Just to be clear... most American short story submissions do NOT require a cover letter, eg an explanation of the story, hook, intro to the author, etc like a novel does, correct? Of course, if the particular market asks for one, you send it. But if they are not clear on this matter, then it's best NOT to include one, right? The market I want to submit to is a bit nebulous on this matter. I'm inclined not to send a cover letter the way I would if it were a novel.
Is it amateurish to send just the story with SASE, but no cover letter (as long as contact info is inlcuded on title page)?
I also read that if you DO include a cover letter, you should NEVER state what exactly the work is about, unlike novel cover sheets where they expect it. Is this a reasonable assumption for cover letters, or lack thereof, in the USA?
I'm not talking about "title pages', but actual cover sheets.
Thnx
Is it amateurish to send just the story with SASE, but no cover letter (as long as contact info is inlcuded on title page)?
I also read that if you DO include a cover letter, you should NEVER state what exactly the work is about, unlike novel cover sheets where they expect it. Is this a reasonable assumption for cover letters, or lack thereof, in the USA?
I'm not talking about "title pages', but actual cover sheets.
Thnx
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