or Typos: Carefully proofread your cover letter to ensure there are no typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. A well-presented letter reflects your attention to detail.
- Excessive Detail on Methods: While it’s important to describe your research methods, avoid overly technical details that might overwhelm the reader. Focus on the broader aspects of your study.
- Mentioning Multiple Submissions: If submitting to multiple journals simultaneously, avoid mentioning this in your cover letter. Editors prefer to think your manuscript is being submitted exclusively to their journal.
- Rather than copying your abstract into the cover letter, describe the importance of the writing, the issue being discussed, and the reason the manuscript corresponds to the publication using your phrases.
- Avoid using too much slang or abbreviations; instead, keep the vocabulary simple and easy to interpret.
- Keep from going into excessive specifics; limit your cover letter to a page like an introduction and summary.
- Resist grammar and spelling mistakes, and proofread your letter extensively before submission.
Remember that a cover letter is your opportunity to make a positive first impression on the editor and provide them with the essential information about your manuscript. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll increase the likelihood that your cover letter effectively communicates your manuscript’s value and relevance.
Why are some publications requesting a cover letter for manuscript submissions?
A cover letter for manuscript submission could assist publication editors in the following manner.
- A cover letter for manuscript submission with basic journal declarations enables the journal employees to speedily verify that the writers have (or claim to have) implemented specific ethical study and publishing procedures.
- These declarations affirm that the writers implemented standard procedures, such as complying with ethics rules for human testing, and animal testing, or falling under institutional directives; (ii) acquiring ethical clearance from the ethical committee or review boards; (iii) acquiring valid consent or approval from respondents; and (iv) compliant with authors’ requirements; (v) verifying that no duplicate entries were made; and (vi) suggesting critics for your manuscript, which could entail defining colleagues whom you do not wish to be notified.
- A cover letter for manuscript submission could easily sum up your manuscript for the publication editor, outlining your most essential findings and their consequences to demonstrate why your manuscript is relevant. While a cover letter is voluntary, some publications, such as Nature, indicate that it offers “an awesome chance to momentarily explain the significance of the submitted research and the reasons it is suitable for the publication.” Some publishing houses, such as Springer, advise you to compose a cover letter to “advertise” your manuscript to the publication editor.
- A cover letter for manuscript submission that includes all of the information needed by the publication (as specified in the writer’s guidelines) can show that you spent considerable time cautiously formatting the manuscript to conform to the publication’s style. This makes a favorable first impression. Specifically, addressing the letter to a specific journal editor demonstrates that you made the effort to craft your letter (and, by implication, your manuscript) with care.
What makes a cover letter for manuscript submission powerful?
A cover letter for manuscript submission must be brief—ideally, not over one page—and utilize single-line spacing. The information is split into six sections:
- Recipient details and date of submission
- Opening pleasantries
- Statement of purpose and regulatory details
- An overview of the major research results and their consequences
- Journal-required declarations or information Final greetings and contact details
A sample for a cover letter for manuscript submission
If you require more assistance in writing a cover letter for manuscript submission, you could use our template as a guide. Although the submission scheme for your preferred journal may necessitate your cover letter to be forwarded as a message box instead of as a formal paper, it is nevertheless best practice to create a draft first to ensure you have added everything. Always review the publication IFAs for any extra information that should be included.
Paul Anderson, Ph.D.
Nigerian Academy of Cognitive science & Investigations, Abuja, Associate Professor of Cognitive science
+2349071269015
linkedin.com/in/paul.andy6
Enugu, April 23, 2022
Chukwuemeka Lawrence
Editor in Chief
Nigerian International Journal for Cognitivism
24, Garki Road, Abuja
POBox 162901
Dear Mr. Chukwuemeka,
I’m delighted to have been asked to send my manuscript, “Survival frustration and depression stages between adolescent Internet users in Nigeria,” for publishing as a research study in The Nigerian International Journal for Cognitivism.
I worked with young generations from different socio-economic upbringings as a psychologist and postdoctoral researcher at the Nigerian International Journal for Cognitivism. While working as a therapist, I observed increased rates of widespread depression, body dysmorphia, binge eating, and general life discontentment among 13-18-year-olds who are using the Internet frequently and widely.
