Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cover Letters (ft. Ben Jahn)
with 15 Awesome Magazines Who Love Them (Sub Club List #19)
Cover letters can be stressful. Especially when you’re new to submitting. Some find that a simple cover letter is always the best way to go. Alex Shvartsman’s has a great guide for this method. But it’s far from a hard and fast rule. Plenty of magazines have specific requests. Others want nothing at all.
This week’s guest writer is Ben Jahn whose work has appeared in Fence, Tin House online, ZYZZYVA, McSweeney’s, Hobart and The Santa Monica Review shares his personal experiences and advice for aspiring writers on crafting cover letters that resonate with literary magazine editors, emphasizing the importance of personalization and a genuine connection to the magazine's ethos.
Writers know the best rejections are the ones made just for them. Those personal notes woven into the fabric of the standard form, or the postscript that breaks protocol to say you’re getting there, seriously, submit again (these are also arguably the worst; nothing makes you feel so far away as “you’re so close”).
From a lit mag editor’s perspective, the experiential equivalent to a form rejection is a generic cover letter. Some say they don’t even read them. And that’s because cover letters usually do the minimal rhetorical work of arguing for legit consideration. But just as there are good rejections, there are good cover letters—the ones that humanize and inspire a frisson of hope.
My first “good rejection” prompted my first good cover letter. It came from McSweeney’s when I was still in the moorings of starting out. This was in the SASE days, and their form rejection fit on a xeroxed quarter slip roughly cut (I imagined by an intern working the heavy machete arm of the Swingline guillotine). But someone—a first-tier volunteer, a paid editor, Eggers himself shoveling the slush, it didn’t matter!—had circled with a blue ballpoint the words thanks you in the boilerplate verbiage that sinks so many hearts, and above that, in scratchy script, had written: you bet your sweet ass we do!
I took it as an invitation to enter the magazine’s ethos. So when I had another story I thought they might like, I sent it with a cover letter in the spirit of that blue script. I had recently been invited by Howard Junker, the then-editor of Zyzzyva, to play in a Zyzzyva vs. McSweeney’s softball game in San Francisco’s Rossi Park, so I mentioned that epic tilt in my cover letter—something like: I was the guy in the A’s hat who went 3-4 with a triple, but don’t hold that against me! Note: this is as cute as I’ve ever been in a cover letter (normally not a place to be cute), but I mention it because I think it showed the editors I was paying attention—and because they went on to publish the story. Correlation, causation, cosmos? I’ll never know.
So that’s my first piece of advice: pay attention for opportunities to match the magazine’s vibe. Get out or Zoom into literary magazine community events—even if you’re an introvert. You don’t have to press flesh or “network.” Show up and note the moments. Then when you have something to submit, you can add a line like: I attended the issue 17 launch and liked what you said about dystopian cityscape descriptions taking on pastoral tones.
Second (and last) piece of advice: do a little research. The by-now bromidic “read the magazine to which you submit” should extend to the masthead, the about, the mission, the editor’s note. This might feel stalky at first, but anything they publish, they want you to know. So if you notice the guest editor of the flash fiction themed issue lived in Syracuse, you might want to mention that your story about the bad Tinder date is set outside the Starbucks in Armory Square. It's an arbitrary connection, but if you’re saying something true about why you were compelled to submit, then it belongs in the cover letter. Don’t force it, of course, and you still need to get the givens in—salutation, publications, and a (very) little personal information—but try to mix in a little humanization.
Below, you’ll find fifteen magazines we love who talk about what they want in their cover letters. We included genre, fee, payment, descriptions, response times and more for each magazine along with examples to read. They are all currently open for submissions.
And for those who really want to dig into what most magazines want, we have put together a simple spreadsheet that compiles all requested cover letter info from 875 magazines. We hope this helps anyone who has been wondering about cover letters and wants to dive into some data. Look for trends, identify best practices, or just get a feel for it.
But first, on to the magazines.
Weekly Special: 15 Awesome Magazines Who Love Cover Letters
This is one of our paid subscriber lists this month. Our paid subscriptions are what give us the ability to gather all of this information and maintain our database. If you have the means, you can upgrade here.
Of course, we are always happy to comp those in need, just let us know. Our next free list will be Monday (Sep. 18th).
Asymptote Journal
The premier site for world literature. London Book Fair Award winner. Free quarterly issues, daily blog.
