Hey fellow writers!
Are you an aspiring short story writer looking to get your work published? Well then, you’ll definitely need a killer cover letter to accompany your submission. But, writing a cover letter can be a daunting task and sometimes, you might not even know where to start.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We have compiled some cover letter examples for short story submission that will help you get started and show you what works and what doesn’t. You can use these examples and edit them as per your need.
Remember, your cover letter is your first impression on the editor, so you want it to be the best it can be. It’s your chance to show them who you are as a writer and why your story is worth publishing.
So, go ahead and check out our cover letter examples for short story submission. We’re confident they will help you craft the perfect cover letter that will make your work stand out!
The Best Structure for Cover Letter Examples for Short Story Submission
Submitting a short story can be a nerve-wracking experience. You’ve spent countless hours crafting your story, and now it’s time to send it out into the world. But before you hit send, it’s important to make sure that your cover letter is as polished as your story. Not sure where to start? Here’s the best structure for cover letter examples for short story submission.
First, start with the basics. Include the name of the publication you’re submitting to, the title of your story, and your contact information. It’s also a good idea to personalize your greeting by addressing the editor by name, if possible.
Next, move on to a brief summary of your story. This should be no more than a paragraph or two and should give the editor a sense of what your story is about. It’s important to be clear and concise here, as the editor may be reading hundreds of submissions.
After your summary, it’s time to talk a bit about yourself. This doesn’t need to be a long bio, but you should include any relevant writing experience or publications. If you don’t have any past publications, that’s okay! Simply mention why you enjoy writing and what inspired you to write this particular story.
Finally, it’s time to wrap up your letter. Thank the editor for their time and consideration, and let them know that you look forward to hearing back from them. It’s also a good idea to include a sentence about your availability in case the editor has any questions or wants to discuss your story further.
Overall, the best structure for cover letter examples for short story submission is one that is clear, concise, and professional. Keep in mind that the purpose of your cover letter is to get the editor excited to read your story, so make sure that your letter is engaging and well-written. Good luck!
Cover Letter Examples for Short Story Submission
Recommendation for Publication
Dear [Editor’s name],
I am excited to submit my short story [Story Title] for publication in [Journal/Magazine Name]. The engaging plot and character development make this story a perfect fit for your publication.
[Paragraph 1] This story follows the journey of [Character name], who [brief plot summary]. With twists and turns throughout, the reader is engaged until the very end. I believe [Journal/Magazine Name] readers will thoroughly enjoy this piece.
[Paragraph 2] As an experienced writer with several published works, I understand the importance of a good fit between writer and publication. This is why I think my writing style, which is [briefly describe writing style and how it fits your submission], is perfect for your readers.
Thank you for considering my submission. I look forward to the opportunity to share my work with your readers.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Feedback
Dear [Editor’s name],
I am writing to submit my short story [Story Title] for your consideration and feedback. As an aspiring writer, I am always looking to improve my craft, and I believe your expert feedback can provide valuable insights.
[Paragraph 1] This story follows the journey of [Character name], who [brief plot summary]. With twists and turns throughout, the reader is engaged until the very end. I believe there is ample opportunity for growth and improvement in this piece, and I would appreciate your guidance.
[Paragraph 2] As a reader of [Journal/Magazine Name], I admire the quality of work that you publish. Your feedback, both positive and constructive, would be an incredible learning experience for me.
Thank you for considering my submission. I look forward to hearing back from you and incorporating your suggestions into my writing.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Request for Partial Payment
Dear [Editor’s name],
I am writing to submit my short story [Story Title] for your consideration and to request partial payment under your guidelines. I have read and understand your submission requirements for payment and am happy to meet all the necessary criteria for eligibility.
[Paragraph 1] This story follows the journey of [Character name], who [brief plot summary]. With twists and turns throughout, the reader is engaged until the very end, and I believe it will be a great addition to your publication.
[Paragraph 2] As a professional writer, I take great pride in my work, and it would be an honor to have my writing published in [Journal/Magazine Name]. I understand that partial payment is offered under certain circumstances, and I meet all the requirements. Therefore, I am requesting payment of [Amount] as stipulated in your guidelines.
Thank you for considering my submission. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Exemption from Submission Fee
Dear [Editor’s name],
I am submitting my short story [Story Title] for your consideration and am requesting an exemption from the submission fee. I have read and understand your guidelines, and my submission meets all the necessary criteria for fee exemption.
[Paragraph 1] This story follows the journey of [Character name], who [brief plot summary]. With twists and turns throughout, the reader is engaged until the very end, and I believe it will be a great addition to your publication.
[Paragraph 2] As a writer with a limited budget, the submission fee poses a financial burden that I am unable to afford at this time. I assure you that I meet all the criteria for fee exemption, including [briefly list your eligibility criteria as per the submission guidelines].
