cover letter to medical journal

How to write a cover letter for journal submission

Download our cover letter template.

When you submit your article to a journal, you often need to include a cover letter. This is a great opportunity to highlight to the journal editor what makes your research new and important. The cover letter should explain why your work is perfect for their journal and why it will be of interest to the journal’s readers.

When writing for publication, a well-written cover letter can help your paper reach the next stage of the manuscript submission process – being sent out for  peer review . So it’s worth spending time thinking about how to write a cover letter to the journal editor, to make sure it’s going to be effective.

To help you, we’ve put together a guide to explain how to write a cover letter for journal article submission. You will receive cover letter instructions of what you should include and what you shouldn’t, and a word template cover letter.

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What should my cover letter include?

Before you start to write, please check the  instructions for authors  (IFAs) of your chosen journal, as not all journals will require one. You should also check the IFAs for any journal specific information on what to include. This may include a list of relevant articles written by you or your co-authors that have been or are currently being considered for publication in other journals.

Key points to include in your letter to the editor:

Editor’s name (you can usually find this on the journal page on  Taylor & Francis Online ).

Your manuscript’s title.

Name of the journal you are submitting to.

Statement that your paper has not been previously published and is not currently under consideration by another journal.

Brief description of the research you are reporting in your paper, why it is important, and why you think the readers of the journal would be interested in it.

Contact information for you and any  co-authors .

Confirmation that you have no  competing interests  to disclose.

Things to avoid:

Don’t copy your abstract into your cover letter, instead explain in your own words the significance of the work, the problem that is being addressed, and why the manuscript belongs in the journal.

Don’t use too much jargon or too many acronyms, keep language straightforward and easy to read.

Avoid too much detail – keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page, as an introduction and brief overview.

Avoid any spelling and grammar errors and ensure your letter is thoroughly proofed before submitting.

Click to enlarge your PDF on key information to include in your cover letter .

Cover letter template

If you need further help to write a cover letter for a journal, you can download and use our sample template as a guide.

You might find that the submission system for your chosen journal requires your cover letter to be submitted into a text box rather than as a separate document, but it is still a good idea to write a draft first to make sure you have included everything.

Always make sure to check the journal’s  instructions for authors  for any specific additional information to include.

Submission ready

Use our submission checklist  to make sure you’ve included everything you need to.

If you need more guidance, take a look at our other  information and resources to help you make your submission .

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Cover letters

A good cover letter will help "sell" your manuscript to the journal editor. it is not enough to send a manuscript to a journal editor like this:.

Dear Editor-in-Chief,

I am sending you our manuscript entitled "Large Scale Analysis of Cell Cycle Regulators in bladder cancer" by Researcher et al. We would like to have the manuscript considered for publication in Pathobiology.

Please let me know of your decision at your earliest convenience.

With my best regards,

Sincerely yours,

A Researcher, PhD

Instead, check to see whether the journal's Instructions for Authors have any cover letter requirements (e.g., disclosures, statements, potential reviewers).

Then, write a letter that explains why the Editor would want to publish your manuscript:

Common phrases:

• Please find enclosed our manuscript, "[manuscript title]" by [first author's name] et al., which we would like to submit for publication as a [publication type] in [name of the journal].
• To our knowledge, this is the first report showing...
• We believe our findings would appeal to the readership of [journal name].
• Please address all correspondence to:
• We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

All cover letters should contain these sentences:

• We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal.
• All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to [insert the name of the target journal].

Submission checklist Before submitting your manuscript, thoroughly check its quality one more time. Evaluate it critically-could anything be done better?

Be sure that:

• The manuscript follows the submission guidelines
• All files are in the correct file format and of the appropriate resolution or size
• The spelling and grammar are correct
• You have contact information for all authors
• You have completed online registration for the submission process for your target journal
• You have written a persuasive cover letter

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Manuscript? Here are the Tips and Examples

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Table of Contents

A cover letter is often the first thing an editor reads when reviewing your submission. As your first pitch to the editor, the cover letter helps them gauge the suitability of your manuscript for publication in their journal. Imagine your work shaping the future of your field, gathering citations, and sparking discussions. A powerful cover letter is thus the first step to making that vision into a reality.   

In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing an effective cover letter and explain how you can get it right every time with examples. First, let us get started with the basics!  

Getting the Basics Right  

When writing a cover letter, it is crucial to address the editor by their correct and complete name¹ . If there are multiple co-editors, you can address your letter to the right person, based on their specialization or designated responsibilities. If unsure, it is okay to go with a more general salutation, such as “Dear Editors”¹ .   

Presenting your Research  

Provide a clear and concise title for your submission and specify whether it is an article, communication, review, perspective, or a manuscript belonging to some other category. If the journal guideline recommends, consider including a list of all authors in the manuscript.   

After covering the preliminary information, briefly explain your paper’s central theme or focus to give the editor an idea of its contents. Ensure this stays a brief outline, without going into too much detail.   

Conveying the Importance of Your Work  

How you communicate the impact of your work can make or break your cover letter. To make a strong impression on the editor, articulate the significance of your research clearly, emphasizing its relevance to the field. Additionally, show how your work aligns with the journal’s scope and mission.  

Including a Formal Declaration  

Some journals require a set of declarations from you to ensure that your manuscript adheres to its ethical code and the larger ethical standards of scientific publishing. Here are the required declarations in a cover letter:  

• Originality of work:  
• Confirm that your work is original and has not been published elsewhere. This tells the editor your research is unique.  
• Conflict of interest statement:  
• Be clear about any potential conflicts of interest. This includes any personal, financial, or professional connections that might affect your research.  
• Funding source (if applicable):  
• Tell where your research funding came from, if any. This includes any support or grants from organizations.   

Including Personal Suggestions for Reviewers on a Separate Page (optional)  

If there is no part of the submission process that collects researcher suggestions for reviewers, and there are special requests from the researcher for reviewers (e.g., recommending the inclusion or suggesting the exclusion of a specific reviewer, etc.), you may also make a note about this in the cover letter.  

Combining these five points, here is a good example of a cover letter for researchers’ reference:  

(This image is intended to demonstrate the norms of formatting and tone of expression in a cover letter, it is to be used only by the researcher as a reference in writing² .)  

Conclusion  

A strong cover letter can go a long way in ensuring success for researchers looking to publish their manuscripts! Your cover letter is the opening act, setting the stage for how editors perceive your manuscript. So, look at it not as just another formality but as a crucial opportunity to make a strong impression.   

Understanding what to include, what is optional, and what is best left unsaid can be tricky. That is where our team of experts at Elsevier Language Services can step in. We will provide personalized recommendations and expert guidance to help you craft a cover letter that perfectly complements your manuscript. Reach out to us today to make a great first impression and embark on a successful academic journey!  

Reference  

• Nicholas, D. (2019). How to choose a journal and write a cover letter. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 13(5), 35. https://doi.org/10.4103/sja.sja_691_18  
• Loyola University Chicago. (n.d.). JCSHESA Sample Cover Letter. https://ecommons.luc.edu/jcshesa/cover_letter_template.pdf  

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Cover letters

A good cover letter can help to “sell” your manuscript to the journal editor. As well as introducing your work to the editor you can also take this opportunity to explain why the manuscript will be of interest to a journal's readers, something which is always as the forefront editors’ mind. As such it is worth spending time writing a coherent and persuasive cover letter.

The following is an example of a poor cover letter:

Dear Editor-in-Chief, I am sending you our manuscript entitled “Large Scale Analysis of Cell Cycle Regulators in bladder cancer” by Researcher et al. We would like to have the manuscript considered for publication in Pathobiology. Please let me know of your decision at your earliest convenience. With my best regards, Sincerely yours, A Researcher, PhD

Instead, check to see whether the journal’s Instructions for Authors have any cover letter requirements (e.g. disclosures, statements, potential reviewers). Then, write a letter that explains why the editor would want to publish your manuscript. The following structure covers all the necessary points that need to be included.

• If known, address the editor who will be assessing your manuscript by their name. Include the date of submission and the journal you are submitting to.
• First paragraph: include the title of your manuscript and the type of manuscript it is (e.g. review, research, case study). Then briefly explain the background to your study, the question you sought out to answer and why.
• Second paragraph: you should concisely explain what was done, the main findings and why they are significant.
• Third paragraph: here you should indicate why the readers of the journal would be interested in the work. Take your cues from the journal’s aims and scope. For example if the journal requires that all work published has broad implications explain how your study fulfils this. It is also a good idea to include a sentence on the importance of the results to the field.
• To conclude state the corresponding author and any journal specific requirements that need to be complied with (e.g. ethical standards).

TIP: All cover letters should contain these sentences:

• We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal.
• All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to [insert the name of the target journal].

Submission checklist

Before submitting your manuscript, thoroughly check its quality one more time. Evaluate it critically—could anything be done better?

Be sure that:

• The manuscript follows the Instructions for Authors
• All files are in the correct file format and of the appropriate resolution or size
• The spelling and grammar are correct
• You have contact information for all authors
• You have written a persuasive cover letter

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Writing and formatting

In this section:

• NEW! Featured Author Support
• Language editing services
• Reproducing third party illustrative materials
• Suggesting reviewers
• Writing a cover letter
• Video abstracts
• Video: How to submit your article

The cover letter gives you the opportunity to present an overview of your manuscript to the editor.

Your cover letter should include

• The objective and approach of your research
• Any novel contributions reported
• Why your manuscript should be published in this journal
• Any special considerations about your submission
• Related papers by you and/or your fellow authors (published or under consideration)
• Previous reviews of your submission
• Previous submissions of your manuscript to that journal
• Previous communication you’ve had with journal staff

You’re encouraged to submit previous communications as they can help expedite the review process. If you have any of the following, you can submit them as ‘Supplementary file for editors only’:

• Copies of related papers
• Previous editors’ comments and your responses
• Previous reviewers’ comments and your responses

NIH Employees

If you or any of your co-authors are NIH employees, you will have to submit a completed and signed NIH Publishing Agreement and Manuscript Cover Sheet according to NIH’s Employee Procedures .

Writing a Cover Letter for Journal Submission [Free Template]

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• Peer Review

Journal cover letters are your chance to lobby on behalf of your manuscript. This AJE Journal Cover Letter Guide offers some useful tips for getting them right. It also includes a free journal cover letter template.

Updated on September 20, 2018

The cover letter accompanying your journal submission is your chance to lobby on behalf of your manuscript. The letter is far from just a formality and should be written with the same care as your manuscript's text (if not more). Ultimately, your cover letter is designed to influence the decision of the editor to send your manuscript out for peer review. The letter will argue that your manuscript is a good fit for the journal you are submitting it to and highlight your most important findings. Let us help you produce the most effective cover letter possible.

Getting ready to submit your manuscript? Download our comprehensive Free Journal Cover Letter Writing Guide with Template .

A cover letter should be written like a standard business letter :

Address the editor formally by name, if known. Include your contact information, as well. This information is probably available through the journal's online submission system, but it is proper to provide it in the cover letter, too.

