best cover letter for an editor

7 Editor Cover Letter Examples

Editors meticulously sift through content, refining and polishing it to perfection, ensuring every word, sentence, and paragraph tells a compelling story. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to meticulously craft your professional narrative, ensuring every detail paints a picture of your skills, experiences, and dedication. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Editors, helping you to refine your own masterpiece.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start an Editor cover letter is by directly addressing the hiring manager, if their name is known. Then, introduce yourself and briefly mention your current role or most relevant experience. Make sure to express your interest in the position and the company, and highlight why you are a good fit. For example: "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], As a seasoned editor with over [number] years of experience in [specific field], I was thrilled to see your job posting for an Editor at [Company's Name]. My expertise in [specific skills or experiences] makes me a strong candidate for this role." This approach shows professionalism and enthusiasm right from the start.

Editors should end a cover letter by summarizing their qualifications, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, and inviting further discussion. A strong closing statement might be, "With my extensive editing experience and passion for storytelling, I am confident I can bring valuable contributions to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further." Following this, a professional sign-off such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards" should be used, followed by their full name. It's also important to include contact information either after the sign-off or at the top of the letter. This ending is effective as it reiterates the editor's suitability for the role, shows eagerness to be part of the team, and opens the door for further communication, all of which can leave a positive, lasting impression.

An Editor's cover letter should ideally be about one page long. This length is enough to succinctly present your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position without overwhelming the reader. It's important to remember that a cover letter is a professional introduction, not a comprehensive career history. As an editor, you should use this opportunity to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and concisely, showcasing your editing skills. Too long of a cover letter may lose the reader's interest, while too short may not provide enough information about your suitability for the role.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as an editor can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position. Make sure to mention the job title and the company's name. 2. Highlight relevant skills: Even if you don't have direct editing experience, you likely have skills that are relevant to the position. For example, strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are all important for an editor. If you have experience in writing, proofreading, or other related fields, be sure to mention this. 3. Showcase your education: If you have a degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field, this can be a strong selling point. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your editing and writing skills. 4. Discuss your passion for the industry: Show your enthusiasm for the field of editing. This could be through discussing books, articles, or other forms of media that have inspired you, or by talking about your own personal writing or editing projects. 5. Provide examples: Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and abilities. For instance, if you've written a thesis or dissertation, you can discuss how you edited and revised your own work. If you've worked in a role where you had to review or create written content, talk about this experience. 6. Show willingness to learn: As you're applying for an entry-level position, employers will be looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Express your willingness to learn and adapt in your cover letter. 7. Close professionally: Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your interest in the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further. Remember, your cover letter should be concise, professional, and tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Proofread it carefully to ensure it's free of errors.

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

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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  

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The Perfect Cover Letter: Advice From a Lit Mag Editor

Today’s guest post is from Elise Holland, co-founder and editor of 2 Elizabeths , a short fiction and poetry publication.

When submitting your short-form literature to a magazine or journal, your cover letter is often the first piece of writing an editor sees. It serves as an introduction to your thoughtfully crafted art. As such, it is significant, but it shouldn’t be intimidating or even take much time to write.

As editor at 2 Elizabeths , I see a variety of cover letters every day; some are excellent, and others could stand to be improved. There are a few key pieces of information to include, while keeping them short and sweet. In fact, a cover letter should only be a couple of paragraphs long, and no more than roughly 100-150 words.

A little research goes a long way

Seek out the editor’s name, and address the letter to him/her, as opposed to using a generic greeting. Typically, you can find this information either on the magazine or journal’s website, or in the submission guidelines.

Read the submission guidelines thoroughly. Many publications will state in their guidelines the exact details that need to be included in a cover letter. With some variation, a general rule of thumb is to include the following:

• Editor’s name (if you can locate it)
• Genre/category
• Brief description of your piece
• If you have been published previously, state where
• Whether your piece is a simultaneous submission (definition below)

Terms to Know

The term simultaneous submission means that you will be sending the same piece to several literary magazines or journals at the same time. Most publications accept simultaneous submissions, but some do not. If a publication does not accept them, this will be stated in their guidelines.