Thank you for considering my submission and exemption request. I appreciate your support for aspiring writers.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Re-Submission of Revised Short Story
Dear [Editor’s name],
I am submitting my revised short story [Story Title] for your consideration. Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on my original submission, which helped me to enhance the strengths of my piece.
[Paragraph 1] This revised version of the story follows the journey of [Character name], who [brief plot summary]. With improved character development and a more engaging plot, I believe this version better showcases my writing strengths and is a better fit for your publication.
[Paragraph 2] As someone who values quality feedback, I appreciate the time and effort you took to review my previous submission. Incorporating your feedback has improved the quality of my writing, and I believe it will help the story resonate with readers.
Thank you for considering my re-submission. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Award Consideration
Dear [Award Committee Chair’s name],
I am excited to submit my short story [Story Title] for consideration for [Award Name]. The engaging plot, strong character development, and vivid imagery make this story a true literary gem.
[Paragraph 1] This story follows the journey of [Character name], who [brief plot summary]. The plot twists and character development are masterfully crafted, keeping the reader engaged until the very end. As an accomplished writer with several published works, I believe this story ranks among my best and is worthy of consideration for the [Award Name].
[Paragraph 2] Winning this award would be a dream come true, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into judging submissions for [Award Name], and I have great respect for the judges’ discernment.
Thank you for considering my submission for the [Award Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Expedited Review
Dear [Editor’s name],
I am writing to submit my short story [Story Title] for your consideration and request an expedited review. The unique plot and engaging characters make this a must-read story, and I am excited to hear back from you as soon as possible.
[Paragraph 1] This story follows the journey of [Character name], who [brief plot summary]. With twists and turns throughout, the reader is engaged until the very end, and I believe it will be a great addition to your publication.
[Paragraph 2] I understand the volume of submissions you receive, and I appreciate any effort to expedite the review process. As a writer, I am eager to receive feedback and hope to hear back from you soon.
Thank you for considering my submission, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Cover Letter Tips for Short Story Submissions
Submitting a short story can be an exciting and daunting process. Along with the submission itself, you’ll need to provide a compelling cover letter that captures the editor’s attention. Here are some tips for creating a cover letter that will make your submission stand out:
- Address the editor by name: Research the publication and the editor’s name to make your letter more personal. Addressing the editor directly shows that you have taken the time to do your homework and are serious about your submission.
- Introduce yourself: Briefly introduce yourself and mention any relevant writing experience or publications. This helps establish your credibility and shows that you have a track record of writing.
- Summarize your story: Provide a brief summary of your story, highlighting the unique angle or selling point. This gives the editor a taste of what they can expect from your submission and helps them understand why it would be a good fit for their publication.
- Mention your writing style: If you have a specific writing style that sets you apart, mention it in your letter. For example, if you write in a particular genre or have a distinct voice, let the editor know. This helps them get a sense of your tone and writing style.
- Thank the editor: Use the closing paragraph to express gratitude for the editor’s time and consideration. Sign off with your name and contact information.
Remember, your cover letter is your chance to showcase your writing skills and make a memorable impression on the editor. By following these tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that will increase your chances of getting your short story published.
FAQs for Cover Letter Examples for Short Story Submissions
What should be included in a cover letter for a short story submission?
A cover letter for a short story submission should include a brief introduction, the title and word count of the story, a short synopsis, any relevant publication credits, and a professional closing.
Is it necessary to mention the word count of the short story in the cover letter?
Yes, it is crucial to mention the word count of the short story in the cover letter. Many publishers have specific guidelines for story lengths, and by mentioning the word count, you can ensure that your story is considered for publication.
Can I mention my personal information, such as age and gender, in the cover letter?
No, it is not necessary to mention your personal information, such as age and gender, in the cover letter. Your writing should stand on its own merit, and your personal demographics do not affect the quality of your work.
What type of language should I use in the cover letter?
You should use a formal and professional tone in the cover letter. Avoid using overly casual language or slang. Additionally, you should proofread your cover letter to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.
Should I mention any prior publications in the cover letter?
Yes, you should mention any prior publications in the cover letter. If you have previously been published in literary magazines or other publications, it can add to your credibility as a writer.
Can I make changes to the cover letter after submitting my short story?
No, you should not make any changes to the cover letter after submitting your short story. The cover letter is your first impression to the publisher, and making edits or changes can reflect poorly on your professionalism.
Is it acceptable to include a bio in the cover letter?
Yes, it is acceptable to include a short bio in the cover letter. However, the bio should be brief and relevant to your writing experience and accomplishments.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, folks – some cover letter examples for short story submission! By now, you should have a better understanding of how to approach your cover letter, and what to include and avoid. We sincerely hope that this article has been helpful to you in some way, and if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And of course, don’t forget to visit us again soon for more articles on writing, publishing, and all things bookish. Thank you for reading!