Begin your cover letter with a paragraph that states the name of the manuscript and the names of the authors. You can also describe what type of manuscript your submission is (research article, review, case report, etc.). In this first paragraph and the next, describe the rationale behind your study and the major findings from your research. You can refer to prior work that you have published if it is directly related.

Next, write a short paragraph that explains why your manuscript would be a good fit for the journal. Do not simply state that your manuscript is “of interest to the field” or “novel.” Address specific aspects of the journal's Aims & Scope statement. If the journal expresses interest in research with a clinical application, be sure to highlight the importance of your work in terms of clinical implications. If the journal mentions that it focuses on nanostructured materials, explain how your work involved such materials. Even if your work is not a perfect fit for the journal, be sure to address some of the Aims & Scope statement, and explain why your manuscript would be of interest to the journal's readers.

Finally, close with a brief paragraph indicating the following:

• The manuscript is original (i.e., you wrote it, not copied it)
• No part of the manuscript has been published before, nor is any part of it under consideration for publication at another journal
• There are no conflicts of interest to disclose
• A list of potential reviewers (only if requested by the journal)
• Any researchers who should NOT review your manuscript

Together, this information provides assurance to the editor that your manuscript merits consideration for publication in their journal and that you are interested specifically in their journal. Sometimes great science will be reviewed regardless of the cover letter, but a well written cover letter is useful for the vast majority of scientists who want to make their research stand out.

Best of luck with your research! If you have any questions about your cover letter, write us anytime.

Ben Mudrak, PhD

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Cover Letter for Journal Submission Templates

Download a Microsoft Word template for a standard journal cover letter (also available with instructions in Chinese , Japanese , Korean , Portuguese , and Spanish ).

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Part one of our 3-part series on the dos and don’ts of communicating with editors and reviewers.

A good cover letter is a crucial part of the manuscript submission package to Nature Methods . It is not simply an archaic form of communication that is becoming obsolete in a digital world; rather, it should be viewed as an opportunity to convey many important pieces of information about a paper to the editors.

Manuscripts submitted to Nature Methods must first pass an editorial evaluation stage, but as professional editors, we are not experts in every scientific field that the journal covers. Providing context for the paper in a cover letter not only can help the editors reach a quicker decision but also can sometimes tip the balance in favor of sending a borderline paper out for peer review.

Here are some practical tips for potential authors.

• Do give a brief, largely non-technical summary of the method. Explain how it will have an impact and why the method and its applications will be interesting to a broad biological audience. This can include more forward-looking information about potential future applications that authors may be reticent to share with reviewers or readers of their manuscript. Such a summary is especially crucial for highly technical papers, where the chance that the advance may not be fully appreciated by the editors is often higher.
• Do put the work in context. Briefly explain the novelty and the specific advances over previous work but be realistic about what the method can and cannot achieve. Many authors are hesitant to compare their work to previous methods for fear that it will appear to reviewers that they are putting down the contributions of other researchers. But editors may not be aware of the nuances of various approaches to address a methodological problem and are more likely to reject a paper without peer review when the advance over previous work is not clear. Authors should not hesitate to discuss freely in the cover letter why they believe method is an advance (most ideally, backed up with strong performance characteristics in the manuscript!).
• Do suggest referees. If the editors decide to send the paper for peer review, providing a list of potential referees, their email addresses, and a very short description of their expertise, can help the editor assign referees more rapidly. Of course, whether the editor decides to use any of the suggested referees is up to him or her. This is also the place to list researchers that you believe should be excluded from reviewing the paper. (Please note that the names of excluded reviewers should also be included in the relevant field of the online submission form.) The editors will honor your exclusion list as long as you don’t exclude more than five people; if you exclude everyone relevant in a scientific field such that the review process will not be productive or fair, the editor may ask you to shorten the list.
• Do tell us about any related work from your group under consideration or in press elsewhere. Explain how it relates, and include copies of the related manuscripts with your submission.
• Do mention any unusual circumstances. For example, known competition with another group’s paper, co-submission to Nature Methods planned with another group, or co-submission of a related results paper to another NPG journal, etc.
• Do mention if you have previously discussed the work with an editor. As editors, we meet a lot of researchers at conferences and lab visits and many papers are pitched to us. A brief mention of when and where such a conversation occurred can help jog the memory of why we invited the authors to submit it in the first place.

The DON’Ts:

• Don’t simply reiterate that you have submitted a paper to us and/or copy and paste the title and abstract of the paper. The cover letter should be viewed as an opportunity to present useful meta-information about the paper, and not tossed off simply as a submission requirement.
• Don’t go on for pages about what the paper is about and summarize all of your results. The editor will always read the paper itself so long cover letters are usually redundant. A one-page cover letter in almost all cases is sufficient.
• Don’t use highly technical jargon and acronyms. Explaining the advance in a general manner can go a long way in helping the editors reach a quicker decision; cover letters that are largely unreadable are of no help to the editors.
• Don’t overhype or over-interpret. While a description of why the method will advance the field is definitely appreciated, obvious overstatements about the impact or reach of the work do not help and can even reflect poorly on the authors’ judgment of the needs of a field.
• Don’t assume that going on about your scientific reputation or endorsements from others in the field will sway us. This is not pertinent to our editorial decision. Our decisions are based on whether we think the paper will be a good editorial fit for the journal, not on the laurels of the authors or because someone important in the field suggested that they submit the work to Nature Methods

And finally, a minor editorial pet peeve:

• Don’t address your cover letter to “Dear Sir.” This is antiquated language, not to mention often incorrect, given that two-thirds of Nature Methods’ editors are women. Stick to the gender-neutral “Dear Editor” in cases where you are not addressing a specific editor.

Don’t miss parts 2 and 3 of this series of posts covering rebuttal letters and appeal letters . We encourage questions, comments and feedback below. The editors will do their best to answer any questions you have.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Journal Submission

If you’re looking for solid advice on how to write a strong journal submission cover letter that will convince journal editors to review your research paper, then look no further! We know that cover letters  can  impact an editor’s decision to consider your research paper further.

This guide aims to explain (1) why you should care about writing a powerful cover letter, (2) what you should include in it, and (3) how you should structure it. The last segment will include a free downloadable submission cover letter template with detailed how-to explanations and some useful phrases. Finally, be sure to get journal manuscript editing , cover letter editing , and other academic editing services by Wordvice’s professional editors to ensure that you convey an academic style and error-free text, along with including all of the most important content.

Why does a good cover letter matter?

While your research paper’s role is to prove the merits of your research, a strong introductory cover letter is your opportunity to highlight the significance of your research and “sell” its concept to journal editors.

While your research paper’s role is to prove the merits of your research, a strong introductory cover letter is your opportunity to highlight the significance of your research and “sell” its concept to journal editors.

Sadly, we must admit that part of the decision-making process of whether to accept a manuscript is based on a business model. Editors must select articles that will interest their readers. In other words, your paper, if published, must make money . When it’s not quite clear how your research paper might generate interest based on its title and content alone (for example, if your paper is too technical for most editors to appreciate), your cover letter is the one opportunity you will get to convince the editors that your work is worth further review.

In addition to economic factors, many editors use the cover letter to screen whether authors can follow basic instructions . For example, if a journal’s guide for authors states that you must include disclosures, potential reviewers, and statements regarding ethical practices, failure to include these items might lead to the automatic rejection of your article, even if your research is the most progressive project on the planet! By failing to follow directions, you raise a red flag that you may be careless, and if you’re not attentive to the details of a cover letter, editors might wonder about the quality and thoroughness of your research. This is not the impression you want to give editors!

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Journal Submission

We can’t stress this enough: Follow your target journal’s instructions for authors ! No matter what other advice you read in the vast webosphere, make sure you prioritize the information requested by the editors of the journal you are submitting to. As we explained above, failure to include required statements will lead to an automatic “ desk rejection ”.

With that said, below is a list of the most common elements you must include in your cover letter and what information you should NOT include:

Essential information:

• Editor’s name (when known)
• Name of the journal to which you are submitting
• Your manuscript’s title
• Article type (review, research, case study, etc.)
• Submission date
• Brief background of your study and the research question you sought to answer
• Brief overview of methodology used
• Principle findings and significance to scientific community (how your research advances our understanding of a concept)
• Corresponding author contact information
• Statement that your paper has not been previously published and is not currently under consideration by another journal and that all authors have approved of and have agreed to submit the manuscript to this journal

Other commonly requested information:

• Short list of similar articles previously published by the target journal
• List of relevant works by you or your co-authors that have been previously published or are under consideration by other journals. You can include copies of those works.
• Mention of any prior discussions with editor(s) (for example, if you discussed the topic with an editor at a conference)
• Technical specialties required to evaluate your paper
• Potential reviewers and their contact information
• If needed, reviewers to exclude (this information is most likely also requested elsewhere in online submissions forms)

Other disclosures/statements required by the journal (e.g., compliance with ethical standards, conflicts of interest , agreement to terms of submission, copyright sign-over, etc.)

What you should NOT do:

• Don’t use too much jargon or include too many acronyms.
• Don’t over-embellish your findings or their significance. Avoid words such as “novel,” “first ever,” and “paradigm-changing.” These types of statements show bias and will make the editor question your ability to assess your work’s merits objectively.
• Don’t name-drop. Listing people who might endorse your paper and discussing authors’ reputations do not interest editors. They want to know if your content fits their criteria, so focus solely on addressing that point.
• Don’t write a novel. While you want to adequately explain your work and sell its concept to editors, keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page. The letter is only meant to be an introduction and brief overview.
• Avoid humor . As much as we want to grab the editors’ attention, there are too many ways in which humor can go wrong!

How to Structure a Cover Letter

You should use formal language in your cover letter. Since most submissions are delivered electronically, the template below is in a modified e-mail format. However, if you send your cover letter on letterhead (PDF or hard copy by mail), move your contact information to the upper-left corner of the page unless you use pre-printed letterhead, in which case your contact information should be centered at the top of the letter.

ANNOTATED TEMPLATE Journal Submissions Cover Letter

[Journal Editor’s First and Last Name][, Graduate Degree (if any)] TIP: It’s customary to include any graduate degrees in the addressee’s name. e.g.,  John Smith, MD or Carolyn Daniels, MPH [Title] e.g.,  Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Co-Editors-in-Chief [Journal Name] [Journal Address] [Submission Date: Month Day, Year]

Dear Dr./Mr./Ms. [Editor’s last name]:

TIP: Where the editor’s name is not known, use the relevant title employed by the journal, such as “Dear Managing Editor:” or “Dear Editor-in-Chief:”. Using a person’s name is best, however.

TIP: Use “Ms.” and never “Mrs.” or “Miss” in formal business letters.

TIP:  Never   use “Dear Sirs:” or any similar expression. Many editors will find this insulting, especially given that many of them are female!

