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Part one of our 3-part series on the dos and don’ts of communicating with editors and reviewers.

A good cover letter is a crucial part of the manuscript submission package to Nature Methods . It is not simply an archaic form of communication that is becoming obsolete in a digital world; rather, it should be viewed as an opportunity to convey many important pieces of information about a paper to the editors.

Manuscripts submitted to Nature Methods must first pass an editorial evaluation stage, but as professional editors, we are not experts in every scientific field that the journal covers. Providing context for the paper in a cover letter not only can help the editors reach a quicker decision but also can sometimes tip the balance in favor of sending a borderline paper out for peer review.

Here are some practical tips for potential authors.

  • Do give a brief, largely non-technical summary of the method. Explain how it will have an impact and why the method and its applications will be interesting to a broad biological audience. This can include more forward-looking information about potential future applications that authors may be reticent to share with reviewers or readers of their manuscript. Such a summary is especially crucial for highly technical papers, where the chance that the advance may not be fully appreciated by the editors is often higher.
  • Do put the work in context. Briefly explain the novelty and the specific advances over previous work but be realistic about what the method can and cannot achieve. Many authors are hesitant to compare their work to previous methods for fear that it will appear to reviewers that they are putting down the contributions of other researchers. But editors may not be aware of the nuances of various approaches to address a methodological problem and are more likely to reject a paper without peer review when the advance over previous work is not clear. Authors should not hesitate to discuss freely in the cover letter why they believe method is an advance (most ideally, backed up with strong performance characteristics in the manuscript!).
  • Do suggest referees. If the editors decide to send the paper for peer review, providing a list of potential referees, their email addresses, and a very short description of their expertise, can help the editor assign referees more rapidly. Of course, whether the editor decides to use any of the suggested referees is up to him or her. This is also the place to list researchers that you believe should be excluded from reviewing the paper. (Please note that the names of excluded reviewers should also be included in the relevant field of the online submission form.) The editors will honor your exclusion list as long as you don’t exclude more than five people; if you exclude everyone relevant in a scientific field such that the review process will not be productive or fair, the editor may ask you to shorten the list.
  • Do tell us about any related work from your group under consideration or in press elsewhere. Explain how it relates, and include copies of the related manuscripts with your submission.
  • Do mention any unusual circumstances. For example, known competition with another group’s paper, co-submission to Nature Methods planned with another group, or co-submission of a related results paper to another NPG journal, etc.
  • Do mention if you have previously discussed the work with an editor. As editors, we meet a lot of researchers at conferences and lab visits and many papers are pitched to us. A brief mention of when and where such a conversation occurred can help jog the memory of why we invited the authors to submit it in the first place.

The DON’Ts:

  • Don’t simply reiterate that you have submitted a paper to us and/or copy and paste the title and abstract of the paper. The cover letter should be viewed as an opportunity to present useful meta-information about the paper, and not tossed off simply as a submission requirement.
  • Don’t go on for pages about what the paper is about and summarize all of your results. The editor will always read the paper itself so long cover letters are usually redundant. A one-page cover letter in almost all cases is sufficient.
  • Don’t use highly technical jargon and acronyms. Explaining the advance in a general manner can go a long way in helping the editors reach a quicker decision; cover letters that are largely unreadable are of no help to the editors.
  • Don’t overhype or over-interpret. While a description of why the method will advance the field is definitely appreciated, obvious overstatements about the impact or reach of the work do not help and can even reflect poorly on the authors’ judgment of the needs of a field.
  • Don’t assume that going on about your scientific reputation or endorsements from others in the field will sway us. This is not pertinent to our editorial decision. Our decisions are based on whether we think the paper will be a good editorial fit for the journal, not on the laurels of the authors or because someone important in the field suggested that they submit the work to Nature Methods

And finally, a minor editorial pet peeve:

  • Don’t address your cover letter to “Dear Sir.” This is antiquated language, not to mention often incorrect, given that two-thirds of Nature Methods’ editors are women. Stick to the gender-neutral “Dear Editor” in cases where you are not addressing a specific editor.

Don’t miss parts 2 and 3 of this series of posts covering rebuttal letters and appeal letters . We encourage questions, comments and feedback below. The editors will do their best to answer any questions you have.

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Nature Scientist Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Martin Poduška — Editor in Chief / Resume Writer

Navigating the jungle of a nature scientist's career starts with a well-crafted cover letter . With the right combination of passion for the natural world and examples of your hands-on experience, your application can stand out from the rest.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig into our collection of handy tips, inspiring examples, and user-friendly templates to pen a cover letter that'll make employers sit up and take notice. 

Keep reading and learn all about:

  • Creating your nature scientist cover letter header and headline
  • Personalizing your nature science cover letter for specific employers
  • Writing a great introduction for your nature scientist cover letter
  • Highlighting your key skills and accomplishments as a nature scientist
  • Concluding your nature scientist cover letter correctly
  • Accessing top resources for job-seeking nature scientists

Geologist Cover Letter Sample

1. Create an effective nature scientist cover letter header and headline

Creating a good-looking cover letter header and cover letter headline is the first key step in the cover letter writing process.

These elements help give your letter visual appeal and a better sense of organization .

Starting with your header, this should include:

  • Your name and professional title
  • Your professional contact information
  • A formal address of the employer

Here is an example of a well-formatted nature scientist cover letter header

Jack Doe , Nature Scientist (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/jack-doe

To: Blue Nature & Ocean Research Center Nature Science Department 1234 Street Address Charleston, SC 29401

Following your header is your cover letter headline.

Think of this as similar to an article or blog title — it should be concise and attention-grabbing, all while accurately portraying the content found within your letter.

When writing a headline, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word , and a powerful adjective or verb .

Here is an example of a great headline from a nature scientist’s cover letter

My Top 3 Successes as a Nature Scientist & How I Can Achieve Similar Feats at Your Research Center

Let your cover letter write itself — with AI!

2. personalize your nature science cover letter for specific employers.

Anytime you write a nature science cover letter, it is important to include personalized details that are highly specific to each employer you reach out to.

Personalizing a cover letter in this way requires you to research the employer thoroughly, searching for key information about the employer’s values, current projects or research they are conducting, and more.

Moreover, you should take the time while researching to discover who handles hiring at the employer’s business. Then, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses this person by name.

Here are 3 examples of personalized nature scientist cover letter greetings

  • Dear Head Scientist Joe King,
  • Dear Dr. Joe King,

Dear Dr. Joe King & the Nature Science Department,

3. Write a great introduction for your nature scientist cover letter

After you have the personalized notes ready at your side to reference in your letter, you can begin writing your cover letter introduction .

This introduction should include:

  • A brief overview of your professional history and specializations
  • A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
  • A mutual acquaintance (when possible) — professional mutual acquaintances can help build rapport and trust with an employer right away

Here is an example of a well-written introduction for a nature scientist cover letter

I am a nature scientist with 9 years of specialized experience studying the migration patterns of whales. Given your research center’s current focus on marine life, I believe I am a valuable addition to your team and express my great enthusiasm for this opportunity. My mentor, Mr. John Green, is on your center’s board of directors and strongly recommended I apply.

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4. Highlighting your key skills and accomplishments as a nature scientist

With your introduction out of the way, you can now dive into a deeper exploration of your top skills and accomplishments as a nature scientist.

To showcase these qualifications properly, you should include details that are highly relevant, contextual, and — whenever possible — quantifiable.

Here are 6 nature science skills to describe in a cover letter

  • Nature science specializations (botany, biology, etc.)
  • Conducting experiments
  • Writing research reports
  • Presenting research and experimental findings
  • Submitting research for peer-review
  • Collaborating with other science professionals

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a nature science cover letter

As a nature scientist at [Former Employer], one of my vital roles was to lead a research team in investigating an invasive species of plant found in the American South. My team and I were able to not only identify the source of this species but also an effective means for getting the plant’s invasion under control, reducing the growth of this plant in the region by 85%.

5. Conclude your nature scientist cover letter correctly

To finish off your nature scientist cover letter strong, you need a great conclusion that persuades the employer to contact you promptly.

This conclusion should contain:

  • A reiteration of your enthusiasm for the position
  • An explanation of how and when you can be best contacted
  • Your plans to follow up, including when and how
  • A formal sign-off

Here is an example of an effective conclusion from a nature scientist’s cover letter

I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and your department, and I hope to hear from you within the next week regarding this position. You may call me at any time between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays at (123) 456-7890 or email me at [email protected] on weekends. If I have not heard from you by next Wednesday morning, I plan to follow up via phone call at that time.

Many Respects,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.

6. Top resources for job-seeking nature scientists

You've got the passion, the skills, and now, an enchanting nature scientist cover letter ready to charm employers. It's time to uncover where the best opportunities lie in the wild world of nature science. Let’s explore top resources brimming with potential job opportunities:

  • ResearchGate and Academia.edu : These are crucial platforms where researchers share their work, making them ideal for spotting job ads in academia or research organizations.
  • EnvironmentJobs : As its name suggests, this platform is a big network of environmental jobs including opportunities for nature scientists.
  • Ecological Society of America: The ESA's job board features a wealth of opportunities in ecology and related fields.
  • Conservation Job Board : This is a one-stop-shop for conservation-related jobs, including many that would be a great fit for nature scientists.
  • USAJobs : For those based in the US, the federal government's official job site includes positions related to nature science.
  • LinkedIn : Don’t overlook it — many companies and recruiters use LinkedIn to post nature science-related jobs.
  • Indeed , Glassdoor , and ZipRecruiter : General job search sites often list opportunities in the science sector - and nature science is no exception. 

