"How to cover letter"; a brief thread from a scientific editor's perspective

Yes, in brief editors do read cover letters although like myself, most pay far less attention than to the abstract and main elements of the paper!

First, a few "do's"

1. Address the editorial team - as EiC I don't mind "Dear Editorial Team, [journal name]" or "Dear Dr Breakspear"

2. State the [article title]

3. Briefly, any caveats about the submission (is it invited? + by which editor?)

*State if it's a resubmission following appeal*

4. A ~3 sentence paragraph that summarises the overarching objectives, findings & significance of the paper. As if you are describing it to a colleague in a slightly different discipline. No value in over selling it. Don't use jargon. Don't paste in the abstract!

5. A ~3 sentence paragraph of why you have chosen this journal for this paper. It fits in scope/is technically "deep"/extends or challenges prior work in the journal

This might help with selection of action editors or reviewers. Also shows some mindfulness to the submission

6. A brief paragraph stating that the paper complies with the journal's Author Guide on ethics; open data + code availability; suggested reviewer CoIs; authorship criteria

Then thank the editors for "considering the paper for peer review" or words to that effect + sign off

All of this should fit in 1 page

Don't name the wrong journal! (err, awkward + sloppy)

Don't appeal to your prior esteemed papers

Don't suggest conflicted reviewers!

Suggest to avoid presumptive statements like "We look forward to receiving the reviews in due course"

Caveats:

1. Professional editors appreciate more context + rationale - relationship to prior work, broader importance, new techniques enabled etc

2. A new cover letter for a revised paper also can't hurt - highlighting the main new work & revisions

Bottom line, as a scientific editor I'm going to spend a lot more time on the abstract, methods + results!

"Herewith my paper" is okay but a brief, thoughtful cover letter is nicer

I hope this helps @BohacekLab @jmacshine + others