I had better not claim to be an expert on cover letters, for I have not written many. When I had to write my first cover letter, I found it difficult to find a suitable template online. That is why I am going to share the cover letter (with fictitious mailing and email addresses) that I submitted along with my story "One Busy Mom" to Nature Friend Magazine. It has to count for something since they bought the story, right?
Publishers may have quite specific things they would like to see in your cover letter, so be sure to check their guidelines for this.
Please note that the cover letter and query letter are not the same thing. I have yet to write a query letter, but may write a post once I have practiced a bit. :)
Remember, just because you may be a young writer doesn't mean you get to be unprofessional. It is equally, if not more important, that you be professional, to give you a better chance to stand out against your older, adult competition.
Please, personalize your cover letters a bit, and make them your own. I like what C.M. Clifton says on Freelancewriting.com. "...when a cover letter is required try to think of your letter as a courteous, professional introduction to you."
If you like what you see below, hit the button at the bottom to download your own blank cover letter template in pdf form.
Lilyana Page
123 My Favourite Road
Wilderness NB A7B 8C9 Canada
myemail@emailprovider.com
One Busy Mama
503 words
June 15, 2023
Kevin and Bethany Shank
Nature Friend Magazine
4253 Woodcock Lane
Dayton, VA 22821 USA
Dear Editor(s):
Please consider the enclosed story with the suggested title, "One Busy Mama." It is a story very loosely based off of my actual experience monitoring a Common Grackle nest in a cedar shrub outside my house. For approximate hatch and fledging dates etc., I have referenced the Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America by Jonathan Alderfer and Paul Hess, copyright 2011 by National Geographic Society. "One Busy Mama" has not been published previously.
In the event that my story is accepted, I would like to sell first rights only. I do not have a phone number, but I can be contacted by email (myemail@emailprovider.com) or through regular mail.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my piece. I hope that it proves satisfactory.
Regards;
Lilyana Page
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