Catch Feels! Read:
Cover Letter Guidelines: “The original work and the translation (where applicable).
A statement granting us permission to publish both the original work and the translation online, as well as declaring that you are in a position to grant us such rights (i.e., that you have the author’s permission—or the translator’s, if you are the author—and his/her publisher’s, if required).
Biographical notes, written in the third person, for both author and translator(s), beginning with the name, no longer than 150 words per bio. Optional, but highly encouraged:
A short write-up providing context and discussing the challenges of this particular translation; fewer than 300 words.
An MP3 recording of a reading of the original non-English-language text (for poems and shorter pieces) or an excerpt of the original text (for longer creative work)—we usually ask for this only after acceptance is confirmed.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
Asymptote Journal is a TW-based magazine founded in 2010 that charges fees, pays writers, and responds within 30 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via Submittable.
Genres [Fiction. (Fee: 10) Nonfiction. (Fee: 10 Poetry. (Fee: 10)]
Our records show that they are active on social media. They are well-established on social media (20K+ following)
Clockwise Cat
I am a literary magazine, publishing Zen-Surrealist poetry, art, and rants.
Catch Feels! Read:
Cover Letter Guidelines: “Include a brief THIRD-PERSON biography of yourself as well. The bio can include previous publication information, links to your website, and any other interesting tidbits you’d like us to know.
A cover letter is always nice. It doesn’t have to be long (in fact we prefer it not to be – just cuz I ramble into infinity does not mean you have the license to emulate me), but I find it ODD and RUDE when people submit writing without at least introducing themselves. I mean, would you walk into the office of someone you don’t know and just start blabbing, or would you perhaps introduce yourself first? Exactly. (Or, hey – maybe you wouldn’t introduce yourself, in which case, what the fuck is your problem?) )”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
Clockwise Cat is a US-based magazine that is fee-free, responds within 21 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via email.
Genres [Nonfiction. Poetry. (2)]
Our records show that they are active on social media.
Microfiction Monday Magazine
exceptional stories told in 100 words each Monday
Catch Feels! Read:
Cover Letter Guidelines: “Don’t give us a bio that is longer than your story. While we love getting to know a little bit about you, our main focus is on your writing. In fact, we don’t typically look at bios until we’ve made a decision about the story itself. And if your bio is a 500-word monster next to your 100-word story, it gives the appearance of being more important than your story. Note also that bios are optional. If you choose not to include a bio, this in no way affects our decision.
Don’t tell us what your story is about or how we should interpret it in your bio. Each story should speak for itself.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
Microfiction Monday Magazine is a US-based magazine founded in 2014 that is fee-free, responds within 45 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via their form.
Genres [Fiction.]
The Awakenings Review
Established in cooperation with the University of Chicago Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation in 2000, The Awakenings Review is one of the nation's leading literary reviews entirely committed to publishing the works of artists, writers, and poets with mental illness.
Catch Feels! Read:
Cover Letter Guidelines: “Authors should include a cover letter describing their relationship with mental illness: either self, family member, or friend of someone who struggles with mental illness. While this information is voluntary and its absence will not preclude your work from being considered, if your work is accepted for publication you will be asked to submit a short biography where we would like you to supply this information.
Upon acceptance, we request that a writer or poet submit a biography of no more than 150 words to us. We ask that they at least mention their relationship with mental illness.
Chill Subs Breakdown:
The Awakenings Review is a US-based magazine founded in 2000 that is fee-free, responds within 60 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via email.
Genres [Fiction. Nonfiction. Poetry. (5)]
So to Speak
Intersectional feminist mag publishing poetry, fiction, nonfiction & art
Catch Feels! Read:
Cover Letter Guidelines: “A Cover Letter that includes your name, address, phone number, email address, how you heard about So to Speak, and brief bio describing your background as a writer or artist and any applicable awards or publications.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
So to Speak is a US-based magazine founded in 1993 that is fee-free, pays writers.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via Submittable.
Genres [Fiction. (Pay: 100) Nonfiction. (Pay: 100) Poetry. (5) (Pay: 100)]
Our records show that they are active on social media.
Northwest Review
National publication, three issues annually, publishing fiction, poetry, nonfiction, interviews translation, photography, and original art works.
Catch Feels! Read:
Cover Letter Guidelines: “Cover letters are optional. We’re happy to read submissions blindly. However, we do like establishing relationships with our community and getting to know you over the course of your writing career, and if you send us a cover letter that helps us get to know you.
