Title (Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, or Co-Editors-in-Chief)
Journal Name
Journal Address
Submission Date: Month Day, Year
Dear Dr./Mr./Ms. Editor’s last name or Managing Editor or Editor-in-Chief:
Paragraph 1 [1-2 Sentences]: Introduce the manuscript title under submission with a brief summary of the manuscript’s major point or findings and how they relate to the journal’s aims and scope.
Paragraph 2 [1-3 Sentences]: A statement that the manuscript has neither been previously published nor is under consideration by any other journal. If there are multiple authors, a statement that they have all approved the content of the paper. Occasionally, you might note if you have publicly presented the research elsewhere.
Paragraph 3 [1-2 Sentences]: A thank you for the editor’s time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Corresponding Author
Institution Title
Institution/Affiliation Name
Institution Address
Email address
Telephone with country code
Fax, if available with country code
Additional Contact, if the corresponding author is not available for a multi-authored work
Institution Title
Institution/Affiliation Name
Institution Address
Email address
Telephone with country code
Fax, if available with country code
Journal Editor’s First and Last Name, Graduate Degree Title: Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, or Co-Editors-in-Chief Journal Name Journal Address Submission Date: Month Day, Year Dear Dr./Mr./Ms. Editor’s last name or Managing Editor or Editor-in-Chief: Paragraph 1 [1-2 Sentences]: Introduce the manuscript title under submission with a brief summary of the manuscript’s major point or findings. Paragraph 2 [ 2-3 Sentences]: Explain how the manuscript relates to recent publications in the journal. Paragraph 3 [2-5 Sentences]: Provide context for the research. Explain how the research relates to the journal’s aim and scope. Describe how the manuscript/research appeals to the journal’s audience. Paragraph 4 [1-3 Sentences]: A statement that the manuscript has not been previously published nor is under consideration by any other journal. If there are multiple authors, a statement that they have all approved the content of the paper. Occasionally, you might include if you have publicly presented the research elsewhere. Paragraph 5 [1-2 Sentences]: A selection of reviewers, if requested. Paragraph 6 [1-2 Sentences]: A thank you for the editor’s time and consideration. Sincerely, Your Name |
Remember, your first draft does not have to be your last. Make sure to get feedback from different readers, especially if this is one of your first publications. It is not uncommon to go through several stages of revisions. Check out the Writing Center’s handout on editing and proofreading and video on proofreading to help with this last stage of writing.
We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.
American Psychological Association. n.d. “Cover Letter.” APA Style. Accessed April 2019. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/research-publication/cover-letters.
Belcher, Wendy Laura. 2009. Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Press.
BioScience Writers (website). 2012. “Writing Cover Letters for Scientific Manuscripts.” September 29, 2012. https://biosciencewriters.com/Writing-Cover-Letters-for-Scientific-Manuscripts.aspx .
Jones, Caryn. n.d. “Writing Effective Cover Letters for Journal Submissions: Tips and a Word Template.” Think Science. Accessed August 2019. https://thinkscience.co.jp/en/articles/writing-journal-cover-letters.html .
Kelsky, Karen. 2013. “How To Write a Journal Article Submission Cover Letter.” The Professor Is In (blog), April 26, 2013. https://theprofessorisin.com/2013/04/26/how-to-write-a-journal-article-submission-cover-letter/ .
Kelsky, Karen. 2013. “Of Cover Letters and Magic (A Follow-up Post).” The Professor Is In (blog), April 29, 2013. http://theprofessorisin.com/2013/04/29/of-cover-letters-and-magic-a-followup-post/ .
Mudrak, Ben. n.d. “Writing a Cover Letter.” AJE . https://www.aje.com/dist/docs/Writing-a-cover-letter-AJE-2015.pdf .
Wordvice. n.d. “How to Write the Best Journal Submission Cover Letter.” Accessed January 2019. https://wordvice.com/journal-submission-cover-letter/ .
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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The main purpose of your response to reviewers is to tell the editors how you have revised your manuscript since your initial submission. You should address each suggested revision made by the reviewers and explain how you have chosen to respond. The document should be formatted in such a way that the editors can easily track changes made to your manuscript. It should be organized by reviewer (e.g., Reviewer 1, Reviewer 2) and address the reviews point-by-point. Comments and responses should be clearly distinguishable.
1.Your manuscript contains grammatical errors. For example, on page 3, you used “their” when you should have used “there.”
We have thoroughly proofread the manuscript and corrected all grammatical errors.
2. The second paragraph of your introduction needs more details about findings by Owl and colleagues (2017). Be sure to explain their operational definition of “school spirit.”
We agree with Reviewer 1’s assessment of this paragraph and have decided to expand upon it. We have provided a more detailed summary of Owl and colleagues’ findings, including the operational definition they used for “school spirit” for their study.
1. On pages 1 and 6, you did not include the year of publication in an in-text citation.
We have included years of publication as they correspond to the sources listed on the references page.
2. Two of the sources in your references lack a hanging indentation.
This error has been corrected; all sources are correctly formatted with hanging indentations.
Unless otherwise specified in the email your received from the editors, you may choose whether or not to make any suggested changes. However, even if you do not change something that has been suggested, you must still address the suggestion in your response, and you must provide a compelling argument for your decision.
1. “Theatre” should be spelled “theater” because “theatre” is not the standard American English spelling. This is a repeating occurrence.
While Reviewer 1 is correct that most Americans do spell the word “theater,” scholars in my field would accept the use of “theatre” in the context in which I use it in this manuscript. Thus, I have chosen not to change this spelling.
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Writing and formatting
The cover letter gives you the opportunity to present an overview of your manuscript to the editor.
You’re encouraged to submit previous communications as they can help expedite the review process. If you have any of the following, you can submit them as ‘Supplementary file for editors only’:
If you or any of your co-authors are NIH employees, you will have to submit a completed and signed NIH Publishing Agreement and Manuscript Cover Sheet according to NIH’s Employee Procedures .
When you need to submit a cover letter with your manuscript, you'll probably write it just before submission. Like many other authors, you may find yourself wondering what to write and taking longer than you expected, causing last-minute delays and stress.
To help you write effective cover letters—and to write them quickly and easily—in this article we offer some tips on layout and appropriate wording. Also, you can download our template cover letter (Word file) to help you save time writing and help you remember to include standard author statements and other information commonly required by journals.
If you are submitting a revised paper to the same journal, note that the response letter to the reviewers is different from the cover letter used at initial submission. You can find tips and a template on writing effective response letters to the reviewers in our previous article .
Many journals require a cover letter and state this in their guidelines for authors (alternatively known as author guidelines, information for authors, guide for authors, guidelines for papers, submission guide, etc.). For some journals, a cover letter is optional or may not be not required, but it's probably a good idea to include one.
Cover letters can be helpful to journal staff in the following ways.
1. Cover letters that include standard statements required by the journal allow the journal staff to quickly confirm that the authors have (or say they have) followed certain ethical research and publishing practices.
These statements assert that the authors followed standard practices, which may include (i) adhering to ethical guidelines for research involving humans ( Declaration of Helsinki ), involving animals ( ARRIVE guidelines ), or falling under institutional guidelines; (ii) obtaining ethics approval from institutional review boards or ethics committees; (iii) obtaining informed consent or assent from participants; (iv) complying with authorship criteria (e.g., ICMJE criteria ); (v) confirming no duplicate submissions have been made; and (vi) recommending reviewers for your paper, which may include specifying peers that you prefer not be contacted.
2. Cover letters can summarize your manuscript quickly for the journal editor, highlighting your most important findings and their implications to show why your manuscript would be of interest.
