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How to Write a Cover Letter to the Editor (With a Template)

DE By Directive Editorial Team, Directive Publications ·17 Jul 2026 ·5 min read
How to Write a Cover Letter to the Editor (With a Template)

In short: A cover letter is your brief, direct message to the editor explaining why your paper belongs in their journal and why it matters. Keep it to one page, make it specific to the journal, and confirm the essentials.

Why the cover letter matters

The editor reads your cover letter first. It frames your submission, signals that you understand the journal's scope and requirements, and confirms the ethical basics. A vague or generic letter is a missed opportunity; a focused one helps your paper start on the right foot.

What to include

  • The basics — manuscript title, article type, and the journal name (addressed to the editor).
  • Why this journal — one or two sentences on how the work fits the journal's scope and readership.
  • The key message — the main finding and why it matters, in plain language (not a copy of your abstract).
  • Declarations — that the work is original, not published elsewhere, not under consideration elsewhere, and approved by all authors; note funding and any competing interests.
  • Optional — suggested or excluded reviewers, if the journal invites them.

A cover letter template

Dear Dr [Editor name],

We are pleased to submit our manuscript, "[Title]," for consideration as [an original research article] in [Journal name].

[One or two sentences on the study and its main finding.] We believe this work fits the journal's scope because [reason], and will be of interest to your readers who work on [topic].

We confirm that this manuscript is original, has not been published previously, and is not under consideration by another journal. All authors have read and approved the submission and agree to be accountable for the work. [Funding statement.] [Competing-interest statement.]

Thank you for considering our submission. We look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely, [Corresponding author, on behalf of all authors]

What to avoid

  • Overstated claims ("groundbreaking," "the first study ever").
  • Pasting your abstract in place of a genuine letter.
  • Generic text that could apply to any journal.
  • Pressuring the editor or overselling significance.

Key takeaways

  • Keep it to one page and specific to the journal.
  • State the key finding and why the work fits — don't repeat the abstract.
  • Include the standard originality and authorship declarations.
  • Be professional and concise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cover letter always required?
Many journals require one and most editors expect it. Even when optional, a concise, well-judged cover letter is a chance to make a strong first impression, so it is usually worth including.
How long should a cover letter be?
Keep it to a single page — typically three to four short paragraphs. Editors read many letters, so be concise and specific.
What should I never put in a cover letter?
Avoid overstated claims ("groundbreaking", "the first ever"), copying your abstract verbatim, or generic text that could apply to any journal. Do not pressure the editor or exaggerate the significance of the work.
Should I suggest reviewers in the cover letter?
If the journal invites it, you may suggest qualified, unbiased reviewers, or name individuals to exclude with a brief reason. The editor is not obliged to use your suggestions.
Do I need to state that the work is original?
Yes. Confirm the manuscript is original, has not been published before, and is not under consideration elsewhere, and that all authors have approved the submission.
DE
Directive Editorial Team
Directive Publications

The editorial team at Directive Publications — an international open-access publisher of peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals.

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