In terms of what to include, think of your cover letter as our editors’ introduction to you and your work. Tell us where you’re from, your schooling (if applicable), job situation, your favorite writers, any publications, your favorite books.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
Northwest Review is a US-based magazine founded in 1957 that charges fees, pays writers, and responds within 180 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via Submittable.
Genres [Fiction. Flash. Nonfiction. Poetry. (5)]
Our records show that they are active on social media.
They are in the Top 10% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs.
Honorable Mentions
The Rumpus
A place to read, on the Internet. A literary community.
Cover Letter Guidelines: “Essays: A cover letter is also welcome. Tell us a little bit about yourself, why you chose The Rumpus, where your work has appeared before, or anything else you think might be important for us to know. Simultaneous submissions are fine, but do withdraw your submission if your essay is picked up elsewhere.
Funny Women: Not necessary, but you should know it's 10x harder to pass on your submission if your cover letter is super nice and exudes confidence and evidence that you've read and loved the column/me.
Author bios: Please! Even if you've never been published (and who cares if you haven't), you can still reveal the city where you live and if you have any pets.
Reviews: In your cover letter, please include: your contact information and a brief bio that we would use should your review be accepted.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
The Rumpus is a US-based magazine founded in 2009 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 120 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via Submittable.
Genres [Fiction.Ranges: - ) Nonfiction. (Pay: Ranges: - ) Poetry. (3) (Pay: Ranges: - )]
Our records show that they are active on social media.
They have an exceptionally high social media following (100K+)
Peatsmoke
This is a journal committed to diverse voices, an accessible journal, a journal for everyone. We’re interested in the work you’re producing--not where you’ve been published before.
Cover Letter Guidelines:” You can include a cover letter full of amusing tidbits about you or of fascinating trivia you learned from a podcast recently, but we are not interested in reading a list of the journals your work has appeared in.”
Peatsmoke Journal is a US-based magazine founded in 2019 that charges fees and responds within 60 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via Submittable.
Genres [Fiction. (Fee: 3) Nonfiction. (Fee: 3 Poetry. (3) (Fee: 3)]
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN, Best Small Fictions
Our records show that they are active on social media.
The Chamber Magazine
The Chamber Magazine publishes short contemporary dark fiction & poetry weekly from around the world and from all genres: mainstream, literary, science-fiction, fantasy, horror, grimdark, suspense/thriller, action-adventure, experimental, gothic, Southern gothic...
Cover Letter Guidelines: “A short bio of 50 words or less is optional. It may include your website, twitter handle, or any other social media identification you like.
Please state the genre and/or subgenre of your work in your cover letter. I put the these in the Title line to make it easier for search engines to find stories and poems. I will decide what genre/subgenre the work best fits, if that info in not provided. However, I would prefer that the author provide it in case his/her opinion differs from mine.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
The Chamber Magazine is a US-based magazine founded in 2020 that is fee-free, responds within 21 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions.
They are open to some previously published works. Submit via email.
Genres [Fiction. Nonfiction. Poetry. (3)]
Our records show that they are active on social media.
The Cardiff Review
The Cardiff Review is an international literary magazine with equal parts Welsh and Canadian roots, publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, criticism, interviews, and more.
Cover Letter Guidelines: “A short bio, that includes relevant social media handles, in the body of your email is recommended, as it will be included with the piece should it be chosen for publication. We encourage you to also include the following in your email submission if applicable, though it is not required”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
The Cardiff Review is a GB-based magazine founded in 2015 that is fee-free, responds within 90 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via Submittable.
Genres [Fiction. Flash. (1) Nonfiction. Poetry. (2)]
They read blind so remove any identifying information from your submission.
Our records show that they are active on social media.
They are in the Top 10% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs.
Antithesis Journal
The journal publishes a range of works that consider and interrogate contemporary thinking and culture, ranging from philosophical treatises to avant-garde works of poetry and fiction and committed to promoting new works that fall between the cracks of traditional genre.
Cover Letter Guidelines: “All submissions should be accompanied by a biography (150 words maximum) and research articles should also include an abstract (300 words maximum). Biographies should include your name, where you’re from, your studies, writing/research interests, if you’ve been published before and an interesting witticism about yourself.
Chill Subs Breakdown:
Antithesis Journal is a AU-based magazine founded in 1987 that is fee-free, pays writers.
No simultaneous submissions.