Some journals, such as Nature, state that while a cover letter is optional, it provides "an excellent opportunity to briefly discuss the importance of the submitted work and why it is appropriate for the journal." Some publishers, such as Springer , recommend that you write a cover letter to help "sell" your manuscript to the journal editor.
3. Cover letters that contain all of the information required by the journal (as stated in the guideline for authors) can indicate that you have spent time carefully formatting the manuscript to fit the journal's style. This creates a good first impression. Addressing the letter to a named editor at the journal also shows that you took the time to write your letter (and by extension, your manuscript) with care and considered the fit with the journal beyond just impact factor.
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Cover letters should be short—preferably no more than 1 page—and they often use single line spacing. The content can be broadly divided into six sections:
Let's look at some tips for each section. And don't forget to download the template , which shows these tips already in place.
Common phrases in this paragraph:
Although the cover letter is not, strictly speaking, a part of your manuscript, it can affect how your submission is perceived by the journal editor. A cover letter that is tailored to the journal, introduces your work persuasively, and is free from spelling and grammatical errors can help prime the editor to view your submission positively before he or she even looks over your manuscript.
We hope our tips and Word template can help you create professional, complete cover letters in a time-effective way. Our specialist editors, translators, and writers are available to help create or revise the content to be error-free and, as part of our additional comprehensive Guidelines for Authors service , we can ensure the cover letter includes all of the statements required by the journal.
Lastly, just as a reminder for members of ThinkSCIENCE's free annual rewards program , remember to claim your reward of free editing or translation of one cover letter alongside editing or translation of a full paper before the end of the March!
Our monthly newsletter offers valuable tips on writing and presenting your research most effectively, as well as advice on avoiding or resolving common problems that authors face.
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Home » Blog » Mastering the Effective Cover Letter for Journal Submission: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to submitting your scientific manuscript to a journal, think of your cover letter as your first handshake with the editor. It’s not just a courtesy; it’s an integral part of the submission process. An effective cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression, to say, “Hey, I’ve got something valuable and exciting to share with your readers.” But it’s more than just a greeting; it’s a strategic tool to advocate for your manuscript.
A well-crafted and effective cover letter does several things. First, it introduces your work to the editor and provides a succinct overview of your study and its significance. It’s your opportunity to explain why your research fits perfectly within the scope of their journal, potentially solving a puzzle or advancing the field in a way that their readership will find compelling.
Moreover, this cover letter sets the stage for your manuscript, highlighting its strengths without overselling them. It addresses any potential concerns an editor might have, such as the study’s uniqueness or ethical considerations, head-on. By doing so, you’re not only showing transparency but also building trust with the journal’s editorial team.
But let’s not forget, the cover letter also serves as a platform to showcase your professionalism and attention to detail. A well-written, error-free letter reflects your commitment to quality, suggesting that the same level of care has been applied to your research and manuscript.
In essence, the cover letter for your journal submission is your advocate, concierge, and first ambassador all rolled into one. It champions your manuscript, ensuring it gets the consideration and review it deserves. So, mastering the effective cover letter is not just about following a format—it’s about understanding its role in your publication journey and leveraging it to set your research apart.
Crafting an effective cover letter for your journal submission is akin to mapping out a well-planned journey for your manuscript. It requires a clear structure, compelling content, and a strategic approach to guide the editor through your submission. Here’s what every winning cover letter should include:
Start with the basics: Mention the title of your manuscript and the journal you’re submitting to. Introduce your study briefly, emphasizing its relevance and why you believe it’s a good fit for the journal.
This is where you shine a spotlight on the importance of your research. What gap does it fill? How does it advance the field? Make it clear why your work matters and should be read by the journal’s audience.
Demonstrate your familiarity with the journal by explaining how your manuscript aligns with its aims and scope. This shows respect for the editor’s work and positions your study as a valuable addition to their publication.
Highlight the main findings of your research and its theoretical or practical contributions to the field. Be succinct but persuasive, providing just enough detail to intrigue the editor and underscore the novelty and relevance of your work.
If there are unique circumstances or potential concerns with your submission (e.g., closely related publications, multi-part studies), address them upfront. Honesty and transparency can preempt misunderstandings and demonstrate your integrity as a researcher.
Wrap up your cover letter by reiterating your enthusiasm for the opportunity to publish in the journal and thanking the editor for considering your work. A courteous and professional closing leaves a positive, lasting impression.
Don’t forget to include your contact information, making it easy for the journal’s editorial team to reach you with questions or updates regarding your submission.
Remember, the goal of your effective cover letter is not to regurgitate the details of your manuscript but to complement it by highlighting its significance, novelty, and fit for the journal. Think of it as the opening argument in your case for publication, laying a solid foundation for the detailed evidence presented in your manuscript.
The opening lines of your effective cover letter for journal submission are where you set the tone and engage the editor. It’s more than just stating the title of your manuscript and your intent to submit; it’s about making a connection. Here’s how to personalize your introduction effectively:
Making a strong first impression with your introduction is crucial. It’s your chance to engage the editor from the get-go, setting the stage for the rest of your cover letter and, ultimately, your manuscript. By personalizing your introduction, you not only demonstrate respect for the journal and its editorial team but also start building a rapport that can positively influence the submission process.
In the heart of your cover letter lies the core of your manuscript: the significance of your research. This section is your opportunity to articulate the value and impact of your work. Here’s how you can effectively convey the importance of your study:
Begin by setting the scene. What is the current state of research in your field, and where does your work fit in? Identify the gap or challenge your study addresses, and explain how your research moves the needle. This demonstrates not only the relevance of your work but also its potential to make a meaningful contribution.
What makes your research stand out? Here, you can highlight the innovative aspects of your study, whether it’s a new methodology, findings that challenge existing theories, or the application of research in a novel context. Be clear about how your work advances knowledge in your field and the specific contributions it makes.
Beyond the academic sphere, what are the practical implications of your research? Whether it’s influencing policy, contributing to technological advancements, or addressing societal challenges, showcasing the broader impact of your work can significantly enhance its appeal to the journal.
Use language that conveys the excitement and significance of your research without delving into technical jargon. The goal is to make the editor understand and appreciate the value of your work, even if they’re not a specialist in your specific field.
Outlining the significance of your research is about painting a picture of a landscape enhanced by your study. It’s about showing where your research fits in the broader context and how it contributes to advancing knowledge and practice in your field. By doing so, you’re not just submitting a manuscript; you’re offering a new lens through which to view and understand an aspect of your discipline.
Ensuring your manuscript aligns with the journal’s scope is pivotal for its acceptance. This alignment signals to the editors and reviewers that your research is not only relevant but also contributes meaningfully to the journal’s mission. Here’s how to articulate this alignment in your cover letter:
Before you even pen that cover letter, dive deep into the journal’s website. Understand its aims, scope, and the audience it serves. This isn’t just about ensuring your research fits; it’s about tailoring your message to resonate with the journal’s editorial priorities.
Explicitly state how your research fits within the scope of the journal. This could mean highlighting the specific aspect of your study that addresses a gap the journal is keen on filling, or how your findings contribute to a particular theme or debate featured in the journal. Make these connections as clear as possible.
Incorporate keywords and phrases from the journal’s aims and scope into your cover letter. This does not mean keyword stuffing, but rather naturally integrating terms that resonate with the journal’s focus. This linguistic alignment can subtly signal that your research is a good fit.
Explain why your research matters to the journal’s readers. What will they learn or gain from your study? How does it advance the conversation in the field? This shows you understand the journal’s audience and have considered how your work adds value to their professional or academic pursuits.