Remember to make the most of these sources and let your nature scientist cover letter shine!

Nature Scientist Cover Letter FAQ

What are the key elements to include in my nature scientist cover letter.

Your nature scientist cover letter should contain your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details. Also, include a clear and engaging introductory paragraph, detailed body paragraphs that highlight your relevant experiences and skills, a strong concluding paragraph, and a formal sign-off. Don't forget to mention your passion for nature science. 

How do I structure my nature scientist cover letter?

A well-structured Nature Scientist cover letter starts with a compelling introduction and is followed by body paragraphs detailing your experience, skills and achievements relevant to the job posting. This should then be concluded with a closing paragraph reiterating your interest in the role and gratitude for being considered. 

How long should my nature scientist cover letter be?

Your nature scientist cover letter should ideally be a maximum of one page long. Employers typically prefer concise, well-crafted letters that get to the point quickly while demonstrating your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Should I customize my nature scientist cover letter for each job application?

Certainly. Tailoring your cover letter for each job application helps demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you fit perfectly with that specific position. It shows you took the time to understand the company's needs and that you're not simply sending out generic applications. 

Can I still write a compelling Nature Scientist cover letter even if I lack experience?

Yes, even if you lack professional experience, you can still craft a compelling cover letter. Highlight relevant courses, internships, research projects, or transferable skills from other fields. A strong cover letter is about potential as much as it is about past achievements. 

Martin Poduška — Editor in Chief / Resume Writer

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

All science cover letter examples

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Formal Scientist
  • Humanities Scientist
  • Medical Researcher / Scientist
  • Natural Scientist
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All nature scientist cover letter examples

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Scientific Publishing in Biomedicine: How to Write a Cover Letter?

Zahra bahadoran.

1 Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Parvin Mirmiran

Khosrow kashfi.

2 Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, School of Medicine, City University of New York, New York, USA

Asghar Ghasemi

3 Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

A cover (covering) letter is a brief business letter introducing the scientific work alongside the submission process of a manuscript and is required by most scientific peer-review journals. A typical cover letter includes the name of the editor and the journal, date of submission, the characteristics of the manuscript, the importance of the work and its relevance to prospective audiences, declarations such as author agreements, conflicts of interest statement, funding source (s), and ethical statements. The letter also includes the contact information of the corresponding author (s) and may also include suggestions of potential reviewers. Spending enough time to draft an informative, comprehensive, and concise cover letter is quite worthwhile; a poorly drafted one would not persuade the editor that the submitted work is fit for publication and may lead to immediate rejection. Here, we provide a practical guide to draft a well-written, concise, and professional cover letter for a scientific medical paper.

The Cambridge dictionary defines a cover letter as “a letter that contains information about the thing it is sent with”. The cover letter is commonly known as a motivation letter submitted along with the curriculum vitae (CV) or a job application for employment ( 1 ) or academic position ( 2 ), and it is not clear why and how it was introduced into the scientific field ( 3 ). In scientific writing and publishing, a cover/covering letter is a letter to the editor’s target journal ( 4 ).

Providing a cover letter alongside the submission process is now required by most scientific journals. In fact, some high-quality and prestigious journals pay specific attention to the cover letter ( 3 ). Amongst the different steps of the publication process, the cover letter is the last step and is often overlooked ( 5 ). One of the most common complaints voiced by editors regarding submitted manuscripts is that the authors neglect to write a well-written cover letter, including a statement justifying the importance of their work ( 6 ). Missing this opportunity may have unintentional consequences, rejection without further consideration instead of being sent for external peer-review ( 5 , 6 ). Contrary to this view, some believe that the cover letter’s content overlaps with the manuscript’s abstract and gives mostly redundant information already found within the online submission system ( 3 ). The cover letter may also be a “misleading commercial advertisement” where it would not represent the content of the manuscript ( 3 ).

Although many editors may not read or seriously consider the cover letters of the submitted manuscripts ( 3 , 4 ), neglecting the importance of the cover letter may be a risk for the authors. Therefore, spending an adequate amount of time to write a coherent and persuasive cover letter is worth it. Following our previous publication on choosing a journal in a new series entitled Scientific Publishing in Biomedicine ( 7 ), here, we provided a practical guide to draft a well-written, professional, and concise cover letter needed to be accompanied by an original scientific paper, either with the initial submission or subsequently at revision/resubmitting stage. Since there are subtle differences in writing a cover letter for an original research paper versus a review article or an opinion, some points for drafting a cover letter for such papers are also discussed.

2. The Function of the Cover Letter

A cover letter is “a brief business letter”, which introduces the submitted manuscript to a prospective editor (s) ( 8 ). There are essentially two types of letters; the first is the one that is initially submitted with the manuscript (cover letter), and the second is when a revision is being submitted (revised letter). The first letter introduces the work at the initial manuscript submission ( 9 ), while the second one is needed following an invitation to revise and resubmit the manuscript. Here, the authors respond to the suggestions/criticisms of the reviewers ( 10 ). In this paper, “cover letter” and “second letter” refer to the first/submit letter and the revised letter, respectively.

A well-written cover letter is an effective tool for authors to sell their work to the journal editor and make a “good first impression”. A cover letter is a summary that highlights the main points, emphasizes the novelty, and communicates the potential implications of the submitted work ( 3 ). A cover letter allows the authors to persuade the editors regarding the novelty/originality and significance of the research in a less formal manner than in the manuscript itself ( 6 ). A well-written and informative cover letter helps the journal’s editor to be informed about the work and its significance. Regardless of the novelty and significance of the submitted manuscript, editors may miss those points without providing insights in a cover letter ( 5 ).

3. The Content of a Cover Letter

3.1. first cover letter (submit letter).

One point of view is that the cover letter’s content should be covered in the manuscript’s abstract ( 3 ). A typical cover letter includes the name of editor (s) and the journal, date of submission, the characteristics of the manuscript (i.e., title, type of the manuscript, e.g., review, original, case report), the importance of the work and its relevance to the readership of the journal, verification of the originality of the work, the authors’ confirmation that the manuscript is currently submitted only to this journal, declarations and ethical statements, suggested potential reviewers, and contact information of the corresponding author of the submitted work ( 5 , 6 ). Other manuscript characteristics, including the length and number of tables and figures, can also be indicated. If the manuscript belongs to a special issue or is being submitted upon an official invitation from the journal’s editorial office, it should also be addressed. The main contents of the first cover letter are described in Table 1 .

VariablesValues
Editor (s)’ name and position (in bold print); Date of submission (MM-DD-YYYY)
First paragraph (manuscript’s characteristics)Title of the manuscript (in bold print); Type of the manuscript, Name of the journal; Address if the manuscript belongs to a special issue or is being submitted upon an invitation; The length of the manuscript, the number of tables and figures
Second paragraphThe line of research presented in the manuscript; Novelty/significance/implication statement (s) (i.e., brief explanation regarding the research background of the study, the question answered in the study, the importance of study findings, and the take-home-message); Address to potential readers (i.e., indicating why the journal’s readers would be interested in this study)
Third paragraph (declarations/obligatory statements)Author agreement statement; Conflict of interest statement; Funding source declaration; Ethical standards or other statements required by the journal; Permission statement (if the manuscript contains previously published materials); Statement regarding English native editing (if applicable); Potential reviewers
“Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” or …; Sign of corresponding author (s) (with full name and academic position); Contact information of corresponding author and co-authors (if required by the journal) (i.e., affiliation, postal address, email address)

The most critical element of a cover letter is a “statement of novelty/significance/implication.” The authors are advised to carefully write a brief and concise description of their work’s impact toward communicating its significance ( 6 ). The authors are strongly advised not to copy the abstract into the cover letter and instead explain in their own words the significance of the work and the reason for submitting it to the journal ( 11 ). If this information is lacking, the editors may rely on the reviewers who may not appreciate the significance of the work and just focus on the technical issues rather than the scientific value of the work ( 5 ). Providing a clear and robust statement of novelty and significance would be more critical for editors and potential reviewers with diverse and interdisciplinary backgrounds ( 6 ).

The statements are expected to answer the following questions: (1) why is the work important? (e.g., emphasizing a new measurement, a new diagnostic method or criterion, a newly discovered biological process); and (2) how does the work advance current knowledge in the field? The best approach to answer this question is by describing the current state of knowledge in the field and clarifying how the work provides an added value by answering a previously unanswered question, finding the solution to a problem, or improving existing methods ( 5 ). Checking the recently published papers on similar topics in the journal provides new insights for the authors to clarify in the cover letter as to how the manuscript follows the publication trends of the journal and will add something new that would be relevant to the trend ( 12 ).

The cover letter is also expected to emphasize why the manuscript will attract the journal’s readers ( 5 ). The authors also need to consider the journal’s Aims and Scope to underscore how the manuscript would fit within the journal’s scope and attract potential readers ( 13 ). Instead of stating simply that the manuscript is “of interest to the field” or “novel,” the authors should address specific aspects of the journal’s Aims and Scope statement, e.g., “We believe that this manuscript is appropriate for publication by [journal name] since it… [reference to the journal’s aims and scope] ( 11 ).