Should your work be selected for publication by one magazine, it is important to notify other publications where you have submitted that piece. This courtesy will prevent complications, and will keep you in good graces with various editors, should you wish to submit to them again in the future.

The term multiple submission means that you are submitting multiple pieces to the same literary magazine or journal.

Cover Letter That Needs Work

Dear Editor, Here is a collection of poems I wrote that I’d like you to consider. I have not yet been published elsewhere. Please let me know what you think. Bio: John Doe is an Insurance Agent by day and a writer by night, living in Ten Buck Two. He is the author of a personal blog, LivingWith20Cats.com. Best, John Doe

What Went Wrong?

John Doe didn’t research the editor’s name. A personal greeting is always better than a simple “Dear Editor.” Additionally, John failed to include the word count, title and a brief description of his work.

There is no need to state that John has not yet been published elsewhere. He should simply leave that piece of information out. (Many publications, 2 Elizabeths included, will still welcome your submissions warmly if you are unpublished.)

John included a statement asking the editor to let him know what he/she thinks about his work. Due to time constraints, it is rare that an editor sends feedback unless work is going to be accepted.

Unless otherwise specified by the magazine or journal to which you are submitting, you do not need to include biographical information in your cover letter. Typically, that information is either requested upfront but in a separate document from the cover letter, or is not requested until a piece has been selected for publishing.

Cover Letter Ready to Be Sent

Dear Elise, Please consider this 1,457-word short fiction piece, “Summer.” I recently participated in the 2 Elizabeths Open Mic Night, and am an avid reader of the fiction and poetry that you publish. “Summer” is a fictitious tale inspired by the impact of a whirlwind, yet meaningful, romance I experienced last year. In this story, I gently explore the life lessons associated with young love, with a touch of humor. This is a simultaneous submission, and I will notify you if the piece is accepted elsewhere. Thank you for your consideration. Kindest Regards, John Doe

What Went Right?

In this letter, John includes all pertinent information, while keeping his letter clear and concise. In his second sentence, John also briefly states how he is familiar with the magazine. While doing this isn’t required, if done tastefully, it can be a nice touch! Another example might be: “I read and enjoyed your spring issue, and believe that my work is a good fit for your magazine.”

I hope these sample letters help you as you send your short works to magazines and journals for consideration. While you’re at it, I hope you will check out 2 Elizabeths ! We would love to read your work.

Elise Holland is co-founder and editor of 2 Elizabeths , a short fiction and poetry publication. Her work has appeared in various publications, most recently in Story a Day . Through 2 Elizabeths, Elise strives to create value and visibility for writers, through writing contests , events , and more!

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[…] view post at https://janefriedman.com/perfect-cover-letter-advice-lit-mag-editor/ […]

[…] To get into literary magazines, you need a cover letter, so Elise Holland lays out how to write the perfect cover letter for a literary magazine. […]

Love this! The letter is short and to the point, and covers all the necessary information. Great tips! I always worry that the only publishing credit I have is the winning entry in a short story contest through the local paper. Should I mention that? And writing conferences I’ve attended?

As Elise says, it’s OK if you’re unpublished. Don’t worry about it. But feel free to mention your winning entry. If the writing conferences would likely be known to the journals’ editors, you might mention one or two.

[…] recently wrote a full article on the perfect cover letter, here. Check it out for clear, simple instructions, along with sample […]

[…] publication. Her work has appeared in various publications, most recently in Story a Day, and at JaneFriedman.com.  Through 2 Elizabeths, Elise strives to create value and visibility for writers, through writing […]

Thanks for the concise and useful information! I’ve heard that it’s also a good idea to include a sentence or two that makes it clear that you are familiar with the kind of work the magazine has published in the past. Is this generally advised, or would you consider it nonessential unless specified in the submission guidelines?

Editor Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples
• How To Write a Editor Cover Letter

A great editor cover letter can provide a strong competitive advantage during the job search . The key is to leverage your cover letter as a supplement to your writing samples, demonstrating your expertise in copy editing and genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. This guide provides examples and expert tips to help translate your editor experience into a powerful marketing document.