If applicable, mention any articles previously published in the journal that relate to your work. This can demonstrate your engagement with the journal’s content and how your research builds upon or diverges from these discussions.
Aligning your study with the journal’s scope is not just a bureaucratic step; it’s a strategic move that shows respect for the journal’s mission and an understanding of its place in the academic community. By clearly articulating this alignment in your cover letter, you significantly increase the chances of your manuscript being viewed favorably by the editorial team.
Your cover letter should succinctly highlight the key findings of your research, showcasing the core achievements and their implications. This section is where you get to brag a bit about what your study has uncovered. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Begin by summarizing your main results in a few sentences. Focus on the outcomes that are most relevant and impactful to your field. Avoid getting bogged down in the details; instead, aim for clarity and brevity, giving the editor a clear snapshot of your findings.
After presenting your results, delve into their implications. How do they advance the field? Do they challenge existing theories or practices? Make sure to articulate the significance of your findings in a way that resonates with the broader academic community and aligns with the journal’s focus.
If your research introduces new methods, concepts, or insights, highlight these as key findings. Emphasizing the novelty of your work can help differentiate it from other submissions and pique the editor’s interest.
While it’s important to be precise, also ensure your description is accessible to those who might not be specialists in your specific area of research. Avoid jargon and technical terms when possible, or briefly explain them if they’re necessary to convey your findings.
Highlighting your manuscript’s key findings in the effective cover letter is crucial. It gives the editor a compelling reason to consider your manuscript for publication. By effectively summarizing and emphasizing the importance of your results, you can make a strong case for why your research deserves attention.
Preemptively addressing potential concerns in your effective cover letter can significantly influence the editorial process in your favor. It demonstrates foresight, thoroughness, and a commitment to transparency. Here’s how to approach this effectively:
Think about the potential weaknesses or questions reviewers might have about your study. These could relate to your methodology, the robustness of your data, or the generalizability of your findings. By anticipating these concerns, you can address them before they even arise.
If your research involved unconventional methodologies or controversial choices, provide a brief explanation in your cover letter. Explain why you chose this path and how it strengthens your study. This preemptive clarification can mitigate concerns and highlight your innovative approach.
No study is without its limitations, and acknowledging these upfront can be a strength. Briefly mention any significant limitations and, if possible, how you’ve mitigated them. This honesty builds trust and demonstrates a rigorous scientific approach.
If there’s a chance your manuscript might be seen as too similar to existing research, clarify what sets your work apart. Highlight the novel aspects of your study, whether it’s in your approach, the data you’ve uncovered, or the implications of your findings.
Addressing potential concerns upfront doesn’t mean your manuscript is flawed; rather, it shows that you’re engaged in a thoughtful, critical examination of your work. This approach can not only alleviate potential objections but also position your manuscript as a strong candidate for publication by showcasing your commitment to a rigorous scientific discourse.
Navigating the nuances of cover letter etiquette can make a significant difference in how your submission is received. Here are some key do’s and don’ts to ensure your cover letter reflects the best professional standards:
Adhering to these do’s and don’ts will not only help you craft a more effective cover letter but also demonstrate your professionalism and respect for the editorial process. Remember, the cover letter is an integral part of your submission package, and getting it right can significantly influence the first impression you make on the journal’s editorial team.
The conclusion of your cover letter is your final opportunity to make an impression on the editor and reinforce the significance of your submission. Here’s how to craft a conclusion that resonates:
Briefly restate why your manuscript is a good fit for the journal and its significance to the field. This is your chance to leave the editor with a strong sense of the value of your work and its potential impact.
Convey your enthusiasm for the possibility of publishing in the journal. Let the editor know you’re looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to their publication and the broader academic conversation. Additionally, affirm your willingness to revise your manuscript according to the feedback from the review process, demonstrating your commitment to excellence and collaboration.
Always end with a note of thanks for considering your submission. Acknowledging the editor’s time and effort shows respect and professionalism.
Make sure the editor knows how to reach you. Include your email address and phone number, even if it’s already provided elsewhere in your submission package.
A well-crafted conclusion can strengthen your cover letter, leaving a lasting positive impression on the editor. It encapsulates the essence of your submission, underscores your professionalism, and sets the stage for a constructive editorial relationship.
A well-crafted cover letter can be a key factor in getting your manuscript noticed, but certain missteps can undermine its effectiveness. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
One of the quickest ways to make a poor impression is to ignore the journal’s submission guidelines. These may include specific requirements for cover letters. Always tailor your cover letter to meet these guidelines precisely.
Generic cover letters that could apply to any journal not only miss the opportunity to highlight the fit between your manuscript and the journal but also suggest a lack of genuine interest. Be specific about why your work is right for this journal.
Your cover letter should succinctly summarize the main findings and contributions of your study. Failing to do so can leave the editor unclear about the significance of your work.
If there are obvious potential concerns with your manuscript (such as a small sample size or the preliminary nature of the results), failing to address these upfront can be a missed opportunity to frame these issues in the best light.
While it’s important to highlight the significance of your work, avoid overselling your findings or their implications. This can raise red flags for editors and reviewers.
A cover letter riddled with typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues can undermine your manuscript’s credibility from the outset. Proofread carefully and consider having a colleague review it as well.
The tone of your effective cover letter should be professional yet accessible. Avoid overly technical language that might obscure the significance of your work to the journal editor.
By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can enhance the effectiveness of your cover letter, making a strong case for the publication of your manuscript.
Creating a cover letter that withstands the scrutiny of journal editors and reviewers requires insight and finesse. Here are expert tips to fortify your cover letter against potential revisions:
Customize your effective cover letter for each journal submission. Demonstrate your understanding of the journal’s audience, scope, and priorities. This personal touch can significantly increase your manuscript’s chances of being considered.
Clarity and conciseness are your allies. Avoid unnecessary jargon and lengthy explanations. Your goal is to communicate the essence and significance of your research succinctly.
Maintain a positive and confident tone throughout your cover letter. Focus on the strengths and contributions of your research, while being honest about its limitations.
Make sure to clearly articulate what is new and important about your research. This can be a key factor in catching the editor’s interest.
If your research involves sensitive subjects or potential ethical concerns, briefly outline how these were addressed. Demonstrating ethical rigor can preempt questions and concerns.
If there are aspects of your study that might raise questions (such as preliminary findings or a small sample size), address these proactively. Explain why these do not detract from the validity and relevance of your research.
Indicate your willingness to provide further details or clarification if needed. This shows your commitment to engaging with the review process constructively.
Convey your openness to reviewing and revising your manuscript based on the journal’s feedback. This flexibility can be favorable in the editorial decision-making process.
Crafting a cover letter with these expert tips in mind can set your submission apart, demonstrating not only the value of your research but also your professionalism as a researcher.
Before hitting the “submit” button, run through this final checklist to make sure your cover letter is polished and poised for success:
2. clarity and brevity : is your cover letter concise, clear, and to the point ensure it’s no longer than one page., 3. key findings highlighted : have you clearly highlighted the key findings and significance of your research make sure these stand out., 4. journal fit : have you articulated why your manuscript is a good fit for the journal’s scope and audience this alignment is crucial., 5. novelty and contribution : does your cover letter emphasize the novelty and contributions of your study make sure the unique aspects of your work are front and center., 6. anticipation of concerns : have you addressed any potential concerns or questions about your manuscript preemptive explanations can ease the review process., 7. ethical considerations : if applicable, have you outlined how ethical concerns were addressed in your study, 8. revision willingness : have you expressed your willingness to review and revise based on feedback this shows a collaborative spirit., 9. proofreading : is your cover letter free from typos and grammatical errors a well-proofed letter reflects your professionalism., 10. contact information : have you included your contact information, making it easy for the editor to reach you.