For a review, opinion, or a trends paper, emphasizing the timeline and novelty is needed, as stated by Sacristán, the editor of trends in molecular medicine: “The synthesis and conceptual advance should be particularly stated in terms of what is new and has been trending in the field for the last one to five years”. She also recommends that the authors need to provide a future perspective beyond the main take-home message of the manuscript for a trends paper and take a strong and novel stance on a hypothesis or idea for a cover letter of an opinion manuscript ( 14 ).

The cover letter must contain some predefined statements, including the “author agreement” statement ( 13 ). An “author agreement” is a statement to confirm that “all authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript being submitted” ( 8 ). Furthermore, “the authors warrant that the manuscript is their original work, has not received prior publication and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere” ( 8 ). Some journals may request the corresponding author to confirm that he/she will take responsibility for informing co-authors of editorial decisions, reviews received, and any changes or revisions made; additionally, the editor (s) should be informed about any closely related manuscript (s) simultaneously submitted for consideration to the same or another journal ( 15 ). The authors also should declare if any part of the submitted work has been previously published elsewhere, even as an abstract ( 16 ); e.g., “there is some overlap in the content of the introduction section, which we have noted in the text”.

Depending on the journal’s policy, other statements, including “conflict of interest statement”, “funding source declarations”, and “permission note”, may also be required to be included in the cover letter ( 8 , 11 ). As indicated by Elsevier, a conflict of interest statement, known as a disclosure statement, is a declaration from the author that “there is no financial/personal interest or belief that could affect their objectivity”. The publisher emphasizes that the authors should declare and state the potential conflict’s source and nature in cases where a conflict of interest exists. A funding source declaration is defined by the publisher as “a declaration of any funding or research grants (and their sources) received in the course of study, research or assembly of the manuscript”. Elsevier also defines the permission note as a statement that declares that “permission has been received to use any material in the manuscript such as a figure, which is not original content” ( 8 , 17 ). Other statements like “Statement of English native editing” may also be added.

Furthermore, informing the editor (s) regarding any information that will support the submission (e.g., original or confirmatory data, supplementary materials, relevance, topicality) can be helpful ( 8 ). Other operational information, typically provided within checkboxes of the journal’s submission system, is not required to be included in the cover letter ( 5 ).

3.2. Second Cover Letter

The second cover letter, which accompanies the revised version of the manuscript, must be a model of clarity and must address every issue posed by the editor and reviewers ( 10 ). If the revised manuscript is sent for the second round of peer-review, the reviewer (s) will see the letter. The content of the header and footer sections of the revised letter is similar to that of the submitted cover letter. The letter should be directed to the editor as addressed in the first letter unless the authors are informed that a new editor will process the revised version ( 10 ). The first paragraph should start with an “expression of polite gratitude”, e.g., “we would like to thank you for the opportunity to revise and resubmit our manuscript.” The “manuscript ID” or “identification number,” usually assigned by the journal in the first submission, should be addressed in the first paragraph ( 10 ).

The second paragraph usually “signals attention to the reviewers’ comments” by providing an explicit reference to the comments made by the reviewers and the editor. Furthermore, it may contain a positive statement regarding the results, methodology, conclusions, etc., in which case the authors need to acknowledge reviews’ insights ( 10 , 18 ). For example, “We sincerely appreciate all the valuable comments and suggestions made, which helped us improve the revised version of our manuscript” or “we found the reviewers’ comments helpful in guiding us to revise the manuscript.” Such statements will help the authors in creating a polite, formal tone throughout the letter. The paragraph should be followed by providing the editor with a roadmap or a summary of the revisions, addressing “the response to comments attachment.” A point-by-point response to the specific comments of the reviewers must be provided. If the authors disagree with a point raised by a reviewer, a rebuttal or counterstatement may be in order. A scientific and polite approach should spell out why the authors disagree, never losing sight of the reviewer’s opinion ( 19 ).

The footer section (closing salutation) of the letter returns to polite formalities, using statements like “we hope that the revised version of our manuscript is now acceptable to the reviewers, and suitable for publication in the [name of journal], we look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience” ( 10 ).

4. Organization

Although it is not a rule, the cover letter’s content can be organized within a cover letter header (opening salutation), three main paragraphs (the body of cover letter), and a cover letter footer (closing salutation), as described in Table 1 .

The cover letter should be initiated by addressing the editor (s) and the target journal; however, the author’s affiliation and contact information may also be included at the top of page ( 4 ). The name of the editor (s) can be easily found on the journal’s information page. If it is known, the authors must address the editor who will receive the manuscript and handle the peer-review process ( 13 ). If there are several co-editors, the person the author feels has the most appropriate background, and specialty of the topic should be addressed. In cases where such information is lacking, authors can mention all editors by name or address the letter to “dear editors” ( 12 ); however, it has been recommended to avoid writing “dear editor” ( 16 ). Also, the submission date and the journal’s name where the manuscript will be submitted are required ( 13 ).

In the first paragraph of the cover letter body, to introduce the submitted work, the title and the type of manuscript, authors’ name, journal name, and manuscript length are presented ( 4 ). In addition, it is mentioned that whether the manuscript is submitted upon an invitation or belongs to a special issue. The importance of the study, including novelty, potential implications, and its take-home message, are addressed in the second paragraph of the cover letter body. In addition, it is explained why the work would be attractive for journal readers. The third paragraph of the cover letter body includes some statements including authorship agreement, conflicts of interest, funding source, and ethical considerations. If required, potential reviewers are also suggested here.

Within the closing salutation, the authors can appreciate the editor for taking the time to read the cover letter and considering the submitted work for potential publication.

5. Some Practical Tips: The Length, and Dos and Don’ts

The authors need to spend plenty of time crafting their cover letters. They are advised to avoid too many details and keep it within one page (less than 200 words), like an introduction or a brief overview ( 4 , 11 ). The authors should check the guide for authors and cover letter suggestions provided by the journal, including all the requirements, e.g., specific disclosures, statements, and potential reviewers. Some publishers (e.g., Springer, https://www.springer.com/gp/authors-editors/journal-author/cover-letters/1398, Taylor & Francis, https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/making-your submission/writing-a-journal-article-cover-letter/) provide sample cover letters that the authors can use. Figure 1 provides a sample for a cover letter.

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If the authors address previously published papers in the cover letter, then appropriate citation should be considered. The authors should carefully check the letter for any spelling and grammatical errors ( 11 , 20 ). They should make sure that they correctly spell the name of the journal’s editor (s) ( 4 ). Being careless regarding the editor’s name or the change of a journal’s name in a cover letter of a resubmitted manuscript, can be embarrassing and make a bad impression ( 4 ). It is suggested that the cover letter be written on the authors’ institutional letterhead to display professionalism and reliability ( 20 , 21 ).

5.2. Don’ts

When authors suggest a number of potential reviewers, they should avoid suggesting their friends and colleagues, as this would be viewed as a conflict of interest. Collaborators whom the authors have published with in the past five years should not be suggested either; an editor may easily be informed of such associations by a quick search of PubMed or other databases ( 22 ). The authors should avoid using complex sentence structures, jargon, and acronyms and keep the text straightforward and easy to read ( 11 , 20 ). The authors should also avoid including unrelated personal information or glorifying their past research papers or any of their academic accolades ( 20 ). They must not be rude towards the editors or complement the editor’s accomplishments ( 4 ). The novelty statement should not exaggerate or overstate the findings of the work; furthermore, any conclusion stated should be completely supported by the data provided in the manuscript ( 23 ). Finally, authors are recommended not to write a generic cover letter that could be used for any manuscript and could be sent to any journal ( 21 ).

6. Conclusion

In summary, a cover letter should highlight the novelty, importance, take-home message, and goodness-of-fit of the manuscript to the journal. These are critical information that can persuade an editor that the submitted work merits publication consideration in the journal. The cover letter should not be general but should be custom-written for the target journal. Although the submitted manuscript may usually pass through the peer-review process and get published regardless of the cover letter, a well-written, informative, and concise cover letter increases the chance of gaining acceptance.

Authors' Contribution: Study concept and design, Zahra Bahadoran and Asghar Ghasemi; Drafting of the manuscript, Zahra Bahadoran, Parvin Mirmiran, and Asghar Ghasemi; Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content, Khosrow Kashfi and Parvin Mirmiran.

Conflict of Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest.

Funding/Support: This study was supported by the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (grant number 28127).

Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

14 materials science engineer cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Materials Science Engineer cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Hiring Manager for Materials Science Engineer Roles

Table of contents

  • Materials Science Engineer
  • Senior Materials Science Engineer
  • Materials Science Research Scientist
  • Senior Materials Engineer
  • Materials Research Scientist
  • Alternative introductions for your cover letter
  • Materials Science Engineer resume examples

Materials Science Engineer Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, strong background in materials science engineering.

Highlighting your specific background in the field shows that you have the necessary expertise and experience for the role, making you a strong candidate.

Quantifiable Accomplishments

Providing concrete numbers that demonstrate your past achievements not only showcases your skills but also gives the hiring manager a clear idea of the value you can bring to their company.

Adaptability and Eagerness to Learn

Emphasizing your adaptability and willingness to learn new techniques shows that you are a proactive problem solver, which is highly valued in the fast-paced world of materials science engineering.

