best cover letter for editor

• Research Process
• Manuscript Preparation
• Manuscript Review
• Publication Process
• Publication Recognition
• Language Editing Services
• Translation Services

How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Manuscript? Here are the Tips and Examples

• 3 minute read
• 25.2K views

Table of Contents

A cover letter is often the first thing an editor reads when reviewing your submission. As your first pitch to the editor, the cover letter helps them gauge the suitability of your manuscript for publication in their journal. Imagine your work shaping the future of your field, gathering citations, and sparking discussions. A powerful cover letter is thus the first step to making that vision into a reality.   

In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing an effective cover letter and explain how you can get it right every time with examples. First, let us get started with the basics!  

Getting the Basics Right  

When writing a cover letter, it is crucial to address the editor by their correct and complete name¹ . If there are multiple co-editors, you can address your letter to the right person, based on their specialization or designated responsibilities. If unsure, it is okay to go with a more general salutation, such as “Dear Editors”¹ .   

Presenting your Research  

Provide a clear and concise title for your submission and specify whether it is an article, communication, review, perspective, or a manuscript belonging to some other category. If the journal guideline recommends, consider including a list of all authors in the manuscript.   

After covering the preliminary information, briefly explain your paper’s central theme or focus to give the editor an idea of its contents. Ensure this stays a brief outline, without going into too much detail.   

Conveying the Importance of Your Work  

How you communicate the impact of your work can make or break your cover letter. To make a strong impression on the editor, articulate the significance of your research clearly, emphasizing its relevance to the field. Additionally, show how your work aligns with the journal’s scope and mission.  

Including a Formal Declaration  

Some journals require a set of declarations from you to ensure that your manuscript adheres to its ethical code and the larger ethical standards of scientific publishing. Here are the required declarations in a cover letter:  

• Originality of work:  
• Confirm that your work is original and has not been published elsewhere. This tells the editor your research is unique.  
• Conflict of interest statement:  
• Be clear about any potential conflicts of interest. This includes any personal, financial, or professional connections that might affect your research.  
• Funding source (if applicable):  
• Tell where your research funding came from, if any. This includes any support or grants from organizations.   

Including Personal Suggestions for Reviewers on a Separate Page (optional)  

If there is no part of the submission process that collects researcher suggestions for reviewers, and there are special requests from the researcher for reviewers (e.g., recommending the inclusion or suggesting the exclusion of a specific reviewer, etc.), you may also make a note about this in the cover letter.  

Combining these five points, here is a good example of a cover letter for researchers’ reference:  

(This image is intended to demonstrate the norms of formatting and tone of expression in a cover letter, it is to be used only by the researcher as a reference in writing² .)  

Conclusion  

A strong cover letter can go a long way in ensuring success for researchers looking to publish their manuscripts! Your cover letter is the opening act, setting the stage for how editors perceive your manuscript. So, look at it not as just another formality but as a crucial opportunity to make a strong impression.   

Understanding what to include, what is optional, and what is best left unsaid can be tricky. That is where our team of experts at Elsevier Language Services can step in. We will provide personalized recommendations and expert guidance to help you craft a cover letter that perfectly complements your manuscript. Reach out to us today to make a great first impression and embark on a successful academic journey!  

Reference  

• Nicholas, D. (2019). How to choose a journal and write a cover letter. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 13(5), 35. https://doi.org/10.4103/sja.sja_691_18  
• Loyola University Chicago. (n.d.). JCSHESA Sample Cover Letter. https://ecommons.luc.edu/jcshesa/cover_letter_template.pdf  

Page-Turner Articles are More Than Just Good Arguments: Be Mindful of Tone and Structure!

Submission 101: What format should be used for academic papers?

You may also like.

Publishing Biomedical Research: What Rules Should You Follow?