This checklist ensures that your cover letter not only presents your manuscript in the best possible light but also demonstrates your professionalism and readiness for the publication process.
With your cover letter refined and ready, you’re set to make a strong submission. Remember, the cover letter is your first impression on the journal’s editorial team—make it count!
When it comes to scientific manuscript editing and preparing for journal submission, the importance of a polished, professional cover letter cannot be overstated. It’s the first impression you make on the journal’s editorial team, a succinct pitch that highlights the significance and fit of your research. That’s where San Francisco Edit steps in, offering unparalleled expertise in crafting cover letters that open doors.
Our team understands the nuances of academic publishing across science, academia, research, and publishing sectors. We’re adept at articulating the importance of your work, aligning it with the journal’s scope, and presenting it in a way that’s both compelling and concise. Our editors are not just language experts; they have a deep understanding of the scientific process and what journal editors are looking for.
Choosing San Francisco Edit means entrusting your cover letter to specialists who can significantly increase the likelihood of your manuscript being accepted. We provide personalized advice, ensuring your letter is tailored to each specific journal, highlighting your research’s novelty and its potential contribution to the field. Our service is designed to navigate the complexities of journal submission, making the process smoother and more successful.
With San Francisco Edit, you’re not just getting an editing service; you’re gaining a partner in your publication journey. Our commitment to excellence and our detailed understanding of the academic landscape make us the best option for researchers seeking to make an impact with their work.
Contact us today to ensure your cover letter—and your manuscript—stands out in the crowded world of academic publishing.
What makes a cover letter for journal submission stand out.
A standout cover letter is concise, personalized, clearly articulates the manuscript’s significance and novelty, and demonstrates a good fit with the journal’s scope.
Your cover letter should be no longer than one page, succinctly covering all the key points without overloading the editor with unnecessary details.
Absolutely. A well-crafted cover letter can catch an editor’s attention, making them more inclined to consider your manuscript favorably.
Yes, addressing potential concerns upfront can demonstrate your thoroughness and mitigate any reservations the editor might have.
San Francisco Edit thoroughly researches each journal’s aims and scope, tailoring your cover letter to highlight how your manuscript aligns with the journal’s interests and contributes to the field.
Investing in professional editing for your cover letter can significantly enhance your manuscript’s chance of acceptance, making it a wise decision for serious researchers.
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The Professor Is In
Guidance for all things PhD: Graduate School, Job Market and Careers
By Karen Kelsky | April 26, 2013
Today’s post is a special request post for several clients who have written to inquire how to write a cover letter for the submission of an article manuscript to a journal.
****Addendum (4/29/13): Please read the follow up to this post, “ Of Cover Letters and Magic ,” as it retracts some of the advice given in this post!****
This is pretty straightforward.
First, by all means follow any instructions given to you for the cover letter on the journal submission website! Those will override anything I say here.
Assuming there are no instructions, the following is common:
The letter should be on letterhead if it is available for your use. The letter will typically be just one page long.
It will have proper letter heading material, ie, the date and the address of the recipient at the top left, under the letterhead.
It will address the editor by name, if the name is known.
It will then have four short paragraphs. The first introduces the writer, and follows the basic format of the intro para of the job cover letter described in this post (ie, field, Ph.D. institution and year, current institutional affiliation and status, and general focus of work). It then states that the writer is submitting a manuscript for review.
The second paragraph covers the topic of the manuscript. This will be a crisp 4-5 sentences that will give a title and describe the topic, the specific material/data covered, the theoretical orientation or approach, any special issues of methodology if important, and, most importantly, the core argument.
The third paragraph will be shorter, and will take about 2-3 sentences to describe the manuscript’s contribution to the field and the suitability of the manuscript to this particular journal based on topic, theme, or methodological or theoretical approach, with reference to other work recently published in the journal.
The final paragraph will list 2-3 possible reviewers for the manuscript, and will thank the editor for considering the manuscript for publication. Contact info can be added here.
Sign off, “Sincerely, XXX.”
And that is about it.
April 26, 2013 at 5:03 pm
This is excellent! Some journals put out a “call for papers” for an issue that will address a specific theme, while others state that “contributions for publication consideration will be accepted at any time.” Regarding the latter, is it acceptable to submit the same article (or very similiar) to serveral journals at the same time?
April 26, 2013 at 5:23 pm
No you must not submit an article manuscript to more than one journal at a time.
April 26, 2013 at 6:35 pm
I think this is something that differs from field to field. In English, it’s not common to give that much information about your current status, nor is it common for the writer to describe methodology, etc. Most cover letters are only one or at most two paragraphs; they simply list the title of the manuscript, acknowledge the guidelines for submission (“I have enclosed two copies as requested” etc.), and add any contact information not listed on the letterhead, like e-mail address and personal phone number. And I was told flat out by both my advisors and journal editors that suggesting specific reviewers is considered unprofessional.
April 27, 2013 at 5:22 pm
Writing this kind of letter for a lit crit journal is a very bad idea. Just title, 2-4 sentence description of argument, and contact info. Anything else is unprofessional.
April 28, 2013 at 11:32 am
A lot of other feedback has made a similar point; this seems to be a a convention that is either field-specific, or one that is in flux, or both. Perhaps the best advice is to first inquire closely if a cover letter is required at all, and if so, what it should include.
April 29, 2013 at 9:27 am
Please see a retraction of some of this advice in the new post, “Of Cover Letters and Magic (A Follow-Up Post).”
April 26, 2013 at 7:52 pm
In my field, philosophy, almost all journal submissions are via either email or online management systems. In either case, a cover letter is never necessary. In emails, it just takes roughly two polite sentences indicating that I’m sending a submission, that it’s been prepared for anonymous review, and that it isn’t under consideration at any other journal. Even less is required for the online systems. One ‘can’ submit a cover letter, but it’s unnecessary and superfluous. I just think that expectations and practices surrounding this issue have shifted, at least in my field.
April 27, 2013 at 8:55 am
I published an article as a Ph.D. student (pre-comprehensive exams) and I purposely didn’t put any information about myself in the letter, worried the editors might hold my junior status against me. In fact, I was so worried about blinding all my materials that I think I just signed the letter “The author,” which was probably silly. Anyway, the essay was R and R’ed and then accepted. I would argue that a very junior scholar might have good reasons to leave out her status and her interests.
April 27, 2013 at 11:27 am
Fair enough.
April 28, 2013 at 6:15 am
I have never written a cover letter to accompany my submissions. What I have done in the past, and has worked so far, is to send an abstract in advance, to ask if the journal would be interested in considering an article on that particular topic. This saves some time, and also means that when they receive the completed article, it goes directly to peer-review, having already been approved by the editorial board as an abstract. At least, this has been my experience, with 5 articles already in print, all originally submitted as abstracts (except one, an invited contribution).
April 28, 2013 at 3:43 pm
I was told the same by an editor in my humanities field.
April 29, 2013 at 9:26 am
April 29, 2013 at 12:22 pm
I thought everybody did it, but nobody had actually told me to do it, so for a moment there I figured I was being a brilliant strategist. Another advantage is that, if they do reject the abstract, they might give some useful feedback, sometimes just simply pointing out a better ‘home’ for the article.
