The Cover Letter

Though not every publication requires a cover letter, poets can use a cover letter to preface their work with their publication history and professional credentials, or signal the editors if the submission is a response to a requested revision or invitation to submit more poems. Alternatively, poets who lack publication credits can thank the editors for having published undiscovered or little-known poets in the past. Stetson’s Witek writes: “As Charles Wright has said, ‘They know what you want.’ So short and sweet-name and publication history.” On the same note, Gylys adds: “The work is going to sell itself if the work is strong and a good fit.”

Always be sure to address the editor by name:

Dear David Barber,

Enclosed are three poems, “At Pleasure Bay,” “Ginza Samba” and “Impossible to Tell,” which I ask you to consider for publication in The Atlantic.

I live in Boston, where I teach creative writing at Boston University. I received my M.A. from Stanford University and have attended the Bread Loaf Writer’s Conference, Summer Poetry Institute Seminars, and various other writers’ conferences/workshops. My work has appeared in several literary journals, including Threepenny, American Poetry Review, and The New Yorker, as well as the Best American Poetry anthology.

Also included is a self-addressed stamped envelope for your response.

Sincerely,
Robert Pinsky