Editor Cover Letter Templates and Examples

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• Senior-Level

Editor Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Arthur Lang Editor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Boston, MA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Jeremy Smith Hiring Manager Cinema Magazine (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Smith,

As a freelance editor with Superior Film Reviews, I wrote and edited over 35 articles for a prominent film review website. Through this experience, I developed expertise in proofreading, editing, and copywriting, making me an ideal candidate for the editor position with your organization.

Cinema Magazine’s reputation for producing high-quality reviews and critical film analysis attracts me to apply for this position. My passion for cinema and my strong background in copy editing will allow me to help Cinema Magazine continue to grow its audience based on the following achievements from my career:

• Wrote 35 movie reviews and articles, conducted proofreading and editing, and performed quality control on content prior to upload on WordPress
• Provided support and constructive feedback to copywriters on articles to ensure consistent tone, improve word choice, and enhance content
• Edited over 55 articles for the University of Boston Newspaper, which included proofreading and providing support to student journalists

I would like to schedule an interview to tell you more about how my copywriting and editing skills can be an asset to your organization. You may contact me via phone or email at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Arthur Lang

John Rosenberg  Editor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | LinkedIn

Sarah Taylor Hiring Manager East Coast Medical Journal (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Taylor,

As a senior editor with over eight years of experience, I excel in producing and refining complex research publications within the medical industry. During my time at Philadelphia Med Research Inc., I edited over 200 digital articles and performed quality assurance to improve the clarity and conciseness of language. My expertise in managing digital publications will allow me to thrive in the editor position with your organization.

East Coast Medical Journal’s mission to drive advancements within the medical field strongly aligns with my professional background. Access to high-quality research is essential for improving quality of life and raising awareness. My background as a senior editor within the health care space will allow me to continue to grow this reputation based on the following accomplishments from my career:

• Proofread, edited, and published over 200 articles on a variety of medical research topics, including COVID-19 vaccine efficiency, pharmaceutical drug side effects, surgical risk factors, and treatment results for cancer and other high-risk medical conditions
• Managed a team of 10 editors, copywriters, and subject matter experts (SMEs), delivered constructive feedback to improve content quality, and provided coaching to drive professional development
• Led initiatives to enhance the publication process and quality assurance procedures by improving collaboration between publication teams, SMEs, and the information technology (IT) department

I look forward to speaking with you further regarding how my expertise as a senior editor within the health care space can enhance the quality of your medical journal. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience for additional information on my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.

John Rosenberg

Candace Brown  Editor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Portland, OR 12345 | LinkedIn

Allen Jones Hiring Manager Innovate Web Solutions (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Jones,

As the senior editor at Portland Web Creators Inc., I oversaw all aspects of copy editing and quality assurance for over 300 web pages across a diverse client base. I identified opportunities to enhance content quality and improve search engine optimization (SEO) performance, resulting in a 30% increase in repeat business. My marketing and web page development expertise would be a strong asset for the editor position at your organization.

Innovate Web Solution’s reputation for producing dynamic web content draws me to apply for this position. As a senior editor, I pride myself on my ability to enhance brand messaging for client websites. My experience in editing and content development will continue to grow your prestigious reputation based on the following accomplishments from my career:

• Led the development, editing, and publishing of web page copy for client accounts valued at up to $130,000 and managed a team of over 20 copywriters, editors, and marketing specialists
• Performed quality assurance reviews on drafts from the creative team and identified opportunities to refine language, brand messaging, and keyword optimization, which generated increases of 50% to 100% in organic traffic for customer sites
• Coordinated cross-functionally with graphic designers, web developers, and client stakeholders to ensure alignment with brand identity and customer goals

I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my editing and SEO experience can help drive success for your clients. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience for any additional questions you may have. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Candace Brown

How To Write an Editor Cover Letter

A great editor cover letter should provide a compelling overview of your editing experience . This gives hiring managers a glimpse into your writing style, which means you’ll need to spend extra time creating impactful and engaging content. When describing your background, use engaging language to show how your talents as an editor can help employers take their content to the next level. Below, we’ll guide you through each step of the cover letter writing process:

1. Contact information and salutation

List all essential contact information in the header of your editor cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This shows you’ve researched the company before applying and conveys your genuine interest in the opportunity.