April 28, 2013 at 12:46 pm
In my social science field, it is standard to submit a cover letter that includes a *very* brief description of the paper and its contribution. But it would be odd to introduce yourself in the way suggested here (most journals do ask for a separate affiliations page, however), or to suggest reviewers. The latter idea was raised at a session I attended to teach grad students about journals in our field, and all of the editors there expressed the feeling that it would be inappropriate to suggest reviewers in our field.
April 28, 2013 at 3:42 pm
It is considered appropriate to indicate what scholars in the field have read the manuscript in order to ensure blind review, correct?
April 30, 2013 at 4:07 am
I do that, to make sure they are not given the article to read. Articles involved were accepted, so it did not do any harm! Especially in more esoteric areas, where experts are few, it is a good idea, because the chance that the article will come their way are relatively high.
April 30, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Mmm, I’m rather stunned at this post since I’ve had worked published in journals but I’ve never written a cover letter to accompany my submissions. I’ve never been advised to write a letter beforehand. I do, and I’ve been advised to, send an abstract in advance, to ask if the journal would be interested in considering an article on that particular topic. It saves me time working out whether the editorial board are really interested in the article in the first place and as Alessandra says above, means it can go directly to peer-review, having already been approved by the editorial board as an abstract. I’d also rather find out based on an abstract that the journal is or isn’t a good ‘home’ for the article. I’d rather put my efforts into writing an article that has a ‘home’ already rather than worrying whether it will be nixed on the grounds its not what the editorial board is looking for.
May 3, 2013 at 5:39 pm
A killer cover letter is a must to even get a review by the top science journals. The letter should be short to the point and emphasize the conceptual advance to the field. Some see it needs to be flashy. Skip the bits about introducing yourself.
August 8, 2013 at 12:38 pm
In my field, the cover letter should state why the contents of the article are of particular interest to the journal’s readership. The broader the journal’s readership, the broader appeal the article should have and the case needs to be made in the cover letter. This should take the form of stating how the topic fits with the journal’s stated aims / mission; why the research is timely, and what readers would be interested in it. It should only take 2-3 sentences. Sometimes journals require other formalities after this: the work was approved by an IRB and any COI disclosures. I ALWAYS include a statement that the work has not been published nor is under consideration elsewhere.
September 27, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Thank you very much for this article. I had no clue what a cover letter for a manuscript should look like. I will put this on my blog too, which I rarely update. 🙂
November 10, 2013 at 9:01 pm
I want to resubmit the revised version of my paper to proposed journal, but I do not know how do I start letter for reviewers ? Can help me?
January 16, 2014 at 4:50 am
Actually, am a graduate student and this is my first paper to be published.Don`t know, where to start.
May 1, 2014 at 12:22 pm
I am now submitting to a journal (Maternal and Child Health Journal) that requires as part of its online process naming three reviewers.
May 19, 2014 at 5:46 am
This is my time that I am going write journal article cover letter. But I am confused with the last part of the cover letter i.e. adding reviewers. Is it really necessary or I can proceed without it too?
September 26, 2014 at 3:25 am
I submitted a paper and I got a R&R 🙂 There are no indications on how to present changes. Do I have to highlight the new parts directly in the text? underlying them? quoting? thank you very much best,
February 29, 2020 at 3:47 am
Regarding the latter, is it acceptable to submit the same article (or very similiar) to serveral journals at the same time?
March 1, 2020 at 5:34 pm
absolutely not.
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A persuasive cover letter for journal article submission is a tool that, if used wisely, can convince journal editors to review a research paper. It's a crucial part of the manuscript submission package that outlines the importance of your research to the editors. If the benefits of a paper aren't clear to the editors from the content alone, a cover letter is an excellent opportunity to prove your research is worth reviewing.
In this article, we cover everything you should know when writing a cover letter for journal article submission .
Online submissions are prevalent when it comes to submitting articles nowadays. Cover letters are an additional means that should be viewed as an opportunity to convey essential information about the manuscript to the journal editors. It's what helps authors "sell" their work. Authors can use the cover letter to explain how the research interests the journal's audience as well.
A cover letter is important to the editors for several reasons.
Cover letters include short summaries of the manuscript and highlight its findings. It may so happen that the initial editor that screens the manuscript isn't the person from your field, and they may have a hard time determining the overall importance of the research. Yet, they are the ones who decide if the paper warrants peer review . In these instances, cover letters are important because they summarize how the study contributes to the journal and that particular specialism, so the editor can clearly see the aim and scope.
As crucial as a cover letter is, it's well worth spending time to write a persuasive and coherent letter. This part should be taken as seriously as the rest of the manuscript submission package.
A journal you are submitting your manuscript to may have its own set of instructions to follow along. Maybe your target journal requires authors to include potential reviewers, disclosures, or ethical practice statements. Forgetting to include the mandatory elements can have editors automatically reject an application, even if the research is of the best quality.
Publishers' main expectations are for the manuscript to follow the standard practices such as ethical standards for human-involving research, ethics approval from ethics committees, adhering to the authorship criteria, etc.
Authors that don't follow the rules or forget to include important information can be seen as careless and not detail-oriented, putting the quality of their whole research in question. This is certainly not a good first impression.
Before you start writing a cover letter, always check for journal-specific instructions for authors (IFA) on your journal's website. Sometimes, a journal doesn't require a cover letter, or it's an optional file. However, even though some journals may list it as optional, it's a good idea to submit a cover letter whenever you can.
Here’s what your cover letter should include:
Always add your full contact details, including your name, physical address, email address, and telephone number.
Check the journal website for information about the editor-in-chief. If you can find their name on the website, you want to place it in the upper left-hand of the cover letter page. Address them by name or with "Dear editor" in case no name is featured. Don't, however, address the editor with "Dear sir," as there's a high chance the editor may be a woman.
Be clear in stating the purpose of the letter ("I'm submitting a manuscript entitled [Name of the article] …") as well as the names of the authors and the type of the paper (research, review, case study, etc.)
Use terminology as the journal does. Check whether they refer to research papers as "Regular articles," or "Original submissions," or "Full papers," and refer to your manuscript as such.
Mention the aim and scope of your article right at the start. The editors need to know whether your work is relevant and how the audience in your area of specialism can benefit from it.
As you do that, let the editor know how you approach the problem in your research. This part should be focused and short, and all statements should align with the journal's readership. If your target journal publishes in a wide range of fields, try to explain how your article can impact multiple areas.
It's important not to repeat the sentences from the abstract, as this is the next file the editor will read. The summary should be short and prove how the research fits the journal's focus and what its implications are to the readers.
Make sure not to flatter the journal too much, and say, "We believe our findings will be of interest to your journal's readers" instead of "your prestigious journal's readers."
Mention if your research is related to some of your previously published work or to another paper published by another author in their journal.
Most journals have required statements that should be placed after you explain the methods and results of your findings. At this point, you want to make sure you reviewed the journal's guidelines for the information you need to provide.
Some journals may require you to state your previous relationship with the journal or whether your work is under consideration by another journal, in which case they will not accept your work. Common phrases in this section include “no conflict of interest” declaration, authorship, suggested reviewers, concurrent submissions, and requests to exclude specific reviewers.
In the end, you want to thank the editor-in-chief for taking the time to consider your manuscript. Remain collegial in the tone and make sure to leave the best impression as they move on to evaluating your manuscript. Don't use statements that give instructions to the editor such as "We look forward to you reviewing our manuscript" and similar. Finish the letter with "Sincerely," followed by your name.
The cover letter is an important asset in the manuscript submission package. It lets the editors realize the importance of your work and how the findings can benefit the journal's readership. Having a well-formatted and well-structured cover letter brings you a step closer to having your manuscript accepted.