[Para.1: 2–3 sentences]  I am writing to submit our manuscript entitled, [“Title”] for consideration as a [Journal Name][Article Type]. [One to two sentence “pitch” that summarizes the study design, where applicable, your research question, your major findings, and the conclusion.]

e.g.,  I am writing to submit our manuscript entitled, “X Marks the Spot” for consideration as an  Awesome Science Journal  research article. We examined the efficacy of using X factors as indicators for depression in Y subjects in Z regions through a 12-month prospective cohort study and can confirm that monitoring the levels of X is critical to identifying the onset of depression, regardless of geographical influences.

TIP: Useful phrases to discuss your findings and conclusion include:

• Our findings confirm that…
• We have determined that…
• Our results suggest…
• We found that…
• We illustrate…
• Our findings reveal…
• Our study clarifies…
• Our research corroborates…
• Our results establish…
• Our work substantiates…

[Para. 2: 2–5 sentences]  Given that [context that prompted your research], we believe that the findings presented in our paper will appeal to the [Reader Profile] who subscribe to [Journal Name]. Our findings will allow your readers to [identify the aspects of the journal’s  Aim and Scope  that align with your paper].

TIP: Identify the journal’s typical audience and how those people can utilize your research to expand their understanding of a topic. For example, if many of your target journal’s readers are interested in the public policy implications of various research studies, you may wish to discuss how your conclusions can help your peers to develop stronger policies that more effectively address public concerns.

TIP: Include context about why this research question had to be addressed.

e.g.,  “Given the struggle policymakers have had to define proper criteria to diagnose the onset of depression in teenagers, we felt compelled to identify a cost-effective and universal methodology that local school administrators can use to screen students.”

TIP: If your paper was prompted by prior research, state this. For example, “After initially researching X, Y approached us to conduct a follow-up study that examined Z. While pursuing this project, we discovered [some new understanding that made you decide the information needed to be shared with your peers via publication.]”

e.g.,  Given the alarming increase in depression rates among teenagers and the lack of any uniform practical tests for screening students, we believe that the findings presented in our paper will appeal to education policymakers who subscribe to  The Journal of Education . Although prior research has identified a few methods that could be used in depression screening, such as X and Y, the applications developed from those findings have been cost-prohibitive and difficult to administer on a national level. Thus, our findings will allow your readers to understand the factors involved in identifying the onset of depression in teenagers better and develop more cost-effective screening procedures that can be employed nationally. In so doing, we hope that our research advances the toolset needed to combat the concerns preoccupying the minds of many school administrators.

[Para 3: Similar works]  “This manuscript expands on the prior research conducted and published by [Authors] in [Journal Name]” or “This paper [examines a different aspect of]/ [takes a different approach to] the issues explored in the following papers also published by [Journal Name].”

TIP: You should mention similar studies recently published by your target journal, if any, but list no more than five. If you only want to mention one article, replace the preceding sentence with “This paper [examines a different aspect of]/ [takes a different approach to] the issues explored by [Authors] in [Article Title], also published by [Journal Name] on [DATE].”

[Para. 4: Additional statements often required]  Each of the authors confirms that this manuscript has not been previously published and is not currently under consideration by any other journal. Additionally, all of the authors have approved the contents of this paper and have agreed to the [Journal Name]’s submission policies.

TIP: If you have previously publicly shared some form or part of your research elsewhere, state so. For example, you can say, “We have presented a subset of our findings [at Event]/ [as a Type of Publication Medium] in [Location] in [Year].”

e.g.,  We have since expanded the scope of our research to contemplate international feasibility and acquired additional data that has helped us to develop a new understanding of geographical influences.

[Para. 5: Potential Reviewers]  Should you select our manuscript for peer review, we would like to suggest the following potential reviewers/referees because they would have the requisite background to evaluate our findings and interpretation objectively.

• [Name, institution, email, expertise]

To the best of our knowledge, none of the above-suggested persons have any conflict of interest, financial or otherwise.

TIP: Include 3–5 reviewers since it is likely that the journal will use at least one of your suggestions.

TIP: Use whichever term (“reviewer” or “referee”) your target journal uses. Paying close attention to a journal’s terminology is a sign that you have properly researched the journal and have prepared!

[Para. 6: Frequently requested additional information]  Each named author has substantially contributed to conducting the underlying research and drafting this manuscript. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, the named authors have no conflict of interest, financial or otherwise.

[Your Name]

Corresponding Author Institution Title Institution/Affiliation Name [Institution Address] [Your e-mail address] [Tel: (include relevant country/area code)] [Fax: (include relevant country/area code)]

Additional Contact [should the corresponding author not be available] Institution Title Institution/Affiliation Name [Institution Address] [Your e-mail address] [Tel: (include relevant country/area code)] [Fax: (include relevant country/area code)]

Quick Cover Letter Checklist Before Submission

• Set the font to Arial or Times New Roman, size 12 point.
• Single-space all text.
• Use one line space between body paragraphs.
• Do not indent paragraphs.
• Keep all text left justified.
• Use spelling and grammar check software. If needed, use a proofreading service or cover letter editing service  such as Wordvice to review your letter for clarity and concision.
• Double-check the editor’s name. Call the journal to confirm if necessary.

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How to choose a journal and write a cover letter

Duncan nicholas.

DN Journal Publishing Services, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 8UA, UK

Selecting a suitable journal for submitting a manuscript can be a complex and confusing task, and end in disappointment when a paper is rejected quickly for reasons that may not be clear to the author. There have been several articles written offering advice on journal selection, but this article is the most thorough of its kind, using recent evidence to inform the strategies presented. This article provides details on the factors involved in optimal journal selection, giving insights into how to identify suitable journals, why particular criteria are important and ideal methods to approach this task. The article also includes a spreadsheet tool for tracking information about potential titles of interest and submission details, and finally, provides notes on supporting your submission with an effective cover letter.

Why Publish in Journals

Publishing in scholarly journals is just one form of output from a research project, and one of the most significant pressures on modern academics is to produce papers and find suitable journals which will accept them.[ 1 , 2 , 3 ] This process is not always easy, particularly for Early Career Researchers, as the number of options and determining factors is increasingly complex. This paper provides detailed information on the journal selection process, but before considering this, I will first consider why journal publication remains such an important aspect of the research cycle.

Journals are the principal means researchers use to facilitate communication between other groups of researchers, between specialist fields, and to the public.[ 4 ] In addition to this, they play a key role in institutional assessment of individual researchers and groups.[ 5 ] Journals help to set intellectual, methodological, operational, technical, best practice, and many other forms of standards within their communities;[ 6 ] and through the peer review process, research is validated through the element of scientific publishing, which distinguishes it from all other communication mediums, certifying the authenticity and veracity of the research. The Publons Global Peer Review Survey[ 7 ] of over 14,300 researchers included the question “How important do you consider peer review for ensuring the general quality and integrity of scholarly communication?” Overall, 12,394 respondents answered this question, with 98% stating this was “important” or “extremely important.”

Does Choice of Journal Matter?

A report by the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers[ 8 ] estimates the number of active journals at around 33,100 English-language, plus a further 9,400 non-English-language journals (a total of 42,500), publishing over 3 million articles a year. Though the numbers diminish rapidly when considering one specific field these figures still indicate the scale of the journal selection task, as well as the competitive nature of article submission, and the question remains: does journal choice matter?

To answer this question, this article will discuss several aspects of research publishing which may help guide or influence the decision on which journals are suitable for any particular paper. Some choices may be guided by external pressures such as funder or institutional requirements; other factors relate to the topic of the research in hand, matching aims, and scope or instructions of a journal and other factors will be personal preference.

Create a Journal Information Spreadsheet

The first step in identifying suitable journals for a paper is to create a means of capturing, comparing, and contrasting the information about each of the journals which might be deemed suitable. Creating a personalized information sheet about journals in your field will be a resource that can be returned to, updated, and expanded over time. An Excel spreadsheet template is included as supplementary material, with 29 fields of information covering everything that will be discussed in this paper. Table 1 shows an excerpt from the supplementary table .

Excerpt of the first 12 column details from the supplementary journal selection information spreadsheet

How to Identify a Journal

The following sections offer a process for identifying journals, three key methods for creating a list of potential journal names, and strategies to investigate the details of each.

Your Reference List

The first place to begin identifying suitable journals to submit is through the references which inform your own work. The journals which publish the articles you have cited are likely to be relevant choices for your own work; particularly, those which inform the most fundamental aspects of your paper such as the background research through which you developed your research questions; on which your methodology is drawn; and any work which your findings either corroborate or contradict.

Indexing Databases

You may wish to identify journals not referenced in your paper. Indexing databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, or any of the many field-specific databases offer search and filtering options to identify articles and journals of interest.

Use the “advanced search” functions in these websites with keywords or short phrases of significant details and limit the publication years to the current and previous year (e.g., 2017–2018). The search results will show a list of recently published works that tell you these journals are currently active and interested in those topics.

The results from these platforms may include book titles, conference proceedings publications, or other formats which you are not interested in. Filter the results list for the most appropriate matches, adding relevant journal titles to your list. You can also use these databases to retrieve a certain amount of useful information to add to your journal information spreadsheet.

Depending on your personal preference or mandates from funders or institutions, you may be required to publish your work as open access (OA). If you wish to identify only open access journals, use the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)[ 9 ] and Science Open[ 10 ] as your search databases. Science Open indexes articles available as open access through which you may identify journals, even if they are not full OA titles. DOAJ, as the name suggests, is a comprehensive database of 12,205 open access journals, and almost 3.5 million articles (at time of writing). DOAJ has thorough criteria for assessing journals for inclusion in its database, aiming to include only journals which publish and perform peer review to a high standard; therefore, it serves as a useful resource for helping identify potentially “predatory” journals (a concept which will be discussed in detail later in this article).

Additionally, the Journal/Author Name Estimator (JANE)[ 11 ] is a useful independent platform created by academics to help authors identify suitable journals based on the abstract or keywords of a paper.

Publisher Websites

To identify journals within a specific publisher you may use their own platforms to search for keywords and topics. Most well-established publishers provide some searching and filtering functionality in their websites, but some, such as Elsevier's “Journal Finder”[ 12 ] and Springer's “Journal Suggester”[ 13 ] offer more sophisticated text-matching. Like the JANE journal locator, these platforms allow you to use your article title or abstract to produce a list of results with a similarity match score that helps you filter the most relevant options.

Aims and Scope

Once you have a list of journal titles you will need to investigate further to determine how suitable these journals really are for your manuscript. It is very important to understand the types of research a journal publishes as failure to fit this criteria is the main reason for immediate rejection of articles; “About 20-30% of the manuscripts can very quickly be categorized as unsuitable or beyond the scope of the journal.”[ 14 ]

To achieve this you will need to visit the homepages of each journal and thoroughly read around the site as well as recent articles. This may be time-consuming, but the information you obtain through this process can be referred to when you submit future papers.

The aims and scope, “about” section or other such mission-statement related page is where the journal should make clear the specifics of the subject in which it specializes. Is it a broad scope multi-disciplinary journal such as PLoS,[ 15 ] Nature,[ 16 ] or RIO[ 17 ]? Is it a large-scale multidisciplinary journal within a single field, such as eLife,[ 18 ] The Lancet[ 19 ] or New England Journal of Medicine[ 20 ]? Or does it have a very narrow focus for a specific field, such as The Lancet Oncology,[ 21 ] Clinical Infectious Diseases,[ 22 ] or Blood[ 23 ]?

