Submitting your poetry to magazines and journals is exciting but can feel daunting. A key part of success is writing a compelling cover letter that follows the publication’s rules. Learning how to write a good cover letter can boost your chances of getting accepted.
Before you submit your poetry, make sure to read the publication’s guidelines carefully. These guidelines usually cover things like file formats and word limits. For example, you might need to submit 3-5 poems or up to 8 pages1. It’s also important to note the deadlines and any special themes, like “Autumn Queen”2.
Many journals, like Glass: A Journal of Poetry, don’t charge reading fees or hold contests. This makes it easier for more poets to submit3. But, some might offer fast submission options for a small fee, like $31. Always check the guidelines to know about any costs or payment for accepted works, which can range from $15 to more1.
Your cover letter should be short and to the point. Most journals like a brief bio of one to two sentences2. It should show you know the journal and highlight any achievements or awards, like Anthony Frame’s Individual Excellence Grants from the Ohio Arts Council3.
Key Takeaways
- Carefully review submission guidelines for formatting requirements, deadlines, and themes
- Note any potential submission fees or payment opportunities for accepted works
- Keep your cover letter concise, informative, and tailored to the specific publication
- Highlight relevant achievements, awards, or grants in your brief bio
- Adhere to word count limits, typically under 2000 words for short stories or up to 6,000 words for prose submissions21
Understanding Poetry Submission Guidelines
Before you send your poems to literary magazines, learn their submission guidelines. These guidelines cover how to format your work, deadlines, and rules on sending poems to other places at the same time. Following these rules shows you respect the editors’ time and work.
When you’re getting ready to submit your poems, focus on the formatting. Most journals like simple formatting. They often want Times New Roman, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond in 12pt font size, with 1.25 line height, and poems on separate pages4. Proper formatting shows you pay attention to details and can improve your chances.
Deadlines and Policies
Remember the submission deadlines. Some publishers only accept submissions at certain times, showing a trend in the poetry world5. If you miss a deadline, your work might be rejected right away. Also, know how long it might take for a response, which can be 8 to 12 weeks6.
Simultaneous Submissions
Simultaneous submissions mean sending the same poems to different places. Many journals are okay with this, but some aren’t. If you’re sending poems to more than one place, tell them in your cover letter. On average, you might need to send each poem to 15–20 magazines to get published4.
When submitting poems to multiple venues, keep track of your submissions. This helps you manage your work better5. Some places welcome new poets, don’t charge fees, and let you send poems to other places at the same time. This shows a trend towards being open and welcoming in the poetry world5.
“Always read and follow the submission guidelines carefully. They are there for a reason, and not adhering to them can result in your work being dismissed without even being read.”
Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter
When you send your poetry manuscript to a small press, a good cover letter is key. It grabs the editor’s attention and shows you’re professional. In Canada, poets often don’t have agents. They send their work to small presses during open submission periods7. Here’s what to include in a short and simple cover letter for your poetry submission.
Keeping It Short and Simple
Your cover letter should be brief and to the point. Editors are busy, so include your contact info, the date, and the press’s address. Start with a proper greeting, then the body, a polite closing, and your enthusiasm7. Keep your bio short, written in the third person, and engaging. It should include your name, location, writing focus, and any publications or education8.
Demonstrating Knowledge of the Publication
Show you’ve done your homework on the press. Talk about how your work fits their aesthetic and mission. If asked, list similar titles from their catalog in your cover letter7. This shows you’re really interested in the publication and your work aligns with theirs.
Including Relevant Biographical Information
In your cover letter, give a brief bio in the third person. Highlight your background, publications, and achievements7. Mention any awards, residencies, or funding your manuscript has received. Make sure to follow the press’s guidelines for your bio, if they provide them.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Word count or line count | Mentioning the word count or line count of your submission can assist judges and streamline the evaluation process8. |
| Simultaneous submissions | If you are submitting your work to multiple publications, signal this in your cover letter to enhance transparency8. |
| Prompt email responses | Responding to emails from contest organizers or editors within 72 hours is crucial for maintaining professionalism8. |
Remember, a well-prepared manuscript makes a great first impression with poetry presses9. A compelling cover letter that shows your relevant biographical information and knowledge of the publication can grab the editor’s interest. This increases your chances of getting your work published.
How to Write a Cover Letter for Poetry Submission
Writing a good cover letter is key when you send your poetry to magazines and journals. A well-written cover letter can make your submission stand out. It can also increase your chances of getting published. When you write your cover letter, make sure to include important contact information, write an engaging greeting and body, and end it professionally.
Providing Contact Information
Start your cover letter by listing your name, address, email, phone number, and social media. This makes it easy for the editor to get in touch with you. Even if 50% of editors don’t need a cover letter for poetry10, it shows you’re serious about your work.
Writing the Greeting and Body
Find the right editor’s name and title for your greeting. A personalized greeting shows you’ve done your homework on the magazine. In the body, talk about any connection you have to the magazine.
Then, list the poems you’re sending, mentioning if they’ve been published before. If it’s your first time submitting, a cover letter is expected10. You can also add quotes from famous authors to make your work stand out10.
“A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and your work to the editor. Make it count by being professional, concise, and engaging.”
According to recent statistics, editors at Strange Horizons like different types of poetry11. They also accept simultaneous submissions and respond within four months11.