I interviewed 200 people who proclaimed active Internet consumption, described as sharing on their profile pages at least once daily and communicating with the channel for over 2 to 3 hours each day. Each person completed a self-evaluation survey to give a summary of their self-esteem and to explain their Internet behavior patterns. I described the responses with every participant and further analyzed their psychological health after assembling these baseline findings.
Because the internet is progressively acknowledged as having a significant impact on kids and adolescents, educators and parents consider it to be an issue. The results discussed in my published study, I presume, will be of interest to developmental psychologists, guidance counselors, social services, and teachers. Recognizing the link between the Internet and the usage of psychological health could result in the development of health promotion activities and the development of methods to maximize the benefits of using the internet while reducing the negative results.
This report looks at various perspectives of the problems addressed in the following documents, which were also authored in The Nigerian International Journal for Cognitivism:
- “The Impact of Internet Dependency on the Standard of Living among University Students in Nigeria” by Akanni O Akinola, Dupe S Durojaiye, and Olaniran A. Gbadegeshin, published in October 2021. Louisa Claire’s “Internet Consumption and Social Depression among Teenagers” will be published in January 2023.
I certify that this manuscript is unique and has never previously been printed. It isn’t being considered for publication anywhere else at the moment. This research obtained no financial assistance.
Being the sole author, I have endorsed the final draft of the manuscript and agree to be responsible for all parts of this research.
I think the following people will be ideal for evaluating my manuscript:
- Dr. Betty Benson, Associate Professor at the University of Ilorin, specializes in mental disorders of children and adolescents abnormalities: dr.betty.benson@gmail.com
- Dr. Ayoola Sofiya, Adjunct Professor at Lagos State University, specializes in cross-cultural cognitive neuroscience: dr.ayoola.sofiya@gmail.com
- Dr. Balarabe Sadiq, Senior Lecturer at Zaria State University, specializes in psycholinguistics: dr.balarabe.sadiq@gmailcom
To the highest possible standard, none of the above-mentioned individuals have any financial or other conflicts of interest.
I eagerly await your response.
Sincerely,
Paul Anderson, Ph.D.
Nigerian Academy of Cognitive Science & Investigations
3, Old Warri Road, Enugu, Nigeria
Conclusion
In the realm of academic and professional publishing, the cover letter for manuscript submission serves as the gateway to introducing your research to the editorial team. A carefully composed cover letter not only provides essential context but also showcases your commitment, professionalism, and understanding of the journal’s scope. By addressing key aspects of your manuscript’s relevance, contribution, and ethical considerations, you set the stage for a positive and informed review process.
As you embark on this journey of scholarly communication, remember that a well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance the visibility and impact of your work, paving the way for potential publication and scholarly advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letter for Manuscript Submission
Here are five frequently asked questions about cover letters for manuscript submission along with concise answers:
- Why do I need to include a cover letter with my manuscript submission?
A cover letter introduces your manuscript to the editor, providing context and highlighting its significance. It allows you to explain the relevance of your work, provide essential information, and establish a professional tone. A well-crafted cover letter can increase the chances of your manuscript being seriously considered for publication.
- Should I address the cover letter to a specific editor?
Yes, addressing the cover letter to a specific editor or editor-in-chief shows that you’ve done your research and are familiar with the journal. It adds a personal touch and demonstrates your commitment to submitting to that particular publication.
- What should I emphasize in the cover letter?
Focus on the relevance of your manuscript to the journal’s scope, the significance of your findings, and how your work contributes to the field. Briefly summarize your research question, methodology, and key findings. Also, mention any ethical considerations, conflicts of interest, and relevant citations.
- Can I suggest potential reviewers in the cover letter?
Yes, some journals allow authors to suggest potential reviewers who are experts in the field. However, only suggest reviewers who are unbiased and have no conflicts of interest. Be respectful and follow the journal’s guidelines if they provide instructions on suggesting reviewers.
- Should I mention that my manuscript is simultaneously submitted to other journals?
It’s generally not recommended to mention simultaneous submissions to other journals in your cover letter. Journals prefer exclusive submissions and might view simultaneous submissions negatively. Focus on the merits of your manuscript and its fit for the journal you’re submitting to.
Crafting a well-structured and informative cover letter is an important step in the manuscript submission process. It allows you to present your work professionally and increase the likelihood of your manuscript being considered for publication.