Showcase your direct experience

When you speak about specific projects you've worked on like the optimization of materials, you're giving the recruiter a glimpse of your direct experience. It also shows them you've handled responsibilities similar to what might be expected in the role you're applying for. This is reassuring and can make them more confident in your abilities.

Highlighting Specific Achievements

When you detail a project where you've made a substantial impact, like improving thermal insulation materials by 20%, it shows you're capable of creating tangible results. It demonstrates your competency in a real-world scenario, not just in theory. Plus, aligning your achievements with the company's goals (in this case, 3M’s commitment to innovation and sustainability) helps a recruiter see you as a perfect fit.

Express Genuine Interest in the Role

By sharing how the role aligns with your interests and skills (like wanting to create materials that power the future), you give us a sense of your motivations. It reassures us that you're not just looking for a paycheck, but are genuinely excited about what you could do in this role. That kind of enthusiasm tends to translate into high-quality work and commitment.

Demonstrate your Purpose

Expressing a deep-seated desire to make an impact through your work (like wanting to help the environment through innovative materials) gives us a glimpse into your larger career goals. This suggests that you're not just after a job, but are on a career journey with purpose and direction, which is highly appealing.

Convey Confidence in your Expertise

When you confidently state your readiness to bring your expertise to a company (like wanting to contribute to pioneering solutions at 3M), it shows you believe in your skills and what they can contribute to a team. It assures us that we're not just taking a chance on a hopeful candidate, but investing in a confident professional.

Show your materials science passion

Talking about your long interest and admiration for the company's work helps me see your genuine enthusiasm. This makes you more memorable.

Highlight specific achievements in materials science

When you quantify your success, like improving thermal efficiency and reducing costs, it shows me the tangible value you can bring to our team.

Demonstrate industry impact

By mentioning your role in developing alloys for the aerospace industry and securing contracts, you prove your ability to drive significant industry advancements.

Express excitement for future projects

Sharing your excitement about working on innovative projects at Corning tells me you're someone who thrives on challenging work and making a difference.

Offer to contribute to a mission

Ending with a statement about contributing to our mission frames you as a team player who's aligned with our goals, which is exactly what I'm looking for.

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Share fascination with the company’s innovation

Starting your cover letter by expressing admiration for the company's innovative work immediately establishes a personal connection. It shows you are not just interested in the role but are passionate about what the company stands for.

Detail problem-solving and cost-saving contributions

Discussing how you have solved complex problems and achieved cost savings for previous employers demonstrates your ability to deliver tangible benefits. It suggests you have a proactive approach to challenges, valuable in any engineering role.

Demonstrate leadership and technical expertise

Mentioning your leadership in cross-functional teams and your technical contributions indicates you possess a blend of skills essential for driving R&D efforts. It reassures hiring managers of your capability to lead projects and innovate.

Emphasize desire to be at the cutting edge of materials science

Expressing excitement about working on transformative projects shows your eagerness to be involved in high-impact work. It signals to employers that you are motivated by the opportunity to make significant contributions to the field.

Invite further discussion on alignment with company needs

Concluding your cover letter by suggesting a conversation about how your skills and experience meet the company’s needs effectively calls for action. It shows you are keen on exploring how you can contribute to their success in a collaborative manner.

Show your enthusiasm for the materials science engineer role

Expressing excitement about the company and its products makes you stand out as a candidate who is truly interested and not just looking for any job.

Highlight your problem-solving skills

Describing specific projects where you solved problems shows you can handle challenges and achieve results, which is exactly what employers look for.

Connect your goals with the company’s mission

This shows you have done your research and see yourself as a part of the team, contributing to the company's future successes.

Demonstrate eagerness to collaborate

Mentioning your desire to work with the team emphasizes your teamwork skills, which are crucial for any role, especially in engineering projects.

End with a strong call to action

Politely asking for an opportunity to discuss your application further shows initiative and eagerness to engage with the hiring team.

Senior Materials Science Engineer Cover Letter Example

Highlight your leadership skills.

Leading a team in the development of a new composite material is a big deal. It shows that you can take charge, manage a team, and successfully complete a project. This tells me that you would excel in a senior role where these skills are crucial. Employers love to see leadership experience, especially when it's combined with tangible results.

Showcase your Breakthroughs

Highlighting a significant achievement like developing a new alloy that improved aerospace components paints a picture of you as an innovator and leader. It also gives us a concrete example of what you're capable of, making your skills more tangible and impressive.

Emphasize your Impact on Performance and Safety

When you share how you improved the fatigue life of composite materials, it's a compelling signal of your ability to significantly enhance performance and safety. These are key factors in aerospace, making your contribution particularly relevant and valuable.

Express Enthusiasm for the Team and Culture

Showing excitement about joining a team indicates that you're not just interested in the work, but also in being part of the company culture. It suggests that you're likely to be a good fit for the team and the organization, beyond just having the right skills.

Highlight your Motivation by Challenges

By stating that you're motivated by the challenge of enhancing material properties, it shows your willingness to tackle difficult problems and strive for excellence. It helps us see you as someone who won't shy away from challenges, but rather, will embrace and overcome them.

Align with the Company's Mission

When you express enthusiasm about contributing to a company's mission (like shaping the future of flight), it tells us that you identify with our goals. This alignment is essential for long-term job satisfaction and performance.

Show enthusiasm for materials science history

Your excitement for Saint-Gobain's rich history of innovation helps me understand your deep respect for the field and eagerness to be part of our legacy.

Illustrate leadership and innovation in materials science

Describing your role in developing a high-temperature ceramic composite and the impact it had demonstrates your leadership skills and ability to innovate, making you a strong candidate for the senior position.

Emphasize desire to work on diverse materials projects

Mentioning your interest in working on a wide range of projects shows me you're looking for growth and are eager to apply your expertise in various areas, which is valuable in a senior role.

Assert fit for the senior engineer role

Stating your belief in your fit for the role based on your expertise and passion positions you as a confident and capable candidate, which is compelling.

Highlight contribution to global challenges

Expressing your desire to discuss how you can contribute to addressing global challenges makes you stand out as someone who thinks beyond the job to the broader impact of your work.

Detail your expertise as a senior materials science engineer

Outlining your years of experience and key skills early on provides a strong foundation for your application, showing you meet the essential requirements for the role.

Express your motivation for the role

Sharing your excitement about joining the company and contributing to its innovative projects helps paint a picture of you as a passionate and driven candidate.

Emphasize innovation and leadership in materials science

Highlighting your technical expertise and leadership skills showcases your ability to lead projects and drive innovation, key traits for a senior position.

Convey your interest in contributing to the company's success

Making it clear you want to contribute to the company's growth demonstrates your long-term interest and commitment to the role.

Invite further discussion

Expressing your desire to discuss how you can add value to the team encourages the hiring manager to take the next step and invite you for an interview.

Materials Science Research Scientist Cover Letter Example

Connect personal interests with company mission.

When you mention your personal interests that align with the company's mission, it shows that your motivation goes beyond just having a job. This makes you stand out as someone genuinely passionate about their work and the goals of the organization.

Quantify achievements in materials science research

By providing specific numbers to showcase your achievements, such as a 20% increase in energy density for lithium-ion batteries, you make your contributions tangible and measurable. This helps hiring managers understand the impact you could bring to their team.

Highlight innovation in solar energy materials

Mentioning your work on cutting-edge materials for solar energy conversion demonstrates your involvement in innovative research. It also indicates your ability to drive projects that could have significant commercial and environmental impacts.

Showcase a blend of academic and industrial experience

Highlighting experience across both academic and commercial settings illustrates your versatile skill set. It suggests you are capable of bridging the gap between foundational research and practical, commercial applications, an invaluable trait in research roles.

Express enthusiasm for contributing to clean energy

Ending your cover letter by reiterating your interest in contributing to the company's clean energy goals emphasizes your commitment to their mission. It also opens the door for further discussions about how your skills and passions align with their objectives.

Show your passion for materials science research

Describing your journey in materials science not only showcases your experience but also your genuine interest in the field. This is key for employers who value not just skills, but also passion.

Align with the company's mission

Expressing how your interests align with the company’s goals demonstrates that you have researched the organization and understand its impact. This kind of alignment is crucial in materials science roles where innovation drives success.

Highlight collaboration in materials science

Stating your eagerness to work with a team shows that you value collaboration. In materials science research, working with a diverse team can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

Express enthusiasm for contributing to the team

Conveying excitement about joining the company and contributing to its mission shows your willingness to be a part of the team. It makes you more memorable to hiring managers.

Ending your cover letter by looking forward to discussing how your skills align with the company’s needs effectively opens the door for an interview. It’s a proactive way to move your application forward.

Senior Materials Engineer Cover Letter Example

Show your passion for the company's mission.

Expressing your excitement about the company's values and achievements can set you apart. It tells me you're not just looking for any job, but you're eager to contribute to what we stand for at 3M.

Highlight your achievements with numbers

Using percentages to show your past success gives a clear picture of your impact. It shows you're not just participating but leading changes that matter.

Value a positive work culture

Mentioning your appreciation for a collaborative and inclusive environment demonstrates you're a team player who will contribute positively to our workplace dynamic.

Connect your expertise to the role

When you clearly link your skills and experiences to what the role demands, it helps me see you as a potential fit right away. It's not just about the skills you have but how they will be utilized in this specific role at 3M.

Express eagerness to discuss your fit

Inviting further discussion shows your genuine interest in the role and openness to engage with us. It's a proactive step towards building a connection with the hiring team.

