Submission question

AKA Me

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I'm getting ready to submit a poem for the first time. The publication selects both prose and poetry through a blind reading process. They prefer submission through their own online submission manager and their FAQ state that a cover letter should be included. My question is, what should I say in the cover letter? Since it's a blind reading there's no need to try to "sell" my poem to them and I don't have any publication credits. I'll be giving my contact information via their online form. Anyone have any idea what the cover letter should say?
 

AKA Me

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Thanks!

Thanks Polenth, I like it. Short, sweet and simple. I'm relieved to hear you say that I don't have to worry about trying to sell a poem in a cover letter. I suck as a salesperson.
 

Dichroic

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But also, read the instructions very carefully. Often they will want your address, and sometimes a blurb about you.
 

AKA Me

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Dichroic, by a "blurb about you", do you mean the little bio they include if your poem is published? I was wondering about that. They don't specifically ask for that so I was assuming they would request it if my poem is selected, but maybe that's a bad assumption?
 

Izz

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Yep, unless the guidelines ask for something specifically, the simpler the better.
 

Dichroic

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Dichroic, by a "blurb about you", do you mean the little bio they include if your poem is published? I was wondering about that. They don't specifically ask for that so I was assuming they would request it if my poem is selected, but maybe that's a bad assumption?

Yes, that's what I meant. As others have stated, if they want it they'll ask for it. I was just providing an example of things they *might* want and why it's important to read the guidelines carefully.
 

AKA Me

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Thanks everyone, I appreciate you making the process a little clearer for me. I've already read through the guidelines about 1500 times or so but I do plan to read them again (and again and again) to be sure I didn't miss anything before I click send. Hoping my nerves settle down some after I become experienced at submitting. Not counting on it though.
 

Izz

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Hoping my nerves settle down some after I become experienced at submitting. Not counting on it though.
They will. After a while it'll just become another part of your routine.

Izz, who made over 100 submissions of short stories and poetry last year.