Journal submissions: the importance of your cover letter and abstract
Follow a clear vision of yourself as a scholar and focus on the key themes within your area of expertise. Remember, each publication will help to consolidate your research niche.
During the submission process, two elements, in particular, your cover letter and abstract, are of the utmost importance and deserve careful consideration.
Cover letter
Too often the cover letter that accompanies an article submission is written quickly, without paying much attention to its content and purpose – and this is a big mistake!
Define your intellectual project and expertise precisely and narrowly in the cover letter. Describe some of the major themes in your research area and explain your perspective, approach and key concepts. Provide insights into your identity as a scholar and explain how you locate yourself within your field. Who are some of the other key researchers in your area and how does your work align with theirs?
Outline the purpose and aims of your research. State how the research is important and why it would resonate with readers of this journal.
Confirm that your paper has not been previously published and that it is not currently under consideration at another journal. Take care not to simply repeat your abstract in your cover letter, but instead, write in your own words why your work is significant, what problem or question it addresses, and why it would be a valuable addition to the journal.
Your cover letter should be a maximum of one page, consisting of a short introduction and a brief overview. The person who reviews your letter may not be an expert in your field so it is essential to convey the essence and importance of your work in a simple, straightforward and easy-to-read manner. Ensure that your letter is thoroughly proofread before you submit it.
Most journals will provide guidelines on what contributors need to include in a cover letter. There may be minor differences from journal to journal so always look out for that and adjust your letter accordingly.
Abstract
The abstract is a key part of your submission. It will probably be what busy reviewers will read first and needs to be descriptive, informative and well structured. It needs to be an impactful statement that stands out and piques the interest of the reviewer.
Abstracts are usually under 300 words, so set out your aims, methods and results clearly and concisely. You should briefly describe the challenge or knowledge gap, and propose how you will address it, specifically by answering the following:
- What is the problem and why is it important?
- How is existing knowledge or practice inadequate? Identify the gap.
- How will you solve the problem? Outline your aims and contribution.
- Who will benefit from your research? Make it clear what impact it will have.
Reviewers have multiple papers to read, so make sure that your abstract encapsulates all the important points in your submission.
In summary, remember that the abstract needs be able to effectively and concisely convey your research, methods and conclusions, as well as your contribution to the field of study. The cover letter, on the other hand, is an opportunity for you to address the editor and reviewers directly and explain why your paper is a good fit for their readership.
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