So, if you want to get your manuscript accepted, you should take some time and write a strong cover letter. AKJournals has a language editing service that provides support to authors with their submission process. Our text editing service partner offers a range of text improving and translation services to make sure your cover letter and the rest of the manuscript submission package are suitable for the application.
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Anthony Newman
Lora Heisler
Submitting your manuscript without a cover letter or an incomplete one can impact the outcome of your submission. Strong cover letters efficiently introduce your work to the editor, but also communicates why your paper is of interest to the journal audience and contributory to overall science.
In this Researcher Academy module, experts Anthony Newman and Lora Heisler give you important insights about writing strong and persuasive cover letters. This webinar will give an exhaustive check list on writing an effective cover letter which brings attention to your paper and helps it get published.
You will come away with the knowledge of what cover letters are, how they support your manuscript and how you can write an airtight cover letter, covering your research scope, objectives and goals.
Senior Publisher, Life Sciences, Elsevier
Anthony Newman is a Senior Publisher with Elsevier and is based in Amsterdam. Each year he presents numerous Author Workshops and other similar trainings worldwide. He is currently responsible for fifteen biochemistry and laboratory medicine journals, he joined Elsevier over thirty years ago and has been Publisher for more than twenty of those years. Before then he was the marketing communications manager for the biochemistry journals of Elsevier. By training he is a polymer chemist and was active in the surface coating industry before leaving London and moving to Amsterdam in 1987 to join Elsevier.
Chair in Human Nutrition, The Rowett Institute, The Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen.
Lora Heisler, Ph.D. is Chair in Human Nutrition at the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where she is Head of the Obesity and Food Choice research theme. Professor Heisler has enjoyed being an active member of various journal editorial boards for more than a decade. She was appointed as Deputy Editor of Elsevier’s journal Molecular Metabolism in 2018. Professor Heisler received her B.A. from Boston University, M.Sc. from London School of Economics and Political Sciences and Ph.D. from Tufts University. She undertook postdoctoral fellowships at the University of California at San Francisco and Beth Israel Deaconess/Harvard Medical School. Professor Heisler began her independent research group at Harvard Medical School and then relocated to the University of Cambridge in the UK. Her active research group moved to the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen in 2013 where they investigate the neurobiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
What should be included in a cover letter?
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by Elainy Mata
May 10, 2022
I hate cover letters. They add so much stress to the already uncomfortable and grueling job hunt. Every time I’m writing one, I find myself wondering: Do people even read these?
Unfortunately, the answer is “yes.” But, there are some ways to make the process a little less terrible. I asked Amy Gallo, Harvard Business Review editor and author of “ How to Write a Cover Letter ,” for her advice. From doing the research, to starting off strong, to emphasizing your value — Gallo taught me exactly what I need to do to get my cover letters noticed by hiring managers. I even wrote a new cover letter that has her blessing. (Scroll down if you’re in need of an expert-approved example.)
Subscribe to HBR Ascend on YouTube for more videos on work, life, and everything in between.
Transcript
ELAINY MATA: So you want to know how to tackle the cover letter. I do too. I actually really hate cover letters. I hate cover letters. I hate cover letters.
But the cover letter is important. It’s time to face our fears, and just figure out how in the world we are actually going to write it.
I got you, and we’re going to do this together. These tips are going to help you go through the process a lot easier. So if you are ready to tackle the cover letter, stick around and keep watching.
In front of me right now are three cover letters that I’ve written in the past, for three different jobs. And I’m just embarrassed. I’m embarrassed to read these.
To whom it may concern, to whom it may concern, to whom it may concern.
I would like to respectfully submit this cover letter. I would like to respectfully submit this cover letter.
I am a passionate, detail-oriented person. I am passionate, detail-oriented person.
This sounds like I’m — this doesn’t sound like me at all. I think you want me to talk this way. Here we go like. Hire me.
I talked to Amy Gallo, an HBR editor, and the author of one of our most popular articles, “How to Write a Cover Letter.”
AMY GALLO: First of all, you’re not alone. I write about how to write cover letters, and I also hate them.
ELAINY MATA: She’s done the research. She’s talked to the experts. And I’m going to tell you exactly what she told me.
ELAINY MATA: So how long does a cover letter actually have to be? Just one page, one.
AMY GALLO: Don’t play with the font, and make it like eight point font, and like make your margins really wide. Just really figure out what is the most essential things that need to go on one page.
ELAINY MATA: This should be a no-brainer, but let’s get specific. Let’s say you’re applying for a job here, at Harvard Business Review. Go on the company’s website, go to their “About Us” section, and read what they’re about, see their mission statement, see their tone, see what that company is actually looking for, and what they stand for.
So you’ve got the broad stuff, but let’s dig a little bit deeper. What is the company that you’re applying for talking about now? You should actually go into their LinkedIn, their Twitter, see what they’re sharing, see who are they’re talking to, see what they’re talking about, so you can get a sense of what is currently happening. Lastly, find that hiring manager. It is so much better to address your cover letter to an actual person and a name rather than, to whom it may concern. So I have to kind of creep a little bit, and be like a private investigator.
AMY GALLO: Yeah, creeping is definitely part of the process. Usually, with LinkedIn, you can see who’s posted the job, who is sharing it with their network. You may not know for sure that that’s the hiring manager, but at least it’s a little more personable. Sometimes, I’ve heard people just reach out and say, “Who’s the hiring manager for this job? I’d like to address my cover letter to that person.”
ELAINY MATA: You’ve probably written this 100 times before. “Hi, my name is this. I’m based here, and I’m applying for this job.” No, no, no, no, don’t do that. The hiring manager has a stack of cover letters. So you have to write yours to grab their attention. Amy, can you please give me an example of a strong, bold, opening line for cover letter. I promise I won’t steal it.
AMY GALLO: You’re allowed to steal it. Anyone should be able to steal it:
“I saw your listing on this website, and I was thrilled to see it, because it’s exactly the kind of job I’ve been looking for to apply my skills in X.”
Write something that’s short, to the point, but shows both enthusiasm, as well as experience that’s relevant to the job.
ELAINY MATA: Figure out what problem the company is facing. They’re hiring for a reason. Figure out what that reason is, and how you can best solve that problem. Amy also found the top two qualities that people generally look for is adaptability, and the ability to learn quickly.
How about if I just got out of college, and I’m looking at these jobs that are asking for three to five years or more of experience. How can I write a cover letter if I feel like I don’t have enough to write about?
AMY GALLO: Yeah, so that’s a good question, because the cover letter shouldn’t be focused so much on the past. That’s the resume’s job. The cover letter is really about the future. So how are you going to take what’s in that resume, your past, and apply it to where you’re going.
ELAINY MATA: This is really hard to balance. You want to show them that you’re excited to work there, and that you’re going to bring a lot of energy to the team. But don’t be too strong, because over eagerness can actually work against you.
AMY GALLO: Write the letter you want to write. Then share it with someone else, someone who knows you well, but someone who also will tell you like it is. We’re not good judges of our own writing.
ELAINY MATA: So getting a second pair of eyes will help you look for any errors, typos, and most importantly, they can tell you if you make sense.
Amy, this sounds like a lot. Is there even like a sort of a shortcut to this, or a sort of scalable way that I can do this for multiple different jobs?
AMY GALLO: I mean, you’ve probably heard the phrase looking for a job is a full-time job. It does take a lot of time. You’re tweaking some things. You’re not writing a whole new letter. So you’re going to have a template. Write your best cover letter for the first job you apply for. Share that with your friend to check the tone. Do the research on the company, right? Do that the first time. Then and adjust the cover letter accordingly. Does that seem more reasonable?
