How to Write a Poetry Cover Letter

So you want to be published.

When submitting your poetry for review or inclusion in a publication, a cover letter is always necessary as a means of identifying yourself and informing the recipient how to contact you should he want to. Poetry cover letters are straightforward and include a short biographical statement for publication should your work be accepted.

Instructions

1. Type your poetry cover letter in a word-processing program and save your changes frequently. Begin by adding your contact information to the cover letter if you are not printing it on personal stationary. Include your mailing address, email, and phone number.

2. Add the address of the person you are submitting the poetry to, the date and a greeting line. If there is no known name for your submission, use "Dear Poetry Editor" as the greeting line.

3. Tell the poetry editor how many poems you are submitting and to which publication. Inform the editor if the poems you are submitting have been previously published and if all poems are simultaneous submissions. Mention any contest or other special event you are submitting for, if it pertains.

4. Include a brief, 50-word biographical statement. If the editor needs a longer biography, he will contact you.

5. Inform the editor if you would like your material sent back to you or destroyed if it is not selected. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your work and a response to your submission.

6. Close the letter with a formal closing. Include a list of enclosed poems after your signature, listing all poems by title.

References

• Poetry Resource: Cover Letter