Submit via Submittable.
Genres [Fiction. (Pay: 50) Nonfiction. (Pay: 50) Poetry. (Pay: 50)]
Our records show that they are active on social media.
Koru Magazine
An online magazine dedicated to nature, the environment, climate, and sustainability awareness. We accept most pieces as long as they have a unique perspective and compelling voice!
Cover Letter Guidelines: “Be sure to include a 100-word or less bio about yourself in the third person in your submission form. Include your interests, age, and past recognitions/experiences with writing and artwork! This will be displayed alongside your work if selected for publication.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
Koru Magazine is a US-based magazine founded in 2023 that is fee-free, responds within 10 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions.
They are open to some previously published works. Submit via their form.
They read blind so remove any identifying information from your submission.
Our records show that they are active on social media.
Zhagaram Literary Magazine
The Zhagaram Literary Magazine is a publication aimed at publishing culturally-rooted literature and art. Founded in Bangalore, the Garden City of India, we are open to submissions from writers all around the world. Give us a glimpse of your heritage.
Cover Letter Guidelines: “Don't overthink it too much! When we ask for a cover letter, we're just trying to get to know the person behind the words we've read. Also, we read cover letters only after we've read through the submission. So it doesn't affect our consideration of your work. A short bio will be requested upon acceptance.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
Zhagaram Literary Magazine is a IN-based magazine founded in 2023 that is fee-free, responds within 60 days.
They accept simultaneous submissions.
They are open to some previously published works. Submit via their form.
Genres [Poetry. (3)]
They nominate work for BOtN
They read blind so remove any identifying information from your submission.
Our records show that they are active on social media.
Blank Spaces
We are an affordable, quarterly magazine, offering you the very best in Canadian talent with a specific focus on literary arts.
Cover Letter Guidelines: “In the body of the email/cover letter begin by introducing yourself. No pressure, we just want to fall in love with you. If you have publishing credits, great. If not, great. We'll celebrate your portfolio with you but certainly don't require it. We expect your work to speak for itself. Tell us a little about your submission: bait us with a hook, reel us in with a brief synopsis, and let us know what section of the magazine you think it would fit into. Offer us links to your website and social media accounts so we can get to know you even better.”
Chill Subs Breakdown:
Blank Spaces is a CA-based magazine founded in 2016 that charges fees.
They accept simultaneous submissions. Submit via their form.
Genres [Fiction. (Fee: 6) Nonfiction. (Fee: 3 Poetry. (Fee: 3)]
If you’d like to explore all of the cover letter information we’ve compiled, you can check out this Google Sheet. This kind of data is how we compile insights on best methods for all sorts of things for the community. Look for trends, confirm biases, or just explore. For example, I recently pulled lit bio max word-counts mentions from 256 of these cover letter guidelines to figure out the ideal word count. Here are the stats: 29% want 50 words, 31% favor 100 words. Overall, about 73% of magazines prefer bios of 100 words or fewer. There were some outliers: a few magazines accept up to 500 words, though they're in the minority. So I have one for that is 50 and one that is 75 and never had an issue.
If you’re a data person who analysis this to find anything fun, submit an essay to us on it. We’d be happy to consider it and pay $50 if we choose to publish.
And if you are interested in learning more from Ben, be sure to check out his September workshop with Write or Die
Chasing the Chantable: 3-hour Intensive on Sonic Impact in Syntax!
In this half-class/half-workshop we'll study the sentence as a site of sound aesthetics; we'll practice techniques for increasing our syntax's sonic impact.
This class is for folks who hear “kill your darlings,” and think: but they’re all darlings! For people who see the sentence as its own aesthetic terrain, with tension and energy and momentum within and between each syllabic synapse.
Students will explore the relationship between sound and sense, diction's syllabic accents and durations and "architectural" qualities.
Students will generate and/or revise existing sentences with an ear and eye toward reimagining their syntax's impact through close attention to the physical and sonic bonds within and between their word choices.
September 30th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM EST
Ben Jahn’s work has appeared in Fence, Tin House online, ZYZZYVA, McSweeney’s, Hobart and The Santa Monica Review. He was a National Endowment for the Arts fellow in fiction, and his story, “Reborn,” appeared in The Paris Review as the winner of NPR’s Three Minute Fiction contest. He lives in Richmond, CA, and teaches English at Contra Costa College. He recently started a Substack called The Sentence Review.
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