ELAINY MATA: Yes, much more reasonable.
So my task is to apply for a job here at HBR, and to write a new cover letter using the advice that Amy gave me. Let’s do it.
This is hard. I never said it was going to be easy, maybe easier than what you were doing before, but definitely not easy.
Dear Maureen and hiring team,
I saw your listing on Linkedln and am excited because this is exactly the job that I’ve been looking for to showcase my skills in video production and production management to assist the creative center in producing compelling content.
Working in news and movie production has taught me to hear an idea and a concept and be able to fully plan out the logistics needed to make the desired final visual product. I have been able to work with software like Adobe Creative Suite and TriCaster, and have worked with other team members to write scripts and compose story boards.
Being part of the Creative Center team will give me the challenges to grow as a skilled producer and assist in production, help the production planning process, create a quick tum around for video publication, and manage content.
AMY GALLO: You did well on length. It is very short. That’s good.
ELAINY MATA: My gosh.
AMY GALLO: I read this, I’m like, that first sentence is spot on. And then it gets a little bit stilted. And then it goes into what’s probably on your resume. And I want a little more personality.
ELAINY MATA: So Amy, after many back and forths — How do you think I did?
AMY GALLO: All right. So I’m looking at it right now. And I think you did a really good job.
You’ve got the main components here. There’s some personality in it. There’s some flattery in it about the company you’re applying to, but it’s not like over the top. I have to tell you, I would have you in. I think it’s a great letter.
ELAINY MATA: That’s it for me. I wrote the cover letter. You got to see the whole process. And I feel like I definitely have a better outlook on how to approach it. These are not easy to write, so good luck out there. Watch as many times as you can. Practice makes perfect. I’ll see you soon.
I was so excited to see your post on LinkedIn because it’s exactly the type of job I’m looking for: an opportunity to bring my experience with video production and enthusiasm for storytelling to an organization that sets the standard for high-quality management content.
In addition to five years of experience in broadcast journalism, research, and video production, I would bring an organized and systems-level perspective to this role. I view video production as a puzzle, and like to think about which parts need to come together in order to make a great final product. My approach is to have in-depth conversations with my team members, and the various stakeholders, before each project. This helps me nail down the logistics — from location to talent.
From there, the fun begins: fleshing out the concept and identifying what visuals will best represent it. Ideation and storyboarding are essential in this step. I know I’m not right all the time, so I enjoy working with a diverse team that can bring in new perspectives, brainstorm, and pitch ideas that will make the final product stronger. Whenever possible, I also try to seek out other sources for inspiration, like magazines, which allow me to observe different ways of expression and storytelling. This approach has served me well. It’s what has allowed me to enter the film industry and grow as a creator.
On my website, you can see examples of how I use the above process to create fun, engaging content.
Given this experience and my enthusiasm for the work you do, I believe I’d make a great addition to your team. I recently had a chance to try out your Patient Zero product at my current organization. The simulation is both challenging and engaging. I was impressed by your ability to apply different storytelling methods to an online training course (which, let’s admit, can often be a little dry). Your work exemplifies exactly what I believe: There’s an opportunity to tell a compelling story in everything — all you have to do is deliver it right.
I’d love to come in and speak with you more about what I’d be able to offer in this role. Harvard Business Publishing is my top choice and I believe I’d make valuable contributions to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Home » Cover Letters » A New Teacher’s Guide To Writing A Winning Cover
Updated on 5/29/2024
Applying for a teaching position with limited experience may seem difficult, especially when it comes down to what to include in your resume and cover letter. But keep in mind that every relevant experience you detail in your letter doesn’t have to have a direct connection to teaching.
Have you volunteered as a tutor? Have you worked as a camp counselor? You likely have much more to offer as a new instructor than you’re giving yourself credit for!
Your cover letter for a teaching position should showcase your passion and personality and reflect your enthusiasm through the language that you use. It should include what your goals are and why you decided to become a teacher.
Research the school’s current needs then explain what you can bring to the table to help address them. Similarly, examine the job posting and highlight the various skills and experiences that make you the perfect candidate that it’s describing. Lastly, talk about what makes you unique and sets you apart from others. What will you bring to the job that the hiring manager hasn’t heard a hundred times before?
Writing a winning cover letter for a new teacher seems daunting, but in reality it’s as easy as showing the hiring committee your enthusiasm for the school and the students, and running down this list!
Click here to view a sample of a new teacher cover letter that you can use as a guide. To find more teacher jobs with K-12 schools, register with OLAS .
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The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking experts to serve as members of the Technical Advisory Group on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology. This “Call for experts” provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2.5 billion people need assistive technology, but access to assistive products is as low as 3% in some settings. Among the users of assistive technology, the majority are older people and those living with disabilities or with chronic health conditions. Access to assistive technology is a fundamental human right to live a productive, dignified, and independent life.
Digital health interventions can be used to address barriers to assistive technology. Digital health is the systematic application of information and communications technologies, computer science, and data to support informed decision-making by individuals, the health workforce, and health systems, to strengthen resilience to disease and improve health and wellness.
Recognizing the need to enhance access to assistive technology and to harness the potential of digital technologies to support health systems for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, the World Health Assembly (WHA) has adopted two resolutions: WHA71.8 on improving access to assistive technology and WHA71.7 on digital health .
To improve access to assistive technology, WHA71.8 requests Member States to develop, implement, and strengthen policies and programs to improve access to assistive technology, to ensure that adequate and trained human resources for the provision and maintenance of assistive products are available, to promote or invest in research, development, innovation, and product design to make existing assistive products affordable; and to develop a new generation of products. In its resolution on digital health, WHA urges Member States to develop, implement, and utilize digital technologies as a means of promoting equitable, affordable, and universal access to health for all, and to build capacity for human resources for digital health, especially through digital means. The combination of these two approaches holds transformative potential, impacting health, education, livelihoods, and social participation.
Further, the publication of the first WHO and UNICEF Global report on assistive technology and advances in technology, new knowledge, evidence, and innovative solutions are made available. WHO is now in the process of supporting the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology and maximize benefits for users, their families, service providers, and society, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The Technical Advisory Group on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology (“TAG”) will play an important role in providing recommendations to WHO and will act as an advisory body to WHO in this field.
Functions of the TAG on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology
In its capacity as an advisory body to WHO, the TAG shall have the following functions:
Operations of the TAG on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology
Members of the TAG shall be appointed to serve for a period of two years and shall be eligible for reappointment. The TAG is expected to meet at least once a year. However, WHO may convene additional meetings. TAG meetings may be held in person (at WHO headquarters in Geneva or another location, as determined by WHO) or virtually, via video or teleconference. The working language of the TAG will be English. We anticipate the time commitment for TAG members will be about one day per month, including participating in meetings and contributing to draft and reviewing technical documents.
Who can express interest?
The TAG on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology will be multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to assistive technology and digital health. Approximately 12 members may be selected.
WHO welcomes expressions of interest from professionals, managers, policymakers, researchers, regulators, and experienced assistive technology users with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Submitting your expression of interest
To register your interest in being considered for the TAG on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology, use this link to fill in the digital expression of interest form and submit the following documents :
The deadline for submission is 18 September 2024 at 23:59 Geneva time.
After submission, your expression of interest will be reviewed by WHO. Due to an expected high volume of interest, only selected individuals will be informed.
