It is quite a long enough process – and now, I must also write a letter to explain why the editor should consider my work. I have done (my part of) the research, (co/)written the paper, chosen keywords, followed the journal’s exacting formatting requirements, re-made the figures, checked supplementary information, metadata etc, checked addresses for co-authors, considered possible cover photos, compiled a list of suitable reviewers, written a lay summary, a 140 character summary, a short version of the title etc., etc. Now, when I come to write a cover letter I am not so much frozen in fear, as mildly annoyed that I must jump through yet another hurdle before submission. Given that I was putting this amount of pressure on myself, it’s a wonder I ever got the letter written, and perhaps even more surprising that the letter served its purpose – though I suspect what I do not remember so clearly are the extensive edits from my supervisors. all other constellations would result in a bounce.
![manuscript cover letter manuscript cover letter](https://www.museumlegs.com/g/004-research-paper-cover-letter-for-how-to-make-letters-examples-collection-of-solutions-scienti-960x1243.jpg)
There seemed to be one magic constellation of pixels that I was pursuing – that magic constellation forming the words that would transport my manuscript through to peer review at Nature ….
![manuscript cover letter manuscript cover letter](https://www.museumlegs.com/g/015-cover-letter-for-manuscript-submission-the-sample-article-publication-research-480x622.jpg)
![manuscript cover letter manuscript cover letter](https://corporate.bdjobs.com/logos/86967_0.jpg)
The typed letters on the screen in front of me became meaningless collections of pixels. I vividly remember sitting frozen, hands poised over the keyboard, desperately seeking the words for my first ever cover letter.