Writing an Effective Cover Letter for Manuscript Resubmission

Journal Acceptance Rates: Everything You Need to Know

Research Data Storage and Retention

How to Find and Select Reviewers for Journal Articles

How to Request the Addition of an Extra Author Before Publication

Paper Rejection: Common Reasons

How to Write a Journal Article from a Thesis

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Home / Cover Letter Examples / Editor Cover Letter Sample

How to Write an Effective Editor Cover Letter

Are you looking for work as an editor or a writer? It's critical to understand that not all editor jobs are created equal. To make the best impression on the hiring manager, emphasize the skills that will be most useful in this specific role.

While organization and strong writing skills are required for nearly every editorial or writing position, other desired skills vary widely. Some editorial positions require strong project management skills, while others require creativity and the ability to brainstorm ideas quickly and easily.

According to ZipRecruiter , the average weekly pay for an Editor in the United States is $1,080 as of October 5, 2022. The industry is expected to grow at a 5% annual rate over the next ten years, which is slower than the average for other fields. This indicates that there will be plenty of competition for editor positions. Making a strong first impression on potential employers begins with writing a strong cover letter that highlights your most notable career accomplishments.

For ideas, look at an example of a cover letter for an editorial position. Discover how to highlight your editorial, creative, and technical abilities.

Why Is a Cover Letter Important?

You may believe that cover letters are obsolete, but they are an important part of the application process. Let's take a look at the top three reasons why cover letters are so essential.

• Cover letters allow you to market your resume in greater detail. It demonstrates your personality, which makes it easier for recruiters to connect with you.
• A cover letter gives the hiring manager a better understanding of how your skill set matches this new position. It is intended to demonstrate how you can contribute to the team and why you want to work for the employer.
• A cover letter makes the first impression and assists the recruiter in determining whether you are qualified for the position. It has the potential to be a game changer in your hiring, making it an essential component of your application.

Editor Cover Letter Example

Parts of an editor cover letter.

An excellent editor cover letter consists of five major components:

1. Heading. To make your information stand out, use a stylized template. Make certain that your heading contains the following information:

JENNY CASTILLO

Editor | [email protected] | (000) 123-4567 | New York, NY 12345

• Name, title, and contact information
• The date on which you sent the letter
• Details about the addressee

2. Salutation. Introduce yourself to the hiring manager by first greeting them as Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can't find the hiring manager's name, use "Dear Hiring Manager" instead.

Dear Mr. Graham,

I am writing to express my interest in the Editor position you advertised on LinkedIn.

3. Introduction. To make a strong impression on the hiring manager, begin with one of your most significant career accomplishments. Consider using a measurable achievement, as numbers are an effective tool for catching the reader's attention.

4. Body. The main body of your cover letter is the main attraction and takes center stage. Its primary goal is to make your most compelling case for why you should be hired. It’s also the trickiest part of a cover letter because it’s where you will have the most options for what and how you can say.

Continue to showcase career accomplishments that align with the needs of the organization in your body paragraphs. To make the case that you're the best candidate for the job, emphasize how your experience aligns with the company's culture, mission, and reputation. Consider using a bulleted list to help break up the text on the page and improve the readability of your cover letter.

5. Closing section. You should include a call to action (CTA) in your closing section to invite the prospective employer to contact you for an interview or additional background information. It's also important to take advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate how your skill set can benefit the company to which you're applying. In the final sentence of the paragraph, remember to thank the hiring manager for their time.

I can be reached at [email protected] should you require any additional information about my background and qualifications. Thank you for your consideration and time. I am excited to speak with you about this job opportunity.

How to Write an Editor Cover Letter

An editor cover letter should emphasize your editorial, technical, and creative abilities. Because there are many different types of editor positions, each with its own set of skills and competencies, it is critical to match your qualifications to the job posting's requirements.

This comprehensive guide will outline the steps you must take to create a professional editor cover letter.

Step 1: Address your letter to the correct person in charge.