If the journal mentions a national or geographical area in the title, this could mean different things which should be explained in the aims and scope. If the journal is named as regional, does it publish work which focuses on a country or geographical area, or is it simply based in that region (e.g., European Scientific Journal[ 24 ])? It may consider work from outside the region that compares populations or other findings from the area, giving the work relevance to the journal community, such as this publication, the Saudi Journal of Anesthesia, which states that it aims to “stimulate associated scientific research and communication between hospitals and universities in Saudi Arabia, the Arab countries and the rest of the World.”[ 25 ]

International journals may not simply accept papers from anywhere in the world. It could be that they accept only those papers which are created through an international authorship, involve an international range of participants or subjects, or provide evidence that is collected or relevant on a global scale (e.g., International Journal of Psychology[ 26 ]).

Make notes of whether the geographic scope will be relevant to want you need to achieve with your own work.

If the aims are not clear, look at the titles of several issues worth of papers to give you a clearer sense of what papers the journal publishes. You should get a good idea of the topics and geography of articles, as well as what the journal has been interested in over the previous year. Does your paper fit with their publication trends? Will it help to continue this trend, or will it add something new and relevant? Or does it seem unsuitable?

The aims and scope may also state the community of the journal. Is the journal intended for primary researchers, society members, people working in applied settings, industry, or the public? Does it appear that your paper is relevant to that audience?

Instructions for Authors

It is important to check this section thoroughly and to ensure your paper is formatted according to all requirements. This is one of an author's least favorite aspects of journal submission, with different journals having different instructions that create significant time reformatting should you need to submit to subsequent journals after your first. However, as inconvenient as these formatting requirements may be some journals can be very strict on enforcing them and along with the aims and scope, failure to conform to formatting instructions is A common reason for immediate rejection of papers.[ 27 , 28 ]

The types of research articles a journal accepts may be in the aims and scope or instructions for authors, but usually the latter. Look for lists of article types and details of formatting requirements for each, such as original empirical research, single studies, multivariate analysis, review articles (narrative reviews summarizing recent developments in a field, or systematic/meta-analysis, which provide statistical analysis of data over a wider timeframe). Some journals are review only some do not accept review articles at all. Case reports particularly in practical journals and applied specialities such as nursing or occupational health, and other shorter form papers, such as letters to editor, discussion or response to articles, book reviews may also be detailed.

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many types of articles and different terminology used for each type, but be sure the journal accepts the type of paper you are writing.

Word limits are another of the more important aspects and these may differ between article types. Word counts can often apply to titles, abstracts, main text, and figure captions, so be sure to make a note of what the word count includes. There may also be limits to the number of keywords, figures, tables, and references.

Is there a preferred manuscript structure? Does the journal allow or disallow headings and are there formatting conventions? Should the abstract be structured (e.g., with headings for Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion), or is a single paragraph of text allowed?

Is there a standardized referencing or formatting style given, such as Harvard, APA, or Chicago, or does the journal describe its own formatting in detail? Is there a set template for formatting manuscripts provided in the website, or can you use a LaTeX editing template though Overleaf,[ 29 ] Authorea,[ 30 ] or other service?

Accessibility and Discoverability

Does the journal describe any social media presence, marketing activity, and the indexing databases in which it is listed? This aspect of journal selection will inform you of where your article may be found, the likelihood of your paper being promoted by the journal and discovered by readers. If the journal claims to be indexed in particular databases, can you verify this is the case by searching and finding them?

Speed of Peer Review and Publication

Journals are becoming increasingly transparent about their peer review processes and many may even provide statistics on the average peer review times or time from first submission to publication. For example, the Elsevier “Journal Finder” tool provides such peer review and production timeframes for the journals it returns in the search results. This information can be helpful for adjusting your own expectations of how long the process should take. The website SciRev provides subject-area level data on several measures of peer review timeframes, based on research in 2017 by Huisman and Smits,[ 31 ] with which you can benchmark journal processes; for example, the average time for a first decision on a fully reviewed paper in the Medicine category is 8 weeks, and from first submission to acceptance is 12 weeks.[ 32 ]

Publication Models

Is the journal closed-access subscription-based, fully open access, or a hybrid of the two? What are the fees for open access? Does it offer waivers for residents of certain countries (e.g., adopting the Research4Life program). In addition to OA fees, are there additional charges for color figures or any pages over a certain number? It is important to look for this information first in case you are met with an invoice for payments during the production stages.

The licensing and copyright options of the journal should also be made clear. If the journal is a subscription model, can you see the terms of passing copyright to the publisher before you submit? Can you obtain them to determine whether you are happy with the conditions? If the journal is open access, does it mention the Creative Commons licenses under which open access articles can be published? Does it offer a choice of options?

The publication model may affect whether the journal complies with any funding body or institutional mandates that determine where you must publish your article.

Archiving Policies

Does the journal allow you to post articles to preprint servers during the peer review stage? Will it consider papers that are already available as a preprint. Will you be allowed to post a preprint on your website after acceptance?

Both the publication models and policies around preprints can have implications for the readership and sharing potential for your work both during review and postpublication, and the rights you retain as the author of your work.

Ethics Statements and Adherence to Guidelines

Does the journal provide any ethics statements about its editorial processes, expectations of its editors, reviewers, and authors, and give information about other ethical or legal requirements it expects authors to adhere to or comply with on submitting articles.

Journal ethics may fall into two categories, both of which will be important for you to take note of Editorial/publishing ethics and research ethics. Research ethics are likely to be requirements you will need to state when submitting your article, such as evidence of institutional review board acceptance of methodologies or patient consent. Publication ethics refers to expectations regarding plagiarism, simultaneous submission to multiple journals, agreement from all authors to submit and several other measures.

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)[ 33 ] is the definitive body on publishing ethics. Many journals are members of this organization and will display badges or statements from COPE on their websites. This should reassure you that the journal intends to conduct itself to a high standard and give you recourse should you feel anything unethical occurs in the handling of your paper. COPE provides many resources for authors which you should familiarize yourself with if you are new to the submission process or have not visited their website before.

Journal Metrics

Does the journal have a Clarivate Web of Science Impact Factor (IF) or Elsevier Scopus Journal rank score (SJR) or CiteScore, or Google Scholar H-Index? Are you required to submit to a journal with one of these metrics?

The recent Author Perspectives on Academic Publishing report by Editage,[ 34 ] based on a survey of 6,903 researchers found the highest rated factor which influenced authors' choice of journal was Impact Factor. However, the survey also reported that “one reason why authors find journal selection so difficult is that they struggle to find a journal that both has the required Impact Factor and is likely to accept their manuscript.” This finding illustrated that although Impact Factor is desired criteria for various reasons, it is not an efficient or effective means by which most authors can, or should, use to determine which journal to select. Of the 42,500 journals worldwide mentioned at the start of this paper, just 11,655 across 234 disciplines[ 35 ] have an Impact Factor. This alone illustrates how restrictive the options to authors can be when limiting the criteria to these metrics.

This paper acknowledges that the requirement to publish in Web of Science or Scopus indexed journals exists, and authors often need to select a journal based purely on metrics such as the Impact Factor or SJR, but also cautions against using this as an isolated search criteria where possible, and supports the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA),[ 36 ] which was established to “ensure that hiring, promotion, and funding decisions focus on the qualities of research that are most desirable – insight, impact, reliability and re-usability – rather than on questionable proxies” (statement from DORA Roadmap, June 27, 2018).

In addition to the Impact Factor, a journal may provide additional alternative article-level metrics on its webpages. These may be in the form of usage, pdf download, or other readership statistics, or Altmetrics[ 37 ] or Plum Analytics[ 38 ] information. These latter platforms are at the forefront of the alternative metrics movement and may give you insights into how articles from a journal are used, the communities which discuss the papers and other forms of impact, attention, and presence which are not based on citation metrics. Alternative metrics capture mentions on social media platforms, news media, blogs and websites, the use of articles in policy or other official documents, discussions on postpublication peer review sites, additions to bibliography platforms such as Mendeley, and many other sources. All this activity gives insight into the presence of the journal, what topics have been of particular interest, and the reaction with which your paper may be met.

Taken alone, the validity and integrity of using all metrics discussed in this section for assessment purposes and journal selection is questionable and inadvisable; however, these metrics do offer some function when using the database sources of these metrics as search tools in combination with other factors discussed in this paper.

Editorial Board

Look at the editorial board of the journal. Do you recognize any of the names? Are any of the board members cited in your paper? If so, it is likely that your paper is within the scope of the journal. If you do not recognize any of the board and no information is provided about their field, or even institution, you could search for some of the key members online to see if they are specialists in the area of your article.

If you are unable to find any of the members online, or their details do not match what is provided on the journal site, then you should leave this journal off your list, a situation which brings us to the final part of the journal selection section of this article: predatory publishing.

Predatory Publishing

No article discussing journal selection and open access would be complete without mention of “predatory publishing.” This term refers to publishers or journals that take advantage of the open access publishing model to be money-making operations with no regard for the scientific endeavour. This is a simplified definition of a more complex socioeconomic phenomenon that this paper will not analyze in great detail but is important enough to mention, as there is some evidence that these journals are damaging the reputation of open access as a legitimate publishing option,[ 34 ] which is a perception that needs countering.

The most commonly used term for these journals appears to be “predatory publishers” or “predatory journals.” They are also known as “fake journals,” “scam journals,” “trash journals,” “illegitimate journals,” among other terms. I prefer the term “shell journals,” as this accurately describes the lack of rigorous scholarly service, particularly peer review, and technical infrastructure required to ensure the integrity and permanence of scientific research. The term “deceptive journals” is also particularly appropriate, as often these journals make claims of integrity, peer review processes, indexing database status, or metrics to convince inexperienced authors that the journal is a more viable platform than it actually is. The core problem of these journals is perhaps in identifying what they lack, rather than how they act.

There is an increasing body of research and gray literature that aim to provide rubric for identifying problematic journals, most famously the controversial, and now closed, Beall's List, and more recently a scoping review by Cobey et al .,[ 39 ] yet none have been able to provide decisive, noncontradictory statements around any single measure or process for assessing such journals. Identification of these journals often requires a combination of problems to be apparent, and the ability to recognize the details which signify these problems. The methods and details discussed in this paper will help to identify suitable journals with confidence and ensure that by meeting all criteria required for your paper, journals with poor practices that do not offer what you need will be weeded out, regardless of who the publisher of that journal is.

Writing a Cover Letter

Cover letters are something of a controversial topic, with some journal editors ignoring them, but others paying close attention to all they receive. The number of submissions each editor must deal with may play a role in preference for reading cover letters or not but that does not mean you should ignore this step.

A good cover letter need only includes a few key features to effectively support your submission.

First, address the editor by name, but be sure you have the right name and the correct name of journal, especially if you are submitting to a second or subsequent choice journal. Author addressing the wrong editor and journal is a situation which occurs more often than you would expect and does not make a good impression.