Closing the Letter
End your cover letter by thanking the editor. Include a brief bio that highlights your past work and achievements. Editors like to know about the author10. Close with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Research the publication and address the editor by name | Use a generic greeting like “To Whom It May Concern” |
| Keep your cover letter concise and focused | Include irrelevant information or personal anecdotes |
| Proofread your letter for spelling and grammar errors | Submit a cover letter with typos or formatting issues |
By following these tips, you’ll be ready to submit your poetry with confidence and professionalism.
Tips for Submitting to Literary Magazines
When you submit your poetry to literary magazines, start with your favorites. Most journals want 3-5 poems per submission, unless they say otherwise12. Try to send your best work to places that match your style. Look out for contests and themed calls, as they offer unique chances with less competition12.
Organize your submissions into groups. Lincoln Michael suggests dividing 10 to 30 magazines into groups of five13. This way, you focus on your top choices and also explore other markets. Clifford Garstang has a list of top and mid-tier journals for different types of writing13.
Follow each magazine’s guidelines carefully. Make sure you meet word count and submission method requirements13. If you submit to many places at once, tell each journal and withdraw if accepted elsewhere13.
Always be writing, editing, and submitting to your favorite publications.
Wait about six weeks before asking about your submission status13. Always be professional in your communication with editors13. Keeping a spreadsheet of your submissions can help you track everything13.
Most journals can’t pay writers, but some offer small fees13. There are also contests and grants for poets, some free and some with fees12. Poets & Writers has a list of contests, including free ones.
Rejections are part of the journey. Have backup plans and remember that rejections don’t mean your work is bad13. Share your poetry through magazines, chapbooks, or online platforms12.
Conclusion
Writing a great cover letter for poetry submission is key to catching editors’ eyes. It boosts your chances of getting published. Knowing the submission rules helps make sure your work fits what the magazine wants14.
When you write your cover letter, keep it short and sweet. Show you know the publication well. Include your bio and contact info14. A good cover letter has a greeting, a strong body, and a professional sign-off14.
Make sure to list your manuscript’s title, word count, and genre. A short 3-sentence pitch can give the editor a quick idea of your work14.
To make your submission stand out, talk about similar works your poetry might appeal to. Add a paragraph about yourself as an author14. But, only share personal info you’re okay with sharing14.
By following submission guidelines and writing a compelling cover letter, you’ll impress editors. This increases your chances of seeing your work in print.
FAQ
What should I include in my poetry cover letter?
Your poetry cover letter should start with a greeting. Mention any connection to the magazine. List your poem titles, noting if they’re simultaneous submissions or already published.
Include a short bio written in the third person. Don’t forget your contact information like name, address, email, phone, and social media handles.
How important is it to follow the submission guidelines?
Following the submission guidelines is crucial. Each publication has its own rules for formatting, deadlines, and simultaneous submissions. By following these guidelines, you make it easier for editors to review your work.
Should I mention if I’m submitting my poems simultaneously to multiple venues?
Yes, it’s important to mention simultaneous submissions in your cover letter. Some journals allow it, while others don’t. Always check the guidelines to follow their policies.
How long should my poetry cover letter be?
Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. It’s meant for basic information, like poem titles and a bio. This way, editors can quickly see what you’re submitting.
What should I include in my bio for a poetry submission?
Your bio should be a brief third-person summary. Mention your background, publications, and achievements. This gives editors a glimpse into your poetical identity and past success.
How can I increase my chances of having my poetry accepted for publication?
To boost your chances, submit your best work to your favorite magazines first. Focus on magazines with upcoming submission deadlines. Look for contests and themed calls with less competition.
Always keep writing, editing, and submitting to your favorite publications. This approach can significantly improve your success rate.
Source Links
- Submissions — MudRoom – https://www.mudroommag.com/submissions
- Submission. Email/letter – https://www.writingforums.com/threads/submission-email-letter.209016/
- Submission Guidelines | Glass: A Journal of Poetry – https://www.glass-poetry.com/journal/subs2.html
- How to Submit Poems to Literary Magazines: Or, Lessons From My Year of 100 ‘Slaps’ (Rejections) – https://medium.com/@javierwantscandy/how-to-submit-poems-to-literary-magazines-or-lessons-from-my-year-of-100-slaps-rejections-17dd9c7eb79f
- Poetry Submissions: A Step-by-Step Guide – Sidhenadaire – https://www.sidhenadaire.com/submissions.htm
- Frontier Poetry Submission Opportunities and Guidelines – https://www.frontierpoetry.com/submit/
- Writing a Cover Letter for Your Poetry Manuscript – https://open-book.ca/Columnists/Writing-a-Cover-Letter-for-Your-Poetry-Manuscript
- How To Write a Cover Letter & Bio for Writing Contests with Examples: Professional Development Series – The Letter Review – https://letterreview.com/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-amp-bio-for-writing-contests-with-examples/
- Preparing a Poetry Manuscript for Submission – https://open-book.ca/Columnists/Preparing-a-Poetry-Manuscript-for-Submission
- Sample Cover and Query Letters – https://wordsintoprint.wordpress.com/sample-cover-and-query-letters/
- Poetry Submission Guidelines – http://strangehorizons.com/submit/poetry-submission-guidelines/
- How to Publish Poems – A Step-by-Step Guide – https://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-publish-poems.html
- How to Submit to Literary Journals: 9 Tips for Success | Writers.com – https://writers.com/how-to-submit-to-literary-journals
- How to Write the Perfect Pitch Letter – The Literary Consultancy – https://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/2024/04/how-to-write-the-perfect-pitch-letter/