Send your letter to the publisher, editorial director, hiring manager, or whoever put out the job posting. It is not professional to use "to whom it may concern." Determine the addressee's name and use either Mr. or Ms. before the person's name.

Step 2: Begin with a brief introduction.

Making a good first impression is often what determines whether a hiring manager will call you in for an interview. To accomplish this, begin your first paragraph with one of your most significant professional accomplishments. Although quantifying your experience as an editor can be more difficult, there are some innovative ways to use numbers to your advantage. Detailing the number of articles you've edited, for example, will help provide more context and insights for the hiring manager.

Concentrate on the key characteristics that make you the best fit. Tell the person why you're writing and what position you're applying for in no more than three sentences. Use one sentence to clearly state why you believe you are the best fit for the position.

Step 3: Highlight any editor-related credentials.

Write a few sentences about your qualifications and where you went to school. Mention how long you've been an editor and where you've worked (to keep it short, only mention the most recent or prestigious company). Match any job ad requirements with core skills and competencies from your resume, such as excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; familiarity with design software; and in-depth knowledge of SEO.

Step 4: Discuss your experience in greater detail.

Discuss your accomplishments, large projects you've coordinated and completed, important tasks and responsibilities you've been assigned, other departments you've worked with, and so on, in a few sentences. You could mention things like winning an award for best headlines, launching a new publication, and so on. Also, briefly discuss what your experience as an editor has taught you.

Step 5: Close your letter.

Mention two or three things you know about the company and why working as an editor there appeals to you. Describe how you will add value to the organization and how you will improve or maintain the company's product standards.

Finally, include a call to action. Inform the reader that you've attached your resume and portfolio for their review and invite them to contact you via email or phone call. Thank them for taking the time to read your cover letter. Sign off with your full name and add "sincerely" or an acceptable synonym.

A cover letter for an editor should be no more than one page long. The letter should make the case for why the applicant is the best fit for the position in a few paragraphs.

Skills to Include in an Editor Cover Letter

You should always write your cover letter with the specific job requirements in mind. You may want to mention some of these skills as you work with your editor cover letter:

• Language skills: The ability to recognize and write with proper grammar, syntax, and punctuation is the most important skill for an editor.
• Creative writing: In the course of editing, you might need to write as well, matching the tone and style of the original work.
• Detail-oriented: Because an editor is usually the final stop before publication, care must be taken to ensure that the final document is error-free.
• Interpersonal communication: Editors must be able to communicate clearly but diplomatically with writers so that any criticism is constructive and encouraging.

Tips for Writing an Editor Cover Letter

Your cover letter does much more than simply address your resume to a specific employer. It allows you to show a little bit of your personality as well. This helps the employer see not only how your experience matches the position, but also how you will fit in with the company. Here are some things to keep in mind when writing your editor cover letter:

1. Look for Relevant Keywords

Emphasize the specific writing and editing skills mentioned in the job description. Copy editing, grammar, tone, social media, and business storytelling are examples of keywords.

2. Adjust Your Tone to the Employer's

Examine their available product copy to get a sense of the company's voice. If you're applying to edit a lifestyle blog, for example, your cover letter should be shorter and more accessible than if you're hoping to be hired as a copy editor at a financial services firm. Try to imitate their home style as much as possible. If they are anti-Oxford comma, you should be as well (at least for the purposes of this job application).

3. Proofread, proofread, and proofread some more

When applying for an editor position, the worst thing you can do is make a typo. Don't expect yourself to catch every minor mistake — even the best editors may struggle to see their own errors. Instead, ask a trusted friend to look over your application materials before submitting them.

An impressive resume is only as good as the accompanying cover letter or email. This is frequently the first thing recruiters see, even before your CV. If it doesn't immediately show them why you're the perfect fit for the role, your resume may be tossed aside without being read.

You only get one chance to make a first impression with your cover letter, so make it count. Crafting a cover letter that piques the interest of hiring managers is critical to landing the job.

