These are some guidelines for writing a cover letter. For information about what kinds of stories we're looking for, see our fiction guidelines.
Do:
- Address it to "Editors".
- List up to three previous publication credits if you have them. It's okay if you don't have any.
- Mention experience you have that is directly relevant to the story (we'd particularly like to know if you are writing about your own culture or profession, for instance).
Don't
- Address it to "Sirs" or use titles like Mr./Ms./Mrs./Miss.
- Summarize or pitch your story, or include praise for your work.
- Include information about you that isn't relevant to the story.
Sample Cover Letters
Cover letters should be brief and simple. Here are a few examples of good cover letters. Feel free to use any of them as a template for your own letter.
Very Basic Cover Letter:
Dear Editors,
Please consider the following story for Strange Horizons. Thank you.
Sincerely,
A. I. Robotsky
Cover Letter with Credits:
Dear Editors,
Please consider the following story for Strange Horizons.
My fiction has appeared in Asimov's, Clarkesworld, and the Zloty Press anthology The Zloty Chronicles.
Thank you,
A. I. Robotsky
Cover Letter with Credits and Experience:
Dear Editors,
Please consider the following story for Strange Horizons. It's about robot factory workers, and I am a robot who has spent 5 years working in factories.
My fiction has appeared in Asimov's,Clarkesworld, and the Zloty Press anthology The Zloty Chronicles.
Thank you,
A. I. Robotsky
Cover Letter with Experience:
Dear Editors,
Please consider the following story for Strange Horizons. It's about Czech robots, and I was built in Prague. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
A. I. Robotsky