Tips for Writing a Cover Letter to a Printed Work

Well, I can't take credit for this one, but I find it too important to pass up. Want to publish your writing in print? Writer's Relief offers some tips on the fundamental aspects of writing a cover letter (you'll need one in this case), and here they are in a nutshell:

"Whenever possible, use the editor’s full name. 'Dear Sue Smith.' Never assume gender!...State your intention clearly and include the title(s) of the work(s) you’re submitting...Don’t summarize your story or explain the themes in your poems...Editors may find it insulting if you presume that they can’t understand your work and need to have it explained to them...Include a short bio that lists your writing credits...Be sure to sincerely thank the editor for his or her time...[T]he best place to include your contact information...is below your signature [your real name]. If you’re printing your cover letter to send a submission via standard postal service, then the letterhead and contact information should be at the top...[C]hoose a font that is clean and easy to read...[A]void using images or too many colors."