• Career Advice
• Cover Letters

Editor Cover Letter

An editor cover letter must highlight your editorial, technical, and creative skills. As there are many types of editor positions, each requiring varying skills and competencies, it is important to match your qualifications to the requirements mentioned in the job posting.

Editor Cover Letter Template

Download this template in Microsoft Word format and follow the prompts to make an engaging editor cover letter.

Editor Cover Letter Sample:

[Full Name]

[Physical Address]

[Telephone Number]

[Email Address]

Application for the position of editor.

Dear [Recipient’s Name] ,

I am writing to apply for the editor position as advertised on [where you saw the advertisement] . My training, management experience, creative abilities, and a keen eye for detail make me a perfect fit for the position and I look forward to becoming a valued member of the [company] .

I have a [qualification] from [institution] , [location of institution] , and [number of years] years of experience working as an editor, most recently at [company] . As per the requirements for the position at [company] , you will notice in my resume that I [mention skills, competencies, or experiences that answer directly to the requirements listed in the job posting] .

Over the years I have [talk about things you've accomplished, big projects you've coordinated, important responsibilities you were given, other departments you've worked with, etc] . Experience has taught me to nurture relationships, communicate effectively, and lead by example.

I am thrilled to be applying to [company] because I admire your [name two or three things you know about the company in general that you like] . As the editor, my commitment to the highest standards of accuracy and accountability will be of the greatest benefit to [company] .

Please find my resume and portfolio attached. Feel free to contact me via email or phone call if I can be of any further service.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

[Your Name]

How to Write an Editor Cover Letter:

A complete guide that highlights the steps you need to take to build a professional editor cover letter.

Address your letter.

Address your letter directly to the hiring manager or senior recruiter..

Address your letter to the publisher, editorial director, hiring manager, or whomever the person is that put out the job posting. Don't use "To whom it may concern." This is not professional. Find out the name of the addressee and use either Mr. or Ms. before the person's name. For example, "Mr. Granger" or "Ms. Enslin."

Start with a brief introduction.

Focus on key attributes that make you the ideal fit..

In no more than three sentences , tell the person why you are writing and what position you are applying for. Use one sentence to state clearly that you feel you are the best fit for the position.

Showcase your qualifications and experience.

Highlight any editor related qualifications..

Write a few sentences on your qualifications and where you studied. Mention how many years you've worked as an editor and where (to keep it short, only mention the most recent or prestigious company). Now, match any requirements mentioned in the job ad with core skills and competencies from your resume, such as excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; familiarity with design software; and in-depth knowledge of SEO.

Discuss your experience in more depth.

In a few sentences , talk about things you've accomplished, big projects you've coordinated and completed, important tasks and responsibilities you were given, other departments you've worked with, etc. You could include things like receiving an award for best headlines, launching a new publication, etc. Also, briefly discuss what your experience has taught you about your role as editor.

Close your letter.

Celebrate the organization..

Mention two or three things you know about the company you're applying to and why being an editor there appeals to you. State how you will add value to the organization and how you would improve upon or maintain the standards of the company's products.

End with a call to action.

Say that you've attached your resume and portfolio for their consideration and invite the reader to contact you via email or phone call. Thank the reader for their time. Add "sincerely" or an acceptable synonym and sign off with your full name.

How do you write a cover letter for an editor position?

• Address your letter to the person using their name .
• Start with a brief introduction .
• Highlight your qualifications and experience .
• Close your letter professionally .

How long should an editor cover letter be?

An editor cover letter should be no longer than a page. The letter, using only a few paragraphs, should make the case that the applicant is the best for the position.

What must be in an editor cover letter?

An editor cover letter must have your contact details, and information about qualifications, editorial experience, technical skills, and creative ability. It is important that it matches your qualifications directly to the requirements mentioned in the job posting.

Related Articles:

How to write a cover letter, copywriter cover letter, copywriter resume, common cover letter mistakes, editor job description.