Materials Research Scientist Cover Letter Example

Show your lifelong commitment to the field.

Demonstrating your long-term passion for materials science helps me understand your genuine interest and dedication to this area of work. It paints you as someone who is here to grow and contribute significantly.

Illustrate your innovative contributions

Discussing specific achievements like developing a new technique or enhancing efficiency by a large margin tells me you're capable of leading groundbreaking work. It's exactly the kind of innovative thinking we value at LLNL.

Emphasize the desire for collaborative innovation

Your excitement about our interdisciplinary approach and facilities tells me you're eager to engage with our resources and community to push science forward. It shows you're a good match for our environment.

Blend your skills for the job

Describing how your unique mix of skills suits the diverse nature of challenges we tackle at LLNL makes your application compelling. It's not just about having skills but having the right combination to contribute effectively.

Initiate further dialogue

Ending with a note of thanks and a willingness to discuss your application further demonstrates professionalism and a keen interest in the opportunity at LLNL. It's a courteous and engaging way to wrap up your cover letter.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

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Cover letter

A well-written cover letter clearly explains why the submission will be of interest to the journal's readers.

It should also be used to highlight any potential issues such as related manuscripts currently under consideration in any other Springer Nature publication, as well as indicating whether you have had any prior discussions with a Springer Nature editor about the work described in the manuscript.

It is an opportunity to declare that the manuscript is not being considered for publication in any other journal and recommend or exclude reviewers (including the reasons why).

Finally, it can be used to address any issues encountered while submitting the manuscript. 

Cover letter checklist:

  • Check the journal’s Instructions for Authors for any cover letter requirements on the journals homepage.
  • Address the editor who will be assessing your manuscript by their name, if known.
  • Include the date of submission and the journal you are submitting to.
  • First paragraph: Include the title and article type (e.g. review, research, case study)  and briefly explain the background and question you sought out to answer and why.
  • Second paragraph: Concisely explain what was done, the main findings and why they are significant.
  • Third paragraph: Indicate why the readers of the journal would be interested in the work by showing how your study fulfils the aims and scope of the journal and point out the importance of it. 
  • To conclude, state the corresponding author and any journal-specific requirements that need to be complied with (e. g. ethical standards).
  • All cover letters should contain these sentences: "We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to [insert the name of the target journal]."

For more detailed information, please check How to submit a journal article: Cover letters . 

For a complete tutorial on article submissions, please check Submitting a journal manuscript and peer review .

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Cover letters

A good cover letter can help to “sell” your manuscript to the journal editor. As well as introducing your work to the editor you can also take this opportunity to explain why the manuscript will be of interest to a journal's readers, something which is always as the forefront editors’ mind. As such it is worth spending time writing a coherent and persuasive cover letter.

The following is an example of a poor cover letter:

Dear Editor-in-Chief, I am sending you our manuscript entitled “Large Scale Analysis of Cell Cycle Regulators in bladder cancer” by Researcher et al. We would like to have the manuscript considered for publication in Pathobiology. Please let me know of your decision at your earliest convenience. With my best regards, Sincerely yours, A Researcher, PhD

Instead, check to see whether the journal’s Instructions for Authors have any cover letter requirements (e.g. disclosures, statements, potential reviewers). Then, write a letter that explains why the editor would want to publish your manuscript. The following structure covers all the necessary points that need to be included.

  • If known, address the editor who will be assessing your manuscript by their name. Include the date of submission and the journal you are submitting to.
  • First paragraph: include the title of your manuscript and the type of manuscript it is (e.g. review, research, case study). Then briefly explain the background to your study, the question you sought out to answer and why.
  • Second paragraph: you should concisely explain what was done, the main findings and why they are significant.
  • Third paragraph: here you should indicate why the readers of the journal would be interested in the work. Take your cues from the journal’s aims and scope. For example if the journal requires that all work published has broad implications explain how your study fulfils this. It is also a good idea to include a sentence on the importance of the results to the field.
  • To conclude state the corresponding author and any journal specific requirements that need to be complied with (e.g. ethical standards).

TIP: All cover letters should contain these sentences:

  • We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal.
  • All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to [insert the name of the target journal].

Submission checklist

Before submitting your manuscript, thoroughly check its quality one more time. Evaluate it critically—could anything be done better?

Be sure that:

  • The manuscript follows the Instructions for Authors
  • All files are in the correct file format and of the appropriate resolution or size
  • The spelling and grammar are correct
  • You have contact information for all authors
  • You have written a persuasive cover letter

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Cover letter guidance

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A cover letter (sometimes referred to as a justification or letter to reviewers) is an excellent opportunity for you to promote your work to the editor and reviewers

Please note, these guidelines are relevant to all of our journals. Make sure that you check your chosen journal’s web pages for specific guidelines too.

This is a chance for you to explain the importance of the work submitted and why it is most suitable for the journal. Your cover letter will be sent to reviewers.*

Things to consider:

  • Make sure you state the correct journal name
  • Address your letter to the relevant Associate Editor or Executive Editor
  • Include a succinct statement about the importance and/or impact of your work
  • Avoid repeating information that is already in your abstract or introduction
  • Check your spelling
  • Don’t include preferred/non-preferred reviewers in your letter as these should be entered in the manuscript submission system only
  • Don’t refer to themed issue invitations or invited articles as these should be entered in the manuscript submission system only

*NB: cover letters are not sent to reviewers for  Chemical Science . Some journals may also have particular requirements to be included in the cover letter, please check the  journal specific guidelines  for further information. 

← View all guidelines for submitting your article

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Cover letter for your manuscript

A cover letter can be used to help convey a work’s importance to the editors. It should also be used to highlight any potential issues such as related manuscripts currently under consideration in any other Springer Nature publication, as well as indicating whether you have had any prior discussions with a Springer Nature editor about the work described in the manuscript. Please use the cover letter to declare that the manuscript is not currently being considered for publication in any other journal and, if necessary, please include any reviewers you wish to recommend or exclude (including the reasons why). Finally, the cover letter is a good place to include any other issues or anything you were unsure of, that you have encountered whilst submitting your manuscript.

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論文のカバーレターの書き方: Nature, Science, Cellへの道

Natureシリーズなどのトップジャーナルの論文誌に原稿を投稿する際、カバーレターでどうやって自分の原稿の魅力を伝えるか知りたいですか? トップジャーナルでは、ほぼ全ての原稿が、研究者にレビューされることなく1週間以内にエディタによってリジェクト されます。エディターキック(editor kick)とか、エディターリジェクト(editor reject)と呼ばれています。 このため、 率直に原稿の魅力をエディタに主張できるカバーレターは、Nature, Science, Cellといったトップジャーナルから採択されるために超重要 です。 この記事であ、カバーレターで何を書くべきか詳細に解説しました。高難度の論文誌にチャレンジ方は必読の内容です。

カバーレターに書くべきは以下の5点 です。 1. 原稿と一緒に何を提出したのか 2. 原稿には どんな魅力があるか 3. 査読者として相応しいと思う人のリスト 4. 査読者として相応しくない人のリスト 5. 共著者の情報 特に2が重要ですが、5つ全てを書く必要があります。この記事を読み終わるころには、何を書くべきか完全に分かるはずです。 また記事の最後にテンプレートを紹介するので、使用の検討をよろしくお願いします。

論文のカバーレターの書き方

1. 原稿と一緒に何を提出したのか

カバーレターにまず最初に書くべきことは、投稿した書類をエディターに伝えることです。 論文を投稿する際、論文誌のポータルサイトを経由していくつかのデータをエディターに投稿します。例えば、(1)原稿の本文、(2)カバーレター、(3)実験結果をサポートするデータなどです。 エディターとして絶対にやってはいけないのは、レビューワにデータを渡しそびれることです。 このため、 論文のタイトル、著者のデータと、ポータルサイトにアップロードした全てのデータとが一致していることを確認 できる内容をまず最初に書きます。 書く内容は簡単です。具体的には以下のように書けばいいだけです。 On 月. 日, 年, we submitted our manuscript “論文のタイトル” authored by "全員の著者". ”提出物1”, ”提出物2”, "提出物3", and "提出物4" were submitted with the manuscript.

原稿と一緒に何を提出したのか

私がNature Communicationsに投稿したカバーレターの冒頭は以下です。これで問題ないです。 On Aug. 10, 2021, we submitted our manuscript “Ultrahigh Strength and Shear-Assisted Separation of Sliding Nanocontacts Studied in situ,” authored by Takaaki Sato, Zachary B. Milne, XXXXXXXX and YYYYYYY. Supplementary Materials in the form of Supplementary Figures 1-15, Supplementary Discussion 1-3, and a Supplementary Movie were submitted with the manuscript.