If there are several coeditors, you could address the person you feel is the specialist on the topics of your paper. If you do not know this information, mention all by name, or simply address your letter to “Dear Editors.”

Next, the important pitch to the editor about the value of your article: Briefly describe the main theme of your paper, the relevance it has to the journal, and the contribution your paper makes to existing knowledge.

To support the description of your paper, you could check to see whether the journal has published papers on similar topics in the previous year (which you are likely to have done when researching your list). Does your paper fit with their publication trends? Will it help to continue this trend, or will it add something new that remains relevant? Make these statements in your letter and mention specific papers. It is a nice touch to imply that you are familiar with the content of the journal and helps to reinforce your claims that your paper is relevant and should be reviewed.

You may also include suggestion of three to six reviewers for process. These suggestions may not be used, but any work you can do to make the job of the editor handling the review process easier will be appreciated. These could be names of authors cited in your references, editorial board members, or other scholars you are aware of in the field. You should not suggest any colleagues, collaborators, close acquaintances, or other individuals who would have a conflict of interest in reviewing your paper.

You may also name individuals who should not review your paper. These could be close collaborators, competitors, or others you feel would not be able to give your paper a bias-free review.

Finally, formal declarations should be provided, stating your work is original, has not been simultaneously submitted to another journal, that all named authors give permission for the paper to be submitted, that you have no conflicts of interest in the findings and conclusions presented in the paper, and name any funding bodies which supported the work. You may also name any individuals who provide feedback or presubmission comments on your paper. If you have uploaded your paper to a preprint server, you should provide the reference.

This information should be no more than half a page but will efficiently convey to the editor why your paper is suitable for the journal and how it will be of interest to its readers.

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Scientific Publishing in Biomedicine: How to Write a Cover Letter?

Affiliations.

• 1 Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
• 2 Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, School of Medicine, City University of New York, New York, USA.
• 3 Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
• PMID: 34567139
• PMCID: PMC8453652
• DOI: 10.5812/ijem.115242

A cover (covering) letter is a brief business letter introducing the scientific work alongside the submission process of a manuscript and is required by most scientific peer-review journals. A typical cover letter includes the name of the editor and the journal, date of submission, the characteristics of the manuscript, the importance of the work and its relevance to prospective audiences, declarations such as author agreements, conflicts of interest statement, funding source (s), and ethical statements. The letter also includes the contact information of the corresponding author (s) and may also include suggestions of potential reviewers. Spending enough time to draft an informative, comprehensive, and concise cover letter is quite worthwhile; a poorly drafted one would not persuade the editor that the submitted work is fit for publication and may lead to immediate rejection. Here, we provide a practical guide to draft a well-written, concise, and professional cover letter for a scientific medical paper.

Keywords: Cover Letter; Medical Scientific Journals; Scientific Publishing; Scientific Writing.

Copyright © 2021, International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest.

Figure 1.. A sample for a cover…

Figure 1.. A sample for a cover letter.

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Cover Letters

The cover letter is a formal way to communicate with journal editors and editorial staff during the manuscript submission process. Most often, a cover letter is needed when authors initially submit their manuscript to a journal and when responding to reviewers during an invitation to revise and resubmit the manuscript. For more information on the peer review process and possible manuscript decisions, see Section 12.7 of the Publication Manual .

Because cover letters are separate documents from the manuscript file, all correspondence during the publication process must include the complete manuscript title, the authors’ names, and the manuscript number (assigned by the journal when the manuscript is first received). Although any author may correspond with the journal editor or editorial staff, most correspondence is handled by the corresponding author , who serves as the main point of contact and responds to questions about the published article. All authors should decide prior to submission who will serve as the corresponding author.

Cover letters are covered in the seventh edition APA Style Publication Manual in Section 12.11

Cover letter for manuscript submission to a journal

Authors usually must include a cover letter when they first submit their manuscript to a journal for publication . The cover letter is typically uploaded as a separate file into the online submission portal for the journal (for more information on using an online submission portal, see Section 12.10 of the Publication Manual ).

The cover letter should be addressed to the journal editor; any interim correspondence is addressed to the editor or associate editor with whom you have been in communication.

In your submission cover letter, include the following information:

• manuscript title
• manuscript authors
• assurances that all authors agree with the content of the manuscript and with the order of authorship (for more information, see Sections 1.21–1.22 of the Publication Manual )
• assurances that the corresponding author will take responsibility for informing coauthors of editorial decisions, reviews received, and any changes or revisions made
• information about the existence of any closely related manuscripts that have been submitted for simultaneous consideration to the same or to another journal
• notice of any conflicts of interest or activities that might be seen as influencing the research (for more information, see Section 1.20 of the Publication Manual )
• a request for masked review, if that is an option for the journal and desired (for more information, see Section 12.7 of the Publication Manual )
• verification that the treatment of human participants or nonhuman animal subjects was in accordance with established ethical standards (for more information, see Sections 1.18 and 12.13 of the Publication Manual )
• a copy of any permissions to reproduce copyrighted material or a notice that permissions are pending (for more information, see Sections 12.14–12.18 of the Publication Manual )
• the telephone number, email address, and mailing address of the corresponding author

Check the journal’s website for the current editor’s name and for any other journal-specific information to include in your cover letter.

Cover letter for a revised and resubmitted manuscript

Also include a cover letter with manuscripts being resubmitted to a journal after receiving an invitation to revise and resubmit. Ensure the cover letter contains the complete manuscript title, the authors’ names, and the manuscript number (assigned by the journal when the manuscript was first received). In the cover letter for the resubmission, thank the editors and reviewers for their feedback and outline the changes you made (or did not make) to the manuscript to address the feedback.

The cover letter for a revised and resubmitted manuscript summarizes the changes to the manuscript. Along with the cover letter and revised manuscript, authors should also provide a response to reviewers , which is a detailed document explaining how they responded to each comment.

Sample cover letters

These sample cover letters demonstrate how authors can communicate with the journal editor at the initial manuscript submission and following an invitation to revise and resubmit a manuscript for publication.

• Sample Cover Letter for Manuscript Submission (PDF, 73KB)
• Sample Cover Letter for a Revised and Resubmitted Manuscript (PDF, 91KB)

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Tips on Writing Cover Letters

A cover letter intended to be submitted with your article manuscript is not a formality. Care should be taken when writing such a letter. When writing a cover letter, keep these tips in mind:

• Include a statement that your research has not been published elsewhere or is not under consideration for publication elsewhere
• Keep it concise - at maximum, a page long
• Do not copy and paste your abstract; write a clear paragraph explaining why your research is important and why that journal's readers would find it interesting
• Make sure you are including all the information that the Instructions for Authors page on the journal's website asks you to
• Publishers sometimes have their own templates - use those as a guide
• Proofread, proofread, proofread! Make sure you letter is free of typos and is addressed to the correct editor and journal

Information above was taken from the sources below.

Image by  Mehmed_Nurrohmad  on Pixabay .

• Key Information to Include in Your Cover Letter A template of information that should be included in a cover letter. From Taylor & Francis.
• Cover Letters Information that should be included in a cover letter, with an example of a poor cover letter. From Springer.
• Writing a Journal Cover Letter A short guide to a good cover letter, along with a template. From American Journal Experts (AJE).
• How to Write a Cover Letter A cover letter template from Wiley.
• Submitting Your Manuscript: Write the Right Cover Letter A short guide to what should be included in a cover letter. From Cell Press.
• Cover Letter and Submission Form Preparation A chapter from "Getting Published in the Life Sciences" (2011) that includes guidance on how to prepare a cover letter as well as a sample template.
• << Previous: Journal Impact Factors For the Top Journals in Your Field
• Last Updated: May 28, 2024 2:34 PM
• URL: https://libguides.mssm.edu/journalselection

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Cover letter

A well-written cover letter clearly explains why the submission will be of interest to the journal's readers.

It should also be used to highlight any potential issues such as related manuscripts currently under consideration in any other Springer Nature publication, as well as indicating whether you have had any prior discussions with a Springer Nature editor about the work described in the manuscript.

It is an opportunity to declare that the manuscript is not being considered for publication in any other journal and recommend or exclude reviewers (including the reasons why).

Finally, it can be used to address any issues encountered while submitting the manuscript. 

Cover letter checklist:

• Check the journal’s Instructions for Authors for any cover letter requirements on the journals homepage.
• Address the editor who will be assessing your manuscript by their name, if known.
• Include the date of submission and the journal you are submitting to.
• First paragraph: Include the title and article type (e.g. review, research, case study)  and briefly explain the background and question you sought out to answer and why.
• Second paragraph: Concisely explain what was done, the main findings and why they are significant.
• Third paragraph: Indicate why the readers of the journal would be interested in the work by showing how your study fulfils the aims and scope of the journal and point out the importance of it. 
• To conclude, state the corresponding author and any journal-specific requirements that need to be complied with (e. g. ethical standards).
• All cover letters should contain these sentences: "We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to [insert the name of the target journal]."

For more detailed information, please check How to submit a journal article: Cover letters . 

For a complete tutorial on article submissions, please check Submitting a journal manuscript and peer review .

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Writing a letter to a medical journal

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• Kieran Walsh , clinical editor BMJ Learning
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For people wanting or needing publication, writing a letter to a medical journal is a great way to start. There is a good chance that you will succeed by following some simple rules. If not, you will at least have learnt something and not have wasted much time. Compared to writing up your MD it's a low risk strategy and often more fun.

To start, you should get reading. Concentrate on original papers and editorials but don't just read them passively—cast a critical eye over them. What have the authors missed? Have they made any statements you know are wrong or not backed by references? Did they use the wrong methods? Did they get carried away with their conclusions? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then you have material for a letter.

Next, get writing. But don't waffle—many journals only publish letters up to about 400 words. So get to the point immediately after “Dear Editor.” Stick to the main messages throughout—say what the authors could have done better and why. Support your statements with evidence. But don't get personal; simply say why you disagree with the author. Don't worry about offending him or her, they will usually be delighted that someone has actually thought about their work. As you make your points, think, is this important or am I just splitting hairs? And ask yourself—are my points relevant to the journal's readers? Stick to important and relevant points throughout.

Read instructions for authors

Keep it short

Write the letter immediately—editors aren't as interested in letters about articles that are months old

Think up a good title for your letter.

Start with, “I read with interest”—editors will groan

End with, “More studies are needed”—it's a cliché

Give up if you don't succeed first time—put pen to paper and start again.

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What should be included in a cover letter?

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• March 06, 2024 14:22

During the submission process, authors may include a cover letter with comments for the Editor (maximum word count of 500 words).

Providing a cover letter is optional, although strongly advised as a way to share important information with the Editor and journal staff to efficiently process your manuscript.

