I just finished reading a story I really enjoyed (in an anthology) written by an editor at a literary magazine I was thinking of submitting to. Is it okay to mention this in the cover letter for my submission? On one hand, I'm thinking it could help the cover letter stand out a little from all the boilerplate letters they receive. On the other, maybe these sorts of personal comments are regarded as brown-nosing or unprofessional, even if they are meant to be genuine.
Personal notes to editors?
- Thread starter Lee G.
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2007
- Messages
- 689
- Reaction score
- 189
I'd be a bit wary about doing it. I suppose it can be pulled off without the editor thinking you're searching for polyps, but it would be risky.
Also, seldom, if at all, does a cover letter get you published.
Also, seldom, if at all, does a cover letter get you published.
Last edited:
It won't hurt anything, but it'll accomplish absolutely nothing more than if you don't put it in.Yeah, it will come off as brown-nosing. Mostly, it's a waste of time.
I could go through any magazine I submit to and go "I really liked _______ story in your _____ issue, it was fab!" but that's not going to mean much more to the editor other than "Er. Oh good." and even then, my story still has to stand up all by itself. And so does yours.
I could go through any magazine I submit to and go "I really liked _______ story in your _____ issue, it was fab!" but that's not going to mean much more to the editor other than "Er. Oh good." and even then, my story still has to stand up all by itself. And so does yours.
I wouldn't, Lee. I would keep the cover letter nice a simple, for all you know the editor gets loads of those types of comments in cover letters, and even though you are genuine, the editor may just roll his/her eyes at yet another brown noser.
Remember, it's the story that will get you published not the cover letter. The only thing the cover letter will do, if you have previous credits listed, is perhaps get it seen a little quicker, and even then it's no garauntee.
Remember, it's the story that will get you published not the cover letter. The only thing the cover letter will do, if you have previous credits listed, is perhaps get it seen a little quicker, and even then it's no garauntee.
I don't see a problem with two different letter. Writers and Editors usually adore getting feedback. If you word it very carefully it's not brown nosing. something like "I'm excited for the opportunity to submit to you because I loved you story ____ in ____." But leave it at that.
But even so, it still won't do any more good than if you left it out, honestly. I guess if the story really moved to and you feel you must mention it, then mention it.
- Status