2. 原稿には どんな魅力があるか

手短に(0.5ページ程度で)原稿のインパクトを紹介 しましょう。ここが一番重要な部分です。このとき、 3つのパラグラフを書きましょう 。 1つ目のパラグラフでは、 「何を発見したか」 書きます。何の現象を見たのか。どんな問題を解決したのか。その結果、どんな新しい科学的な発見があったのか説明します。 Here we show ...やIn this study...など、自分が成し遂げたことを率直に 言いましょう。読者に対して、どんなメッセージを届けるのか言うわけです。 2つ目のパラグラフでは、 「何でこれが重要なのか」 書きます。数あるトピックスの中からどうしてこの内容にフォーカスする必要があるか。どうして "今"、注目すべきなのか。 原稿に書かれたメッセージが、どのような読者に、どんな驚きを与えるのか 言います。 3つ目のパラグラフでは、 「何でこのジャーナルにふさわしいか」 書きます。フォーカスがこれに合っていることを説明します。さらに、自分の結果が "最高品質" であることを説明します。"最高品質" とは、何百年も未解決だった人類の疑問を解決したとか、世界中の人の行動を変える新しい判断基準を提案したとか、新しい産業を生み出すといった、影響が極めて大きいことです。 以上を0.5ページくらいで手短に書きましょう。ここで絶対に注意して欲しいのは、 原稿に書いてある文章と同じ文章をカバーレターに絶対に書いてはいけません 。エディタにとって同じ文章を2度読まされることになります。トップジャーナルだと即リジェクトです。 1つ目のパラグラフと2つ目のパラグラフを逆にして書いてもいいです。なんで重要なのかを先に書くのもアリです。それは音読してみてリズムがいいなと思う方にして下さい。

原稿には どんな魅力があるか

3. 査読者として相応しいと思う人

エディタの大きな仕事の1つとして、レビューワを決めることです。 大した経験のない人に査読をお願いしても査読の質が担保できない ためエディタにとって嬉しくないので、十分に実力のある先生 (世界的な権威であり、Nature, Science, Cellといった論文に投稿経験があり、査読経験もある先生) を提案しましょう。 これらの先生は あなたの研究内容をある程度知っていて 、今回の原稿についても事前に少しは説明していると良いと思います。査読者は 10人くらい は提案しましょう。このとき日本人を提案するのは、査読者として自分の友達を提案されたとエディタに思われるのでやめましょう。 提案するのは名前だけでなく、役職、所属、メールアドレスも書きましょう。エディタの仕事をできるだけ減らすことを意識しましょう。 * インパクトファクターが5未満の低難易度に分類される論文において、世界的な権威のある先生を提案する必要はなく、提案するのも5人程度で十分だと思います。知り合いの世界的権威を10人紹介するのは、Natureシリーズに原稿を投稿する場合だけです。

査読者として相応しいと思う人

具体的には、以下のように書きます。 We recommend these knowledgeable experts as possible referees: Prof. ”名前1”, ”所属機関1”, ”メールアドレス1”. Dr. ”名前2”, ”所属機関2”, ”メールアドレス2”. Prof. ”名前3”, ”所属機関3”, ”メールアドレス3”.     : Prof. ”名前10”, ”所属機関10”, ”メールアドレス10”.

4. 査読者として相応しくない人

あなたの仕事にいつも批判的な人はいるはずです。ろくに根拠もあげずにリジェクトしてくる人です。 根拠なく否定する人を必ず取り除きましょう 。 ただ、取り除けるのは3人くらいまでだと思って下さい。あまり多すぎても悪印象だと思います。 具体的には、以下のように書きます。 Finally, we respectfully request that you exclude "査読者にしてほしくない人1" and "査読者にしてほしくない人2" as referees, since they have exhibited bias against our work in the past. ちなみに、こうした海外の人の知り合いがほとんどいない場合、Gordon Research Conferenceという最高にいい学会があるので、この学会で気の合う人と、気の合わない人を見つけておくのはどうでしょうか?この記事がGordon Research Conferenceの紹介です。 [最高におすすめな学会:Gordon Research Conference]

査読者として相応しくない人

最後に全員の著者の情報を順々に書きます。ORCiDをのせましょう。エディタは著者たちの素性を調べます。高インパクトの論文に定期的に出版できているか? ハゲタカ論文ばかりに投稿していないか? などをチェックして研究者のキャリアを確認するそうです。Natureシリーズに30本以上採択されていたり、h指数は100を超えていると印象がよしです。 名前, 大学, Phone: XXXXXXX メールアドレス

著者の情報

解説つきのカバーレター

時間のない方、取りこぼしなく完成させたい方、今よりもう一つ上のランクの論文誌を目指したい方、ぜひこの解説つきのテンプレートを見てもらいたいです Nature Communicationsに採択された時のカバーレターもあります。 [この記事] でテンプレートを紹介してあるので、納得した上で使うか決めて頂きたいです。よろしくお願いします。

論文のカバーレターのテンプレ

トップジャーナルでは、ほぼ全ての原稿が研究者にレビューされるまでもなく、1週間以内にエディタによってリジェクトされます。 たとえ何億円かけた研究だったとしても、たとえ10年以上かけた研究だったとしても関係ありません。ほぼ全ての原稿がエディタによって投稿から1週間以内にリジェクトされます。 率直に原稿の魅力をアピールできるカバーレターは、高インパクトファクターになるほど重要になるわけです。 カバーレターでは... 1. 原稿と一緒に何を提出したのか 2. 原稿は、何が新しいのか、どんな波及効果があるか 3. 査読者として相応しいと思う人のリスト 4. 査読者として相応しくない人のリスト 5. 共著者の情報 特に2の部分が重要です。原稿の結果の魅力を率直に書きましょう。「何を発見したか」「何でこれが重要なのか」「何でこのジャーナルにふさわしいか」を0.5ページくらいで書けばいいです。 どうでしょう、これで書けるようになったでしょうか? これからもファーストクラスの論文をどんどん書いていきましょう。このサイトでは、常に上を目指す研究者を一生懸命に応援していきます!!

・原稿を投稿してもエディタに1週間以内にリジェクトされる可能性があります。エディターキックとかエディターリジェクトと呼ばれています。一度リジェクトしたらもう終わりなので、投稿前にこの記事でエディターキックについてさっと勉強してもらいたいです。 [エディターキック] ・[まとめ記事] NatureやScienceといったトップジャーナルの論文の書き方を記事にしました。まとめ記事でちょっと長いですが、網羅的に解説してあります。書き方のノウハウはもちろんのこと、どういった内容を書くべきかについても [この記事] で解説しました。 ・論文を書きますか? 解説つきのテンプレートを作りました。これには、このwebサイトの記事がリンクされるなどして解説がついており、記事の内容が実際にどのように論文に反映されるべきか実例を見ながら理解できます。研究者としてもっと上を目指したい方、ぜひ [この記事] を見てもらいたいです。 以上です!

本の宣伝: 科学技術の基礎の全てをカバーしながら、その応用についても紹介してあり、しかも1年くらいで全部読み終えられるちょうどいい本はないだろうかと長年思っていた。東京大学を首席で卒業し、Nature Communicationsに論文が採択され、アメリカ空軍研究所と共同研究した経歴があり、さらに大型コンピュータの研究開発に携わるなど、様々な国や機関で活躍してきた著者が書いた「科学技術の全般を理解できる本」発売中!

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17 Project Manager Cover Letter Examples

Project Managers excel at orchestrating complex operations, aligning resources, and steering projects to successful completion. Similarly, your cover letter is your platform to demonstrate your ability to manage, align, and steer your professional narrative towards your career goals. In this guide, we'll delve into top-notch Project Manager cover letter examples, helping you to construct a compelling narrative that showcases your project management prowess.

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Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Project Manager cover letter is by capturing the hiring manager's attention with a specific accomplishment that showcases your skills and leadership. Begin with a statement such as: 'Successfully overseeing a project that led to a 25% efficiency increase at [Previous Company], I recognized the value of thorough planning and cross-functional collaboration.' This not only establishes your credibility but also directly ties your experience to tangible results. From there, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and hint at how your skills align with the company's objectives. Such a start demonstrates your proactive nature, expertise, and understanding of the pivotal role a Project Manager plays in driving organizational success.

Project Managers should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and their belief in their ability to contribute positively to the company. This can be done by reiterating key skills or experiences that align with the job description. It's also important to express enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss the role further in an interview. For example: "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of project management skills and experience to your team, and I am confident that I can help drive successful project outcomes. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further. Thank you for considering my application." Remember to end with a professional closing like 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards', followed by your full name. This ending strikes a balance between professionalism and enthusiasm, leaving a positive impression on the hiring manager.

A Project Manager's cover letter should ideally be about one page long. This length is enough to succinctly present your skills, experiences, and achievements relevant to the job without overwhelming the reader. It's important to keep it concise and to the point, focusing on your most relevant experiences and how they align with the job requirements. Remember, hiring managers often have to go through numerous applications, so a shorter, well-crafted cover letter is more likely to hold their attention.

Writing a cover letter with no direct experience as a Project Manager can seem challenging, but it's important to remember that many skills are transferable and relevant to the role. Here are some steps to guide you: 1. **Research**: Understand the role of a Project Manager and the skills required. This will help you identify which of your experiences and skills are relevant. 2. **Introduction**: Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role. 3. **Highlight Relevant Skills**: Even if you haven't worked as a Project Manager, you likely have skills that are relevant to the role. These could include leadership, organization, communication, problem-solving, and time management. Discuss these skills and provide examples of when you've used them. 4. **Discuss Relevant Experiences**: If you've managed a project, even if it wasn't in a professional setting, it's worth mentioning. This could be anything from organizing a charity event to leading a group project at school. Be sure to discuss the outcomes of these projects and what you learned from them. 5. **Show Your Willingness to Learn**: As you don't have direct experience, it's important to show that you're eager to learn and grow in the role. You could mention any relevant courses or certifications you're planning to take. 6. **Closing**: In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the role and your willingness to bring your transferable skills to the job. Thank the employer for considering your application. Remember, your cover letter should be concise, professional, and tailored to the job description. Proofread it carefully to avoid any errors.