1. The details mentioned below outline the information that is typically included in a standard cover letter.

• Editor’s name
• Name of the journal to which you are submitting
• Manuscript title
• Article type
• Brief background of your study
• Brief overview of the study methodology
• Very brief overview of principle findings and significance to the research community
• Relevant COI, e.g., if one of the co-authors is an Editor for a JMIR Publications journal. See also: How does JMIR define a Conflict of Interest (COI)?
• Corresponding author contact information (only one)
• Acknowledgement of the applicable APF due, if the manuscript is accepted after peer review
• Related policy: How do I request a manuscript transfer to another journal if my paper was rejected or I am unable to address reviewer comments?
• Also: Which journal titles does JMIR Publications currently publish? (Journal Portfolio)
• (For case reports only ) Authors must include a statement attesting that they have obtained appropriate patient/proxy consent to publish the case report. 

2. Specific details that require the submission of a cover letter includes one or more of the following:

• An explanation if the submission has been previously published or being considered by another journal. This includes previous publication as an abstract, conference proceedings article, etc.
• For example: Frequently Asked Questions About Jisc Funding  
• Justification for an APF support request due to other reasons. Please review the JMIR Publications APF Support policy here and only after complete review of the policy, then submit an application for APF support on the link provided: Can you waive or discount the fees for me? (note that APF support applications submitted that do not meet the stated criteria in the policy would be automatically declined)

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What should be included in a cover letter?

You may be required to submit a cover letter with your submission. Individual journals may have specific requirements regarding the cover letter's contents, so please consult the individual journal's Guide for Authors.

A cover letter is a simple, brief business letter, designed to introduce your manuscript to a prospective Editor.  If the Guide for Authors does not specify what to include in your cover letter, you may wish to include some of the following items:

• Specify special considerations that should be given to the paper (if any).
• A brief background regarding the research involved or how the data was collected.
• Details of any previous or concurrent submissions.
• It's also useful to provide the Editor-in-Chief with any information that will support your submission (e.g. original or confirmatory data, relevance, topicality).
• The inclusion (or exclusion) of certain Reviewers (if  propose/oppose reviewers  isn't an available step in the submission process).
• Bring to the Editor’s attention any  Conflict of Interest or Permissions information  which may be relevant.  Be sure to upload any accompanying forms or declarations as required to your submission.

Please note: When your manuscript is received at Elsevier, it's considered to be in its 'final form' ready to be reviewed, so please check your manuscript carefully before you submit it to the Editor. A guide to the publication process and getting your article published in an Elsevier journal is available on the Elsevier Publishing Campus .

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Physician Cover Letters: Why Writing a Good One Is As Important As Ever

Career resources content posted on NEJM CareerCenter is produced by freelance health care writers as an advertising service of NEJM Group, a division of the Massachusetts Medical Society and should not be construed as coming from, or representing the views of, the New England Journal of Medicine , NEJM Group, or the Massachusetts Medical Society

Physicians seeking a practice opportunity might think of the cover letter as an old-fashioned, generally unimportant component of their application for or expression of interest in a position, but that is not the case. In this digital age of clipped, often rapid-fire communications, the cover letter has become more important than ever because it offers a way to differentiate the physician from other candidates. It provides a vehicle for sharing personal and professional information that might be important to prospective employers but doesn’t quite fit in the CV. The cover letter should be brief, well written, professional and positive in tone, and absolutely error-free. It should also give the recipient the sense that the physician has researched the opportunity or organization before writing the letter.

By Bonnie Darves

When a physician encounters the seemingly perfect practice opportunity — with a mid-sized group in their hometown that is affiliated with a health system that has an excellent reputation — it’s tempting to quickly compose the requested cover letter to accompany her CV and send it off.

Yes, it is smart to express interest in a desirable position as soon as possible, but it’s not prudent to view the cover letter as a mere formality. Today, when so much communication between physicians and recruiters or prospective employers is electronic — in either brief email responses or via online forms — the cover letter has become increasingly important. Here’s why: The carefully crafted letter offers an opportunity to differentiate the resident or fellow from other physicians who respond, and a chance to demonstrate highly personalized interest in the position.

“The cover letter’s value is certainly not decreasing in the digital age. Because it is usually the second contact physicians have with an organization, it is very important,” said James Tysinger, PhD, vice chair for professional development in the University of Texas Health Science Center department of family and community medicine in San Antonio. “It is your opportunity to include something about who you are, and to provide information that won’t be in your CV about why the position and the geographic location interest you.” For the resident seeking a fellowship, the letter is the ideal vehicle to convey to the program director that the physician has researched the program’s focus and reputation, he added.

Longtime recruiter Regina Levison, president of the national firm Levison Search Associates, agrees that the geographic preference statement is a vital piece of information that should appear early in the letter. “The geographic ‘connection’ to the opportunity’s location is the most important message you can include — whether it’s because you grew up there, have relatives in the region, or simply have always dreamed of living or working there,” Ms. Levison said. “Health care organizations today are not just recruiting to fill a specific opportunity; they are recruiting for retention.” As the health care delivery system changes to incorporate accountable care organizations and quality focused reimbursement, organizations are seeking physicians who will “stay around” to help meet long-term organizational objectives.

Craig Fowler, president of the National Association of Physician Recruiters (NAPR), and vice president of recruiting and training for Pinnacle Health Group in Atlanta, urges residents to include at least an introductory cover letter or note with their CV, even when it’s not requested. In his experience, 8 out of 10 physicians who express initial interest in a position don’t take the effort to write a letter unless asked.

“The cover letter really is a differentiator, and even though a recruiter will always look at your CV first, the letter is nice to have. I often feel that it gives me a sense of the physician — a good letter can make the physician come to life,” Mr. Fowler said. He enjoys, for example, learning about the physician’s personal interests and family, in addition to what he seeks in a practice opportunity.

Peter Cebulka, director of recruiting development for the national firm Merritt Hawkins, agrees that the cover letter can provide information that isn’t appropriate in a CV but could be important to a hiring organization. “The letter gives you a chance to talk about your professional goals, or why you’re committed to a particular area or practice setting,” Mr. Cebulka said. It can also highlight something compelling about the physician’s residency program that the recipient might not know.

If there are gaps in the CV that are not sensitive in nature, and therefore don’t require a phone conversation, that information should be included in the letter. “It’s important to briefly explain gaps because your application might be passed over if you don’t,” Mr. Fowler said.

Jim Stone, co-founder and president of The Medicus Firm, a national physician search company, offers helpful guidance on incorporating a career objective in the cover letter. “You may want to include a career objective or job search goals, but be careful not to be too specific or you may rule yourself out of consideration,” he advised. “Therefore, if there is one goal that really sums up your search, or some objective that is a must-have for you under any circumstances, it would be okay to include that.”

On another note, Mr. Stone urges physicians to include brief examples of any soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, technological aptitude, leadership, or problem solving.

Format and structure: short and targeted works While there are no rules per se about a cover letter’s length or content, there are general guidelines for what works best and is likely to be well received. (See “Cover letters: What to do, what to avoid” section at the end of this article.) Dr. Tysinger, who counsels residents and practicing physicians on preparing CVs and cover letters, and frequently presents on the topic, recommends a single-page, three-paragraph format delivered in a professional, business letter layout, in simple language. Following is his basic guidance on the letter’s structure:

• First paragraph: Introduce yourself and state why you are writing — whether that is to be considered for a specific position, to express general interest in joining the organization, or the recommendation of a colleague.
• Second paragraph: Provide brief details about yourself and why you are interested in the opportunity and the location. Note any professional connections to the opportunity or organization, and any special skills or interests, such as management or teaching.
• Third paragraph: Thank the recipient for the opportunity to apply and for reviewing your CV, and end the letter with a statement indicating that you look forward to hearing from the recipient soon.

Other sources agreed that cover letters should not exceed one page, unless special circumstances dictate an extra paragraph or two. In that case, a two-page letter is acceptable. Ms. Levison advised briefly summarizing education and training in the second paragraph, and if it’s the physician’s first opportunity search, stating briefly why he became a physician.

It’s best to avoid going into extensive detail about personal interests or extracurricular pursuits. That could give the recipient the impression that the physician is more concerned about lifestyle than medical practice.

Professional tone, error-free content are musts It should go without saying that the cover letter must be professionally written and free of spelling or grammatical errors, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. All of the recruiters interviewed for this article have received cover letters that are poorly written or, in some cases, replete with misspellings; all agreed that an error-riddled letter could prevent its writer from being considered for an opportunity regardless of her or his qualifications.

Of course, word processing programs include spell-checkers and, usually, some grammar-checking functionality. That’s helpful, but it isn’t sufficient vetting to ensure the letter is in excellent shape. Because of the letter’s potential importance, physicians should have several trusted individuals — on the professional and personal side — review the document, including a professional editor, if warranted. “If writing isn’t your strong suit, or English isn’t your first language, do get professional advice before you finalize the letter,” Mr. Cebulka recommends.

Ms. Levinson offers pointed advice regarding double-checking for errors. “Are there any typos or mistakes that would make the new organization question your ability to keep accurate records?” she said. It’s worth noting that some recruiting firms offer assistance with cover letter writing, but it’s best not to count on that service.

Striking the right tone in the cover letter can be somewhat challenging when the resident doesn’t have a good sense of the organization offering the opportunity. Some hospitals or groups are very formal, and therefore expect to receive formal communication. Others might be somewhat casual, from the standpoint of their culture, and therefore less inclined to bring in a physician who comes across as stiff, even if she isn’t. For these reasons, it’s smart to research the hiring entity to the extent possible before finishing the letter. The group’s website or the health system’s physician portal are good starting places to gauge the culture, but a discussion with a physician who practices there, happily, also can be helpful.

Ideally, the letter’s tone should be professional but friendly, and should sound like its writer, and not like a cookie-cutter form letter. “The letter should be professional and warm, and the tone should also reflect how you would communicate with patients and staff,” Ms. Levison said.

“A little colloquialism is OK, if it shows your personality,” Mr. Fowler maintains, provided the overall tone remains professional.

The sources concurred that the cover letter is not the forum for including a laundry list of the physician’s position parameters, or for negotiating compensation or other potential contract terms. Physicians in a highly recruited specialty might mention required equipment or infrastructure, if the lack of those items would preclude further discussion. But for the most part, those specifics should be left for an on-site interview.

“If the parameter is a potential deal-breaker, you can mention it, but avoid sounding inflexible,” Mr. Cebulka advised. That means not setting limits on the amount of call, or number of night shifts or weekends, for example. Those details can be discussed and possibly negotiated later.

Very important parameters should, however, be provided to the recruiter outside the context of the cover letter if such detail is requested. That’s especially important if the recruiter will introduce the physician to multiple opportunities.

“If you’re in a highly recruited specialty, there will be plenty of opportunities. But it’s helpful for recruiters to know what you’re absolutely looking for, so that you don’t waste your time or theirs,” Mr. Cebulka said.

Cover letters: What to do, what to avoid The sources who contributed to this article offered these additional tips on what physicians should do, or not do, when they craft their cover letters.

