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"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"
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*
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
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
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"
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
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
"Herewith my paper" is okay but a brief, thoughtful cover letter is nicer
I hope this helps @BohacekLab @jmacshine + others