Related Cover Letters for Project Managers

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Agile Project Manager Cover Letter

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Assistant Project Manager Cover Letter

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Cover letter

A well-written cover letter clearly explains why the submission will be of interest to the journal's readers.

It should also be used to highlight any potential issues such as related manuscripts currently under consideration in any other Springer Nature publication, as well as indicating whether you have had any prior discussions with a Springer Nature editor about the work described in the manuscript.

It is an opportunity to declare that the manuscript is not being considered for publication in any other journal and recommend or exclude reviewers (including the reasons why).

Finally, it can be used to address any issues encountered while submitting the manuscript. 

Cover letter checklist:

  • Check the journal’s Instructions for Authors for any cover letter requirements on the journals homepage.
  • Address the editor who will be assessing your manuscript by their name, if known.
  • Include the date of submission and the journal you are submitting to.
  • First paragraph: Include the title and article type (e.g. review, research, case study)  and briefly explain the background and question you sought out to answer and why.
  • Second paragraph: Concisely explain what was done, the main findings and why they are significant.
  • Third paragraph: Indicate why the readers of the journal would be interested in the work by showing how your study fulfils the aims and scope of the journal and point out the importance of it. 
  • To conclude, state the corresponding author and any journal-specific requirements that need to be complied with (e. g. ethical standards).
  • All cover letters should contain these sentences: "We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to [insert the name of the target journal]."

For more detailed information, please check How to submit a journal article: Cover letters . 

For a complete tutorial on article submissions, please check Submitting a journal manuscript and peer review .

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Some example for cover letter for a Nature article?  

Insight from top 5 papers.

A cover letter is required when submitting a manuscript to scientific peer-review journals [??] . It serves as a brief business letter that introduces the scientific work and includes important information such as the name of the editor and journal, date of submission, characteristics of the manuscript, and contact information of the corresponding author(s) [??] . The cover letter also highlights the importance of the work and its relevance to prospective audiences, and may include declarations such as author agreements, conflicts of interest, funding sources, and ethical statements [??] . Additionally, it can provide suggestions of potential reviewers [??] . Spending time to draft a well-written, concise, and professional cover letter is crucial, as a poorly drafted one may lead to immediate rejection [??] .

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The ethical considerations surrounding AI use in the Nature Journal encompass several critical issues, including bias, accountability, and authorship integrity. Research highlights the necessity for human oversight in AI-generated content to prevent the dissemination of misleading information and to maintain the integrity of scientific writing . Additionally, the use of AI tools for screening submissions raises concerns about false allegations of misconduct, emphasizing the need for careful human review to ensure fairness and transparency . Ethical frameworks must also address data privacy, informed consent, and the potential for algorithmic bias, which can compromise the equity of research outcomes . Furthermore, the evolving nature of AI technologies necessitates continuous monitoring and adaptation of ethical guidelines to safeguard the integrity of scientific research . Collectively, these considerations underscore the importance of establishing robust ethical standards for AI applications in academic publishing.

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) research covers various fields, including climate change, sustainable development, urban planning, and ecosystem resilience. Studies emphasize the importance of integrating NbS to address challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity . Research highlights the urgent need to adopt NbS in industrial logistic areas to mitigate environmental threats posed by rapid urbanization and e-commerce growth . Furthermore, investigations focus on implementing NbS in forest ecosystems to enhance resilience against droughts through innovative water management strategies . NbS research also explores carbon-neutral energy generation and immune protective interventions as solutions to combat global warming and climate change, emphasizing the critical role of nature-based approaches in tackling these pressing environmental issues .

Authentication in nature is a concept that has been explored in various domains. The modern search for authenticity has led to a disconnection between the human subject and nature, resulting in a decreasing sustainability of our ecosystem . In the field of image processing, authentication plays a crucial role in image-based authentication systems. Various methods, such as pre-processing with Gaussian filters, feature extraction using the PSO algorithm, and categorization algorithms like ECNN, have been investigated to improve the precision of image classification . Additionally, the outdoor industry has different views on the appropriateness of technology use in nature-based tourism, highlighting the importance of considering authenticity in outdoor experiences . Overall, the concept of authenticity in nature is relevant in understanding the relationship between humans and the natural world, as well as in developing ethical frameworks and technological applications.

The nature of science is a multidimensional discipline that encompasses various aspects. It is not only a body of knowledge but also a process and a way of thinking . Science involves the process of scientific inquiry, which operates through testable assumptions and falsifiability. It incorporates all known factual data and aims to replace views that cannot be reconciled with self-consistent data . Science relies on objective observation methods that are repeatable, testable, and verify predictions. It can be categorized into discovery and justification, with justification being the essence of science . Science requires instrumentation to sample, isolate, transform, and record objective information from nature . The nature of science also involves philosophical and psychological realities, which are explored to uncover its true essence . Understanding the nature of science is crucial for a genuine comprehension of the disciplines it encompasses .

A nature photograph may not convey the same image to everyone. The relationship between photography and the real world is specific to the way the image is produced, giving photography its role as a tool for discovering and knowing the real world . However, the perception of nature in photography can vary depending on individual experiences and interpretations. Exposure to nature has been linked to individual well-being, connectedness, and prosocial behavior . Different individuals may have different levels of engagement with nature and beauty, which can influence their perception of nature in photographs . Additionally, the quality of a nature photograph can be affected by various factors such as the number of similar elements in the source image and the width of the overlap area . Therefore, the interpretation and impact of a nature photograph can vary among individuals based on their personal experiences, engagement with nature, and the quality of the photograph itself.

Trending Questions

The comparison of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and traditional transportation methods in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact reveals a complex interplay of factors. Traditional transportation methods, such as internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, have been extensively studied for their energy efficiency and environmental footprint. ISRU, on the other hand, offers potential benefits by utilizing local resources, which could reduce the need for transporting materials from Earth, thus potentially lowering energy consumption and environmental impact. However, the implementation of ISRU technologies is still in its nascent stages, and comprehensive data on their energy and environmental performance is limited. ## Energy Consumption - Traditional transportation methods, particularly those using internal combustion engines, are known for their high energy consumption. For instance, the use of biodiesel and hydrogen in Brazilian road cargo transportation has shown varying levels of thermal efficiency, with biodiesel and hydrogen achieving higher efficiencies compared to conventional diesel . - Aerodynamic drag is a significant factor in energy consumption for traditional transportation. In the U.S., 16% of total energy consumption is attributed to overcoming aerodynamic drag, with potential savings of $20 billion annually through drag reduction technologies . - Electric vehicles, while reducing gasoline consumption, shift the energy demand to electricity production, which can lead to regional environmental issues if electricity production and consumption are not aligned . ## Environmental Impact - The environmental impact of traditional transportation is significant, with internal combustion engines contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The use of alternative fuels like biodiesel and hydrogen can reduce emissions, but these technologies are still costly and require further development to become competitive . - The deployment of electric vehicles is seen as a strategy to reduce CO2 emissions, but it can create environmental challenges if not managed properly across regions . - ISRU could potentially reduce the environmental impact by minimizing the need for transporting materials from Earth, thus lowering emissions associated with transportation. However, the environmental benefits of ISRU are contingent on the efficiency and sustainability of the resource extraction and utilization processes. While ISRU presents a promising alternative to traditional transportation methods, particularly in reducing the need for material transport and associated emissions, its current implementation is limited by technological and economic challenges. Traditional methods, despite their environmental drawbacks, remain more established and widely used. The transition to more sustainable transportation solutions, including ISRU, will require significant advancements in technology and supportive policy frameworks.

The environmental impacts of cultivating maize (Zea mays) are multifaceted, encompassing soil health, water resources, and greenhouse gas emissions. Research indicates that while maize can enhance productivity, it also poses significant environmental challenges. ## Soil Health and Fertility - Continuous maize cultivation, especially with high nitrogen (N) fertilizers, can lead to soil desiccation, forming dried soil layers (DSLs) that deplete water resources in semiarid regions. - Long-term maize cultivation may also risk decreasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, which are crucial for maintaining soil fertility. ## Water Resources - Maize cultivation is associated with increased freshwater eutrophication and terrestrial acidification, particularly when compared to other forage crops. - High N application rates can exacerbate water depletion, as seen in studies where continuous maize cultivation significantly reduced soil moisture levels. ## Greenhouse Gas Emissions - The over-application of fertilizers contributes to nitrogen surplus, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O). - Optimal N management practices can mitigate these emissions while maintaining yield, highlighting the importance of balanced fertilization. In contrast, some studies suggest that maize can be integrated into sustainable agricultural practices, potentially reducing its environmental footprint when managed properly. This indicates a need for careful consideration of cultivation methods to balance productivity with ecological health.