• Address the cover letter to an individual physician, practice administrator, recruiter, or other individual as the situation warrants, and not “to whom it may concern.”
• Be upbeat and positive. Ensure that the letter’s tone reflects your excitement about medicine, and that it reflects the way you would speak in an in-person interview.
• Include letters of reference with the cover letter if you’re looking for a fellowship or are formally applying for a specific position.
• Close the letter with a call to action if it’s an ideal opportunity (and likely a popular one). Let the recipient know that you will call in a few days to follow up, and indicate when you would be available to meet in person. It doesn’t hurt to state the best ways to reach you.
• Don’t sound desperate or beg for the job, even if it’s the perfect opportunity or you are worried about securing a position.
• Steer clear of “selling” yourself or making claims about why you would be the absolute best candidate. Instead, let your credentials and references make the case for you.
• Avoid sarcasm in any context, and generally steer clear of humor, unless you know the person to whom the letter is addressed very well.
• Don’t disparage individuals, programs, or institutions if you have had a negative experience somewhere — regardless of the reason.

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Medical Doctor Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Writing a medical doctor cover letter may seem daunting, but with the right tools and tips, you can craft a compelling narrative that catches the attention of prospective employers. This guide will provide insights and examples to help you master the art of cover letter writing.

Remember, the goal is not merely to summarize your CV. Your cover letter should complement your resume , engaging HR in a way that makes them want to delve deeper into your qualifications.

Read on and learn all about:

• Formatting your medical doctor cover letter
• Writing an effective cover letter header
• Crafting an eye-catching headline for your medical cover letter
• Customizing your cover letter greeting
• Writing a compelling cover letter introduction
• Highlighting your skills and accomplishments in the body of your cover letter
• Ending your cover letter persuasively
• Avoiding common mistakes in a medical doctor cover letter
• Average salary and job outlook for medical doctors
• Medical doctor's resources

1. How to properly format your medical doctor cover letter

Correct formatting ensures that your cover letter is easy to read and professional . Use these guidelines to create a well-structured cover letter:

• Font: Choose a standard, readable font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. The size should be between 10 and 12 to maintain readability.
• Margins and spacing: Aim for one-inch margins on all sides of your document. Spacing between lines should be 1.15 or 1.5 for an uncluttered look.
• Alignment: The text should be left-aligned for maximum readability.
• Sections: Divide your cover letter into four essential sections which include: your contact information and salutation, introduction, body, conclusion, and signature.
• Brevity: Keep your cover letter concise. One page is sufficient. 
• File format: Save your cover letter as a PDF to preserve formatting across different platforms. Name your files professionally, such as "John_Doe_CoverLetter.pdf"
• Proofread: Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
• Consistency: Ensure your cover letter mirrors the formatting of your resume. This consistency applies to font style, size, heading styles and even the paper you're printing on if you're delivering a hard copy. It shows attention to detail and creates a cohesive application packet, making it more visually engaging and professional for the hiring manager. 

By keeping these formatting tips in mind, you'll ensure that your medical doctor cover letter is crisp, easy to navigate, and leaves a positive, professional impression on potential employers.

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

2. how to create a medical doctor cover letter header.

The header is the initial part of your cover letter where you include your personal contact details and those of the employer. Correctly formatting the header is crucial since it sets the tone for the rest of your document .

Your header should include the following:

• Your full name
• Your professional title
• Your address (street, city, state, zip code)
• Your contact details (phone number, professional email address, optionally LinkedIn profile)
• The recipient's name, title, organization name, and organization address

Incorrect medical doctor cover letter header

Dr. Sam, New York, [email protected], July 2021, Dr. Johnson, Hospital

Why is this example wrong? This header is incorrect because the information is incomplete and poorly presented. It doesn't clearly distinguish between the applicant's details and the recipient's. Plus, using an informal email can seem unprofessional. 

Correct medical doctor cover letter header

Dr. Samantha Green 123 Peach Street, New York, NY, 10001 +1 212-111-2222 [email protected] July 15, 2021

To: Dr. Henry Johnson Human Resources Director St. Patrick Hospital 7979 Blueberry Ave, New York, NY, 10002

Why is this example correct? This header is clear and complete. Each piece of information has its place and purpose, and it's also written in an easily readable format. The use of an email address further enhances the document's professionalism.

Always take the time to lay out your header correctly. It not only helps portray you as an organized professional, but it also ensures that potential employers have your information at a glance.

3. How to write a compelling medical doctor cover letter headline

Once you’ve got your header in place, the next crucial section is the headline. The headline is a single line statement that introduces you and your intention to apply for the specific role . This one-liner should be punchy, persuasive and leave the hiring manager intrigued to read more.

Here are a few tips to crafting a compelling headline:

• Be specific: In this line, clearly state the position you're applying for. Explicit mention of the job title and perhaps the job reference number ensures that your application lands in the right pile.
• Showcase your professionalism: Use your professional title or key certification in the headline. This immediately shows that you're qualified.
• Highlight your value proposition: In a few words, summarize what unique value you bring to the role.

Let’s take a look at the following headline examples:

Incorrect medical doctor cover letter headline 

Looking for a Medical Doctor Job

Why is this example wrong? This headline is too vague and unprofessional. It doesn't state the specific job or offer any value proposition.

Correct medical doctor cover letter headline

Board-Certified Cardiologist with Proven Leadership Skills Seeks the Cardiology Consultant Position [#12345]

Why is this headline correct? Now, this headline adds a soft skill (leadership) to the mix, making it more compelling. Not only does it state the professional title and specific job but it also introduces an additional strength that could be relevant to the job.

The added value proposition gives the hiring manager a hint that you have more to offer beyond just your medical expertise. It invites them to delve deeper into your cover letter to find out more about your qualifications and unique offerings.

Your headline is the first taste of your cover letter content, so make it count. Leave your prospective employer looking forward to reading the rest of your cover letter.

Find out your resume score!

4. How to customize the greeting on your medical doctor cover letter

Starting your cover letter with a well-tailored greeting is the first step towards making a personal connection with your prospective employer . It shows respect, professionalism, and that you have taken the time to research the organization.

Here's why using a personalized greeting is vital:

• Respect and professionalism: Addressing the hiring manager by their full name or title represents respect and acknowledges their position and authority within the organization.
• Demonstrates your efforts: When you have taken the time to learn about the person to whom you are writing, it displays your genuine interest in the position and the lengths you're willing to go for it.
• Breaks the impersonality: Customized salutations can make your cover letter feel less generic and more personal. 

Now let's explore some examples of greetings, their uses, and impacts:

• Formal/Reserved: "Dear Dr. [Last Name]," — This is the most professional greeting, especially when you're sure of the hiring manager's name and title. 
• Neutral/General: "Dear [Team/Department Name] Hiring Manager," — Use this salutation only if you can't find the specific hiring manager's name, but you know the team or department. 
• Last resort: "Dear Hiring Manager," — You can use this phrase when you have exhausted all options to find a name or specific department.

Here a few examples of personalized greetings on a cover letter

• Dear Hiring Manager Alex Peterson,
• Dear Mr. Peterson
• Dear Dr. Peterson,
• Dear Alex Peterson,

Always prioritize finding the hiring manager's name, but be careful to use it correctly. If unsure about their title or gender, it's better to stick to neutral phrases like 'Hiring Manager' to avoid any faux pas.

5. How to write a compelling introduction to your medical doctor cover letter

The opening paragraph of your medical doctor cover letter directly influences the impression potential employers form about you. The introduction should succinctly cover your career and academic background, purpose for seeking the position, and mention any shared connections, if any. 

Experienced medical doctor cover letter introduction example

Dear Dr. Thompson,

As a seasoned Geriatrician with over ten years of experience in providing compassionate care in high-stress hospital environments, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to the Geriatric Medicine opening at Wellspring Health Center. I have always admired Wellspring's patient-centric approach and innovative medical practices. Notably, Dr. Anderson, Chief of Internal Medicine at your facility and a former colleague, suggested I apply, believing my patient handling skills and dedication would contribute positively to your institution.

Why is this opening strong? This opening statement packs a punch with a demonstration of robust experience, a clear reason for applying, and a mutual connection suggesting a fit for the company culture. 

Fresh medical graduate cover letter introduction example

Having just completed my residency in Pediatrics at City General Hospital, I am eager to apply for the Pediatrician position at Wellspring Health Center. I believe your clinic's focus on combining cutting-edge research with attentive patient care matches my ambitions perfectly for a fulfilling practice. Samuel Martin, a senior faculty member at CGH and alumni of your facility, recommended I consider your institution for its nurturing and comprehensive care environment.

Why is this opening compelling? For a fresh graduate, underlining the successful completion of relevant education, expressing their motivation, and validating their choice through a mentor's suggestion can significantly resonate.

All in all, ensuring your introduction is tailored, concise, and compelling invites the employer to read further, significantly boosting your chances of consideration.

6. Highlight your top skills and accomplishments as a medical doctor

After the introduction, it's time to lay out the substance of your medical doctor cover letter — your skills and accomplishments . Here, you persuasively illustrate why you'd be an ideal fit for the role and for the organization. 

The body of your cover letter should be divided into two or three short paragraphs. Start with your most significant achievement or an aspect of your work that sets you apart. Then, delve into your relevant expertise, experiences, and skills . Be specific and try to link your abilities to the requirements mentioned in the job description.

For instance, instead of merely stating that you possess excellent diagnostic skills, narrate a brief instance where your diagnostic ability made a significant difference in patient care or treatment outcome.

• For professionals with experience , you can discuss contributions you've made at your current or past place of work. Quantifying these achievements with percentages, numbers, or time frames can give them more impact. For example:

Seasoned medical doctor cover letter body paragraphs example

In my role as a General Practitioner at HealthFirst Medical, I led a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to streamline our patient triage system. We successfully managed to reduce patient wait times by 30% over a 6-month period. This achievement not only increased patient satisfaction rates, but also enabled our team to operate in a more calm, collected and efficient manner.

Moreover, I also spearheaded the implementation of a new electronic health record system, which enhanced our medical documentation efficiency by 40%. My ability to manage change and lead innovation without disrupting service delivery further solidified my leadership skills and dedication to efficient healthcare

• If you've recently graduated and lack professional experience, focus on your rotations, internships, or any special projects during your medical training. What did you learn? Did you receive any commendation for your efforts? Highlighting such experiences portrays your commitment, enthusiasm, and learning potential. 

Fresh graduate cover letter body paragraphs example

During my final year of medical school, I was part of a team managing an infectious disease breakout during my pediatric rotation at Grand City Hospital. Our efforts were focused on both treatment of affected patients and preventive measures within the community.

We successfully reduced the spread of the disease by 50% within the first month. My role was primarily patient management and I was directly responsible for monitoring patient symptoms and the effectiveness of treatments. The head of the Department acknowledged my consistent efforts and iterated that my actions helped deliver exceptional patient care under pressure. This experience amplified my passion for pediatrics and strengthened my crisis management skills.

Each paragraph in these examples is focused on a singular achievement or experience but paints a broader picture of the candidate's professional assets. Always remember, the objective is to pique interest and encourage the hiring manager to explore your skills further via your resume or an interview .

7. How to conclude persuasively your medical doctor cover letter

The conclusion of your medical doctor cover letter holds significant importance. It is your closing argument , the final opportunity to persuade the reader of your suitability for the position. It also lays out the next steps in your application process. 