2. Introduction

Making a strong first impression plays a critical role in determining whether a hiring manager will bring you in for an interview. The best way to accomplish this is by opening your editor cover letter with one of your defining career achievements as an editor.

Think about the number of blog posts, web pages, and publications you’ve contributed to and how your content refinements positively impacted the final products. This sends a clear message to hiring managers that you have the editing and content writing experience to be successful in the position.

3. Body paragraphs

Showcase your accomplishments as an editor in your body paragraphs. Start by mentioning something specific about the organization’s reputation, publications, or writing quality and why you’re interested in the opportunity. Provide engaging descriptions of your previous work to help demonstrate your writing and editing capabilities. Carefully refine and proofread your content, as an editor cover letter will be more scrutinized in comparison to other industries.

Cinema Magazine’s reputation for producing high-quality reviews and critical film analysis draws me to apply for this position. My passion for cinema and strong background in copy editing will allow me to help Cinema Magazine continue to grow its audience based on the following achievements from my career:

4. Editor skills and qualifications

Incorporate keywords from the job description into your editor cover letter. Instead of providing a robust list of skills, integrate these terms strategically. For example, if a company is looking for an editor who has a background in managing digital publications, you can use this opportunity to highlight the technical areas of your experience. Below, we’ve compiled some key terms to consider adding to your editor cover letter:

5. Closing section

The conclusion of your editor cover letter should feature a call to action that invites the hiring manager to schedule you for an interview. Emphasize how your expertise in content writing and editing can benefit their organization. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

Best regards,

Editor Cover Letter Tips

1. quantify your career achievements.

Although quantifying your experience can be more difficult as an editor, there are some creative ways to use numbers to your advantage. For instance, even detailing the number of articles you’ve edited will help to provide more context and insights for the hiring manager. In the example below, the candidate highlights their positive impact on SEO performance, search rankings, and web traffic:

• Led the development, editing, and publishing of web page copy for client accounts valued at up to $130,000 and managed a team of more than 20 copywriters, editors, and marketing specialists

2. Emphasize your leadership capabilities as an editor

Communication and leadership skills are essential for any type of editor position, as you’ll need to collaborate effectively with copywriters and content marketing teams to produce high-quality pieces and meet deadlines. In the example below, the candidate features examples of managing team members and coordinating with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements:

• Managed a team of 10 editors, copywriters, and SMEs, delivered constructive feedback to improve content quality, and provided coaching to drive professional development
• Led initiatives to enhance the publication process and quality assurance procedures by improving collaboration between publication teams, SMEs, and the IT department

3. Align your cover letter with the job description

To garner interest in the open market, it’s important to carefully tailor your cover letter toward individual job applications. In addition to mentioning something specific about the company, draw attention to specific aspects of your industry experience that match the employer’s needs. Below, the candidate makes a point to highlight their background in editing complex medical articles, which is in direct alignment with the organization’s goals:

East Coast Medical Journal’s mission to drive advancements within the medical field strongly aligns with my professional background. Access to high-quality research is essential for improving quality of life and raising awareness. I am confident my background as a senior editor within the health care space will allow me to continue to grow this reputation based on the following accomplishments from my career:

Editor Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i submit an editor cover letter -.

While not every job application will require a cover letter, submitting one for editing positions is generally a sound strategy during the job search. This opportunity displays your writing and editing skills using more conventional language in comparison to the resume. It also allows you to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the position.

How long should my cover letter be? -

As an editor, employers want to see you can communicate thoughts and ideas in a concise yet compelling manner. This is why it’s best to keep your cover letter concise and limited to no more than three or four paragraphs. Eliminating excess information ensures the hiring manager’s attention is focused squarely on your most notable achievements and contributions.

Should I use artificial intelligence to write my cover letter? -

While it may be acceptable to use ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help you build a first draft, don’t allow these types of programs to craft your entire cover letter. The purpose of the document is to showcase your unique writing style and editing skills, which could never be captured using artificial intelligence.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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