How To Write A Great Covering Letter

YOU have researched the market, thought of a killer title and written a killer article. Now you need to persuade an editor to read it and buy it.
The covering letter you send with your manuscript is the first piece of your writing that an editor gets to read… so make it perfect. Make sure it’s grammatical with no spelling mistakes. Sounds basic, I know, but you’d be surprised at how many covering letters I have read that can’t even spell the sincerely of Yours Sincerely! The editor might think if you can’t write a decent covering letter, how on earth can you manage an article?
The purpose of a covering letter is to introduce yourself, detailing your relevant experience and to give a brief précis of the article you have enclosed. Note the word “relevant”. No editor will be remotely interested that you once had a job as a Butlin’s Red Coat – not unless your article is on a related subject.
Sell your strengths, minimise or ignore your weaknesses and explain your background. So first things first. Use proper headed notepaper. Anyone with a computer can produce a professional-looking letterhead. Most word-processing software has its own letter templates. Pick a clean, unfussy style. Find out the name of the specific editor who will be reading your manuscript. A quick phone call or a search through the magazine’s website can elicit this information.
Write in proper, formal letter style. Begin Dear (Name) and finish Yours Sincerely. Tell the editor a little bit about your article and what makes it different from other articles on the same subject.
List your most recent publishing successes and relevant experience and qualifications. If you have a website, mention it here.
Don’t worry if you are a complete novice. Play up your strengths. What makes you an expert on this particular subject? Have you ever won any writing prizes? Do you belong to a particular club or organisation that gives you insight into the subject? When you have finished your letter, double check for mistakes. Make sure your have included your name, address, date, contact number, email and, if you have one, website address.
Be polite. Thank the editor for their time. Show you are flexible and conclude by saying: “I would be happy to discuss any changes you may think are necessary.” Sometimes a little flattery doesn't go amiss! You could add a sentence that says: "I would be delighted to be published by a magazine I have so long enjoyed as a reader."