In your conclusion:

• Summarize your competence for the role in a sentence or two
• Reiterate your enthusiasm about the opportunity
• Indicate your availability for further discussion
• Include details on how and when you can be best contacted and your plan for follow-up
• Sign off professionally

Here’s an example of a strong cover letter conclusion

The prospect of bringing my patient-centered care and diagnostic expertise to the medical team at Wellspring Health Center genuinely excites me. Available at your earliest convenience, I welcome the opportunity to explore how I can contribute to maintaining and improving patient care standards at your facility. I will touch base next week to follow up on my application. However, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience, via phone (555-555-5555) or email ([email protected]). 

Thank you for considering my application.

[Your Full Name]

This conclusion is succinct yet comprehensive, conveying excitement and forward momentum in the application process. It ends on a respectful note, with a professional sign-off. 

Remember, your overall aim is to leave a lasting, positive impression on the hiring manager, urging them to take the next steps with you.

8. How to avoid common mistakes in a medical doctor cover letter

Your medical doctor cover letter is your opportunity to make a good first impression. However, certain common missteps could derail your chances of landing that coveted role. Here are some tips to help you avoid those errors:

• Sending generic cover letters: Customizing your cover letter for each application is critical. Using generic, "one-size-fits-all" cover letters implies a lack of effort and interest. Tailor each cover letter to the specific role and organization.
• Including too much information: While it's essential to provide enough detail to pique the employer's interest, avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive information. Stick to highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.
• Failing to proofread: Errors in punctuation, grammar, or spelling can convey negligence and lack of attention to detail. Always double-check your cover letter for mistakes. 
• Writing in a complicated style: Write as clearly and simply as possible while maintaining a professional tone. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language.
• Talking too much about yourself: While it's important to market yourself, the employer also wants to know how you can add value to their organization. Ensure you balance information about yourself with how your skills and abilities can benefit prospective employers.
• Forgetting to follow instructions: If the job ad asks for specific information or a certain format, make sure you adhere to these requirements.

By keeping in mind these common pitfalls and how to navigate them, your medical doctor cover letter is much more likely to stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers. 

9. Average salary and job outlook for medical doctors

If you're considering a career in medicine or already on that path, it's essential to understand the job market and salary expectations. 

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary for a medical doctor was approximately $229,300 as of May 2022. This figure, however, can vary widely depending on specialty, experience, and geographic location.

In terms of job outlook, the BLS projects a steady growth for the medical profession. Overall employment of medical doctors is expected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is on par with the average for all occupations. 

Although the growth percentage might not seem high, in real terms, it represents a significant number of job openings given the size of the field. Specifically, about 24,200 openings for medical doctors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

10. Medical doctor’s resources

Feeling lost while job hunting as a medical doctor? Don't worry. There are plenty of resources to help you find your way:

• Networking platforms: LinkedIn allows you to create a professional profile, network with other medical professionals, join relevant groups, and search for job openings. What’s more, you can easily turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume with just one click!
• Professional associations: Associations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Association of Physician Specialists (AAPS) provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and job listings.
• Job search sites: Health eCareers , PracticeLink , DocCafe and MedJobCafe are some of the many job boards specifically tailored to healthcare professionals.
• Online courses: Various platforms offer online courses to enhance your skill set and knowledge. Websites like Coursera or Khan Academy have collaborations with top universities and organizations to provide high-quality, relevant courses for medical professionals. This not only enhances your learning but also adds value to your CV.
• Residency programs: For those embarking on their professional journey, consider a residency program. These enlisted on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) database offer hands-on experience in the medical field while under the supervision of an experienced physician.
• Medical journals: Subscribing and regularly reading relevant medical journals like The New England Journal of Medicine or The Lancet can keep you abreast with the latest medical trends, research, and news in your specialty area. It helps to be knowledgeable about changes in the field during interviews.

Remember, hunting for a job as a medical doctor involves both showcasing your unique skills and standing out from the crowd. By availing yourself of these resources, you'll be well-equipped to find and secure the right position for you.

Medical Doctor Cover Letter FAQ

What's the difference between a resume and a cover letter.

While both documents complement each other, they serve different purposes . A resume is a concise summary of your skills, experiences, and achievements. A cover letter, on the other hand, is a personalized letter to the employer explaining why you're the right fit for the specific job role.

How long should my medical doctor cover letter be?

A cover letter should ideally be one page long. Keep it concise yet impactful, ensuring you've highlighted your most relevant skills, experiences, and why you're a good fit for the role.

I have no work experience. What should I highlight in my cover letter?

If you're early in your career, emphasize your medical training, rotations, or internships in your cover letter. Discuss influential projects or coursework and any commendations you've received.

Should I attach both my resume and cover letter in the job application?

Typically, a job application requires you to submit both your resume and cover letter. Follow the instructions provided in the job listing. If unsure, it's better to include both.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

It's best to tailor your cover letter to each job you're applying for. Using the same cover letter may make you appear less invested in the specific role, reducing your chances of landing the job. Always align your cover letter with the requirements of the particular job listing.

Julia Belak

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

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Fact check on Algerian fighter Imane Khelif, DSDs, biology and Olympic boxing

Despite outcries from anti-trans celebrities and politicians, the International Olympic Committee confirmed Imane Khelif is eligible to compete in women's boxing at the Paris Games.

Khelif went viral on social media after winning her opening bout Thursday against Italy's Angela Carini , who stopped fighting after 46 seconds. Khelif, along with Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting , were both disqualified from their championships in 2023 after the International Boxing Association said they failed gender eligibility testing, a move that the IOC has called a “ sudden and arbitrary decision ."

The two boxers also competed in the 2021 Tokyo Games, but did not medal.

"The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games," the organization said in a statement . "The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving."

More: As gender eligibility issue unfolds, Olympic boxer Lin Yu-Ting dominates fight

Fact check: Imane Khelif is a woman

Khelif is a woman, who is not transgender, nor identifies as intersex, according to GLAAD and InterACT.

Khelif reportedly has differences of sexual development, known as DSDs, the organizations said in a Fact Sheet released Friday. Having DSD is not the same as being transgender.

What is DSDs?

Differences in sex development is a set of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs that can cause the sexual development of a person to be different than others, according to the NHS.

Sometimes, this can lead to a person having XY chromosomes but develop otherwise female.

Paris Games has full gender parity, IBA stripped of its governing rights

The IBA, long mired with scandal and controversy, oversaw Olympic boxing before being stripped of its right before the Tokyo Games and is no longer recognized of the international federation of boxing.

In the face of backlash over Khelif's 2024 win, the IBA stood by its decision to disqualify the boxers over two "trustworthy" and "independent" tests, though they did not disclose what the tests were. The Washington Post reported IBA president claimed they were disqualified over finding XY chromosomes.

The IOC said the gender and age for the athletes is based on their passports.

The Paris Games is the first in history to reach gender parity. Transgender inclusion has had no negative effect on gender parity at the Olympics, according to GLAAD and InterACT. Also, IOC guidelines state athletes should not be excluded from competing due to alleged unfair advantage based on sex variations, according to GLAAD.

Conservatives seize on boxing to spread anti-trans rhetoric

As part of a large wave of anti-LGBTQ laws in the U.S., transgender women in sports has become a key rallying call for conservatives. In the last five years, 25 states have passed laws banning transgender students from participating in sports that match their gender identity, according to data compiled by MAP , despite research from the Human Rights Campaign showing transgender youth are a small part of the population and not all of them are interested in playing sports.

Former President Donald Trump jumped on Khelif's win at the Olympics to further his campaign promise, posting a video of the fight on social media "I WILL KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN'S SPORTS!"

Trump's running mate JD Vance shared a video of the match on X, falsely calling Khelif a man and suggesting Kamala Harris' stance on gender leads to a "disgusting," outcome.

“From my point of view, this was not an equal competition,” conservative Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, according to POLITICO.

Khelif told UNICEF earlier this year that she was picked-on for participating in sports as a girl growing up, and had to raise money for her boxing lessons as her father did not approve of her getting into the sport, because she is a girl.

“I started with nothing and now I have everything,” she said.

Contributing: Josh Peter

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Sodium Sulfate–Based Tablets (Sutab) for Colonoscopy Preparation

The FDA has approved an oral tablet formulation of sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride (Sutab – Braintree) for colon cleansing prior to colonoscopy in adults. A sodium sulfate–based oral solution (Suprep) has been available in the US since 2010. Sutab is the second tablet formulation to be approved for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy; a sodium phosphate–based tablet (OsmoPrep) was approved earlier.

Colonoscopy Preparations

Traditional polyethylene glycol (PEG) plus electrolytes solutions for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy are isotonic and require patients to ingest up to 4 L of fluid to produce a cathartic effect. Low-volume PEG-based solutions and sodium phosphate–, sodium picosulfate–, and sodium sulfate–based preparations, which are hyperosmotic, require ingestion of 2-3 L of fluid. 1 Colonoscopy preparations available in the US are listed in the Table .

Mechanism of Action

Sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate are osmotic laxatives.

Clinical Studies

FDA approval of Sutab was based on the results of 2 randomized, investigator-blinded, active-controlled trials (one is published; the other is summarized in the package insert). Sutab was compared to a low-volume PEG-based oral solution (MoviPrep) in Study 1 2 and to a sodium picosulfate–based oral solution (Prepopik; no longer marketed) in Study 2. In both trials, Sutab was noninferior to the comparator in achieving successful bowel cleansing.

Sutab, a sodium sulfate–based colonoscopy preparation, requires patients to take a total of 24 tablets with about 3 L of water in a split-dose regimen. It appears to be similar in efficacy to a low-volume PEG-based oral solution (MoviPrep) and to a sodium picosulfate–based oral solution (Prepopik; no longer marketed, but Clenpiq contains the same active ingredients) for bowel cleansing, but it may cause more GI adverse effects. Sutab is less likely than sodium phosphate tablets (OsmoPrep) to cause nephropathy, but data on its safety in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or electrolyte disturbances are lacking.

Published Online: September 24, 2021. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3606

Once a month, The Medical Letter provides a previously published article to JAMA to be republished.

Previous Publication: The entire article was published in The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics . March 8, 2021;63(1619):33-36. A partial version is reprinted here with permission from ©The Medical Letter Inc.

About The Medical Letter: The Medical Letter is a nonprofit organization that publishes biweekly new drug evaluations and treatment recommendations. The Medical Letter does not sell advertising or receive any commercial support. Financial support comes primarily from sales of subscriptions, books, software, continuing education materials, and licenses.

For free sample articles and issues of The Medical Letter , go to www.medicalletter.org/tmlj . The Medical Letter —Because the source matters.

Editors: Mark Abramowicz, MD, President; Gianna Zuccotti, MD, MPH, Vice President and Executive Editor; Jean-Marie Pflomm, PharmD, Vice President and Editor in Chief

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Sodium Sulfate–Based Tablets (Sutab) for Colonoscopy Preparation. JAMA. 2021;326(14):1431–1432. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3606

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