Members of WHO technical advisory groups (TAGs) must be free of any real, potential, or apparent conflicts of interest. To this end, applicants are required to complete the WHO Declaration of Interests for WHO Experts, and the selection as a member of a TAG is, amongst other things, dependent on WHO determining that there is no conflict of interest or that any identified conflicts could be appropriately managed (in addition to WHO’s evaluation of an applicant’s experience, expertise and motivation and other criteria).
All TAG members will serve in their individual expert capacity and shall not represent any governments, any commercial industries or entities, any research, academic, or civil society organizations, or any other bodies, entities, institutions, or organizations. They are expected to fully comply with the Code of Conduct for WHO Experts (https://www.who.int/about/ethics/declarations-of-interest). TAG members will be expected to sign and return a completed confidentiality undertaking prior to the beginning of the first meeting.
At any point during the selection process, telephone interviews may be scheduled between an applicant and the WHO Secretariat to enable the WHO to ask questions relating to the applicant’s experience and expertise and/or to assess whether the applicant meets the criteria for membership in the relevant TAG.
The selection of members of the TAGs will be made by WHO in its sole discretion, taking into account the following (non-exclusive) criteria: relevant technical expertise; experience in international and country policy work; communication skills; and ability to work constructively with people from different cultural backgrounds and orientations. The selection of TAG members will also take account of the need for diverse perspectives from different regions, especially from low and middle-income countries, and for gender balance.
If selected by WHO, proposed members will be sent an invitation letter and a Memorandum of Agreement. Appointment as a member of a TAG will be subject to the proposed member returning to WHO the countersigned copy of these two documents.
WHO reserves the right to accept or reject any expression of interest, to annul the open call process, and reject all expressions of interest at any time without incurring any liability to the affected applicant or applicants and without any obligation to inform the affected applicant or applicants of the grounds for WHO's action. WHO may also decide, at any time, not to proceed with the establishment of the TAG, disband an existing TAG, or modify the work of the TAG.
WHO shall not in any way be obliged to reveal, or discuss with any applicant, how an expression of interest was assessed, or to provide any other information relating to the evaluation/selection process, or to state the reasons for not choosing a member.
WHO may publish the names and a short biography of the selected individuals on the WHO internet.
TAG members will not be remunerated for their services in relation to the TAG or otherwise. Travel and accommodation expenses of TAG members to participate in TAG meetings will be covered by WHO in accordance with its applicable policies, rules, and procedures.
The appointment will be limited in time as indicated in the letter of appointment.
If you have any questions about this “Call for experts”, please write to [email protected] using the subject line “TAG Expression of interest” well before the 18 September 2024 deadline.
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Name of the journal you are submitting to. Statement that your paper has not been previously published and is not currently under consideration by another journal. Brief description of the research you are reporting in your paper, why it is important, and why you think the readers of the journal would be interested in it.
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 ...
How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed) by. Elainy Mata. May 10, 2022. EM. Elainy Mata is a Multimedia Producer at Harvard Business Review. ElainyMata. Subscribe.
Keep all text left justified. Use spelling and grammar check software. If needed, use a proofreading service or cover letter editing service such as Wordvice to review your letter for clarity and concision. Double-check the editor's name. Call the journal to confirm if necessary.
Then, write a letter that explains why the editor would want to publish your manuscript. The following structure covers all the necessary points that need to be included. If known, address the editor who will be assessing your manuscript by their name. Include the date of submission and the journal you are submitting to.
Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter with a strong opening line. If you have a ...
Here are nine steps to help you compose a cover letter when submitting your research paper to a professional journal: 1. Set up the formatting. Set up your word processor to format your cover letter correctly. Formatting standards for research paper cover letters usually include: Using single spacing between each line.
3.1. First Cover Letter (Submit Letter) One point of view is that the cover letter's content should be covered in the manuscript's abstract ().A typical cover letter includes the name of editor (s) and the journal, date of submission, the characteristics of the manuscript (i.e., title, type of the manuscript, e.g., review, original, case report), the importance of the work and its ...
Address the editor formally by name, if known. Include your contact information, as well. This information is probably available through the journal's online submission system, but it is proper to provide it in the cover letter, too. Begin your cover letter with a paragraph that states the name of the manuscript and the names of the authors.
When closing a cover letter for journal submission, it's important to maintain a professional and courteous tone. A common closing salutation is "Sincerely," followed by your name. However, some alternatives that are also appropriate include "Best regards," "Thank you for your time and consideration," or "Respectfully.".
If you choose or are required to write a cover letter, follow the standard format for letters in the country in which the publication is based. ... Comment on the type of article submitted (e.g., research article, review, case report) Assurances that all authors agree with the content of the manuscript;
Use a professional tone (i.e., use polite wording throughout the cover letter and response to reviewers, including when making your case for choosing not to follow a reviewer's suggestion). Make sure you have made any changes both within the manuscript AND described them within your response. Make all changes and resubmit your manuscript ...
Writing a cover letter. The cover letter gives you the opportunity to present an overview of your manuscript to the editor. Your cover letter should include. The objective and approach of your research. Any novel contributions reported. Why your manuscript should be published in this journal. Any special considerations about your submission.
Cover letters can be submitted as normal text files, such as Word, or input directly in a field in the journal's online submission system. Let's look at some tips for each section. And don't forget to download the template, which shows these tips already in place. 1. Addressee's information and date of submission.
A cover letter riddled with typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues can undermine your manuscript's credibility from the outset. Proofread carefully and consider having a colleague review it as well. Ignoring the Cover Letter's Tone. The tone of your effective cover letter should be professional yet accessible.
It will have proper letter heading material, ie, the date and the address of the recipient at the top left, under the letterhead. It will address the editor by name, if the name is known. It will then have four short paragraphs. The first introduces the writer, and follows the basic format of the intro para of the job cover letter described in ...
Addressing the Letter to a Specific Journal Editor. Check the journal website for information about the editor-in-chief. If you can find their name on the website, you want to place it in the upper left-hand of the cover letter page. Address them by name or with "Dear editor" in case no name is featured. Don't, however, address the editor with ...
Cover Letter for Journal Submission Checklist. Add your contact information, degree, name of the institution. List the editor's name, the name of the journal, address, and submission date. Greet the editor by name: Dear Mr./Mrs. XYZ. Say the title of your manuscript.
Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.
Submitting your manuscript without a cover letter or an incomplete one can impact the outcome of your submission. Strong cover letters efficiently introduce your work to the editor, but also communicates why your paper is of interest to the journal audience and contributory to overall science. In this Researcher Academy module, experts Anthony Newman and Lora Heisler give you important ...
4. Create an introduction. Your introduction addresses the editor while providing details about your submission. Address the journal editor by their name. If you don't know their name, you may include, Dear Editor instead. After your greeting, include a sentence that states your article's title and the journal's name.
In my last post I talked about how to make your résumé more likely to catch the attention of a hiring manager. As a follow up, I'd like to discuss cover letters. Here's my basic philosophy ...
It does take a lot of time. You're tweaking some things. You're not writing a whole new letter. So you're going to have a template. Write your best cover letter for the first job you apply for. Share that with your friend to check the tone. Do the research on the company, right? Do that the first time. Then and adjust the cover letter ...
A well-written cover letter can help you do just that. A cover letter serves as your introduction to the hiring manager, and it's your opportunity to make a good first impression. A strong new teacher cover letter can generate greater interest in your application, as it reveals more about your personality and character than your resume alone can.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking experts to serve as members of the Technical Advisory Group on the use of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology. This "Call for experts" provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.BackgroundThe World Health ...