To improve the ability to accumulate single-cell protein (SCP), several innovative strategies can be employed, focusing on optimizing fermentation processes, utilizing waste materials, and enhancing analytical techniques. ## Fermentation Optimization - **Pre-evaporation of Ethanol**: Utilizing a vacuum pump to remove ethanol during fermentation significantly boosts yeast growth, increasing SCP yield from 30 g to 60-90 g while reducing fermentation time from 24 hours to 9 hours. - **Natural Carbon Sources**: Incorporating turnip extract enhances sugar extraction from date palm residues, providing a cost-effective substrate for yeast fermentation. ## Waste Gas Conversion - **Gas Fermentation**: Employing aerobic and hydrogenotrophic bacteria to convert greenhouse gases into SCP presents a sustainable alternative. This method can utilize mixed gas streams, which are often overlooked, to enhance production efficiency. ## Advanced Analytical Techniques - **Single-Cell Proteomics**: Implementing tailored mass spectrometry methods, such as Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA), improves proteome profiling from limited samples, facilitating better understanding of cellular processes and enhancing SCP characterization. While these advancements show promise, challenges remain in scaling these methods for widespread application, particularly in ensuring economic viability and sustainability in SCP production.

Solar energy offers a sustainable alternative to conventional drying methods for seaweed, significantly reducing carbon footprints. By utilizing solar energy, the drying process becomes more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, addressing the inefficiencies and high energy consumption associated with traditional methods. This transition not only mitigates carbon emissions but also enhances the quality and efficiency of the drying process. ## Economic and Environmental Benefits - Solar thermal energy systems, such as those used for microalgae drying, demonstrate a reduction in fossil energy use and drying costs. For instance, a solar air collector system can reduce drying costs from 2.37 €/kg to 1.16 €/kg, highlighting the economic viability of solar energy in reducing carbon footprints . - Hybrid solar dryers (HSDs) have shown a significant reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions compared to traditional electrical dryers. The HSDs can achieve up to a 100% reduction in traditional energy consumption, leading to substantial financial returns from energy savings and carbon credits . ## Improved Drying Efficiency and Product Quality - A novel tray solar dryer for Eucheuma cottonii seaweed reduces drying time by two days compared to open sun drying, while maintaining product quality. This method achieves optimal drying kinetics and product quality, reducing moisture content effectively and preventing contamination . - Solar-driven ultrasonic drying devices further enhance drying efficiency by combining ultrasonic waves with greenhouse drying, improving water mass transfer rates and reducing energy consumption . ## Energy and Exergy Efficiency - Onshore solar dryers for seaweeds have demonstrated efficiencies of 33.58% for the dryer and 68% for the solar collector. Recommendations for improving exergy efficiency, such as air recirculation and thermal storage, can further minimize energy losses . While solar energy significantly reduces carbon footprints, the initial investment and technological adaptation may pose challenges. However, the long-term environmental and economic benefits, as demonstrated by these studies, make solar energy a promising alternative to conventional drying methods for seaweed.

Standardized protocols play a crucial role in enhancing rice growth stages by providing systematic methods for evaluating stress tolerance and optimizing breeding practices. These protocols facilitate the identification of resilient rice cultivars, ultimately improving yield and adaptability. ## Stress Tolerance Screening - **Drought and Salinity**: A standardized protocol was developed to assess rice cultivars under combined drought and salinity stress, revealing that physiological traits like chlorophyll fluorescence correlate with grain yield, thus aiding in breeding for resilience. - **Low Temperature**: New protocols mimicking cold conditions improved the differentiation of rice cultivars' growth responses, allowing for more effective screening of germplasm under realistic environmental stressors. ## Efficient Screening Methods - **Salinity Tolerance**: A rapid screening protocol using sterilized silica sand demonstrated superior reproducibility and efficiency in identifying salinity-tolerant rice lines compared to traditional hydroponic methods. - **Mutagenesis**: Establishing a standard protocol for EMS mutagenesis in rice has enabled the generation of mutant plants, enhancing genetic diversity and potential for improved traits. While standardized protocols significantly benefit rice growth stages by enhancing stress tolerance and breeding efficiency, it is essential to consider the variability in environmental conditions that may affect the applicability of these protocols across different regions.

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  • Published: 27 April 2023

What’s in your cover letter?

Nature Cancer volume  4 ,  pages 437–438 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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What are the dos and don’ts of cover letters and how can authors maximize their value?

Accompanying a submitted manuscript with a cover letter is not mandatory at this journal, meaning that a Nature Cancer editor would not reject a study because of a missing cover letter, but including one is customary and in some cases it is essential. Considered more generally, a cover letter is an additional tool at the author’s disposal to enhance communication with the editor and provide important information about the submission. From an editorial perspective, a well-written, informative cover letter can be a useful add-on when assessing a manuscript.

A cover letter is essential when important information must be conveyed directly to the editor in a confidential manner. For instance, if the authors have related manuscripts under consideration or in press elsewhere, they are required by our policy to disclose this in the cover letter and provide these studies for the editor’s perusal (and, if deemed essential, also for the perusal of the referees). This does not apply to preprints of the submitted manuscript, but authors are welcome to state in the cover letter whether they have deposited a preprint ( a practice we encourage ).

Also essential to raise in the cover letter are cases of manuscripts co-submitted to our journal, explaining the arguments for their co-publication. Although at Nature Cancer each submission is evaluated on its own merits for its potential to be published as a standalone study, we always strive for editorial consistency in our decisions and consider ways in which to enhance a paper’s message and visibility. Co-publication of two individually strong, independently confirmatory or conceptually complementary studies can be a powerful argument for further editorial consideration.

If an author opts into double-anonymous peer review , the mechanism that allows reciprocal anonymity between authors and referees, the cover letter is where authors should include the full author names, order and affiliations, and the mandatory acknowledgements section, author contributions statement and competing interests declaration, for the submission record. This information can be moved to the manuscript after successful completion of the peer review, while the study is being prepared for publication.

Filed under essential, but sometimes overlooked by authors: cover letters are the place to raise editor-confidential issues of a more sensitive nature. Chief among these are situations of direct and active competition in the form of similar manuscripts by other groups that are in preparation or under consideration elsewhere. The cover letter is where authors should mention any such cases and relevant specifics, to enable the editor to successfully navigate the competitor landscape facing the manuscript and direct the peer-review process speedily.

The cover letter is also a place to summarize information that could be collected in other parts of the manuscript submission form, to simplify editorial handling of the study. For example, authors can state any prior interactions with Nature Cancer editors in the cover letter. In addition, at this journal we permit up to three referee exclusions, and the cover letter is a good place to note which researchers the authors would prefer were not contacted as referees. It is also a good place to list referee suggestions. Even though the editor is not bound by them (after all, referee selection is a critical part of an editor’s job and involves careful vetting for expertise and potential conflicts of interest, among other things), we always welcome suggestions for potential experts in different fields, as we continuously aim to expand our pool of reviewers.

Beyond these practical uses, a cover letter becomes particularly valuable when authors use it as a written substitute for an in-person interaction with the editor through which to give a high-level pitch of the study and share their enthusiasm about it. Editors are scientists, even if we have left the lab. Beyond identifying the papers we consider suitable for our journal on the basis of their scientific merits, their level of advance in light of the published literature, their depth of experimental and analytical development and broad interest and relevance to the cancer field, our job involves sharing in the excitement of scientific discovery and championing the papers we peer review and publish. Through the cover letter, authors can communicate directly to us why their study is exciting, why it is important for the field and why it should be published in our journal and no other. This should not be done by reiterating the information included in the abstract — the editor will read not only the abstract but also the full manuscript, in detail — or through platitudes and vague statements about research that is paradigm-shifting. All work published in Nature Cancer aims to further knowledge and cures for this family of diseases, be it through fundamental scientific discovery, preclinical investigations, or translational or clinical work. Stating in the cover letter that a manuscript contributes to the field in this broad manner amounts to a truism as far as this journal is concerned. Editorially, we are more interested in the ‘how’. How is this study furthering the understanding and treatment of cancer in an important, impactful way that will advance or alter the way the field thinks?

Thus, the cover letter is the author’s opportunity to share not only the salient points of their work — its main message and key findings — but also their candid perspective on the major points of advance and importance. It goes without saying that this information should be presented in detail in the manuscript itself and that ultimately the editor will determine which aspects might weigh for further consideration of the paper at this journal. However, a cover letter with the authors’ clear point of view — a snapshot that zooms into the essentials — can aid the maturation of the editorial perspective on the study. In the cancer field, papers can be interdisciplinary, with multiple threads that come together into one complex story. Do the authors consider the key advance to be foundational, translational or clinical, or is there a technical point of major interest? Is the study answering an important open question or going against long-held ideas? Is the take-home message a much-needed cancer drug, model or method, or a new layer of fundamental knowledge? Focusing on specifics, mentioning key literature and highlighting implications for the field, while flagging limitations and steering clear of hype, are important for getting across the authors’ view on the implications of their work. Although not mandatory, if not already present in the manuscript figures, a graphical abstract can be included in the cover letter to summarize the key findings in a visual manner.

In outlining this information, it is important to be succinct. The editor will assess the full manuscript in depth, so lengthy repetition in the cover letter is not helpful. Ideally the cover letter should be about a page long.

To summarize: do include a cover letter with your submission. Do not rehash the abstract. Focus on the key findings. Do not forget to include limitations and challenges. Convey the importance of your work — do not underplay it, but also avoid overhyping. Include information for the editor’s eyes only. Flag prior interactions with editors. Keep it short and to the point.

We hope these pointers are helpful and look forward to reading your submitted manuscripts and their accompanying cover letters!

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What’s in your cover letter?. Nat Cancer 4 , 437–438 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43018-023-00559-2

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Published : 27 April 2023

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