ToC

Be sure you use the proper cover letter format to make your cover letter readable and professional.

Copy-and-Paste Editorial Assistant Cover Letter Template (Text Format)

(Your Address)

(Today’s Date)

(Hiring Manager’s Name)
(Company Name)
(Company Address)

Dear (Mr/Ms/Mx) (Hiring Manager’s Surname),

I’m excited to apply for the Editorial Assistant position within the Pan Non-Fiction team at (Company Name). As a passionate reader of non-fiction and someone who thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments, I’m eager to contribute to your renowned publishing list, which features influential authors such as Angela Merkel, Tim Berners-Lee, and Jacinda Ardern.

In my previous role as an editorial intern at a boutique publishing house, I gained hands-on experience managing administrative workflows and supporting acquisitions. I developed and maintained accurate metadata systems, researched market trends, and assisted in preparing manuscripts for production. With strong written and verbal communication skills, I frequently liaised with authors and internal teams to ensure smooth project progression.

My organisational strengths have been honed through experience coordinating team meetings, coding invoices, and handling schedule enquiries with accuracy and professionalism. A keen eye for detail has allowed me to manage tasks such as picture research and permissions clearance with precision. Furthermore, I’m highly adaptable, quick to learn new software, and thrive under tight deadlines.

Joining the Pan Non-Fiction team would be a thrilling opportunity to combine my passion for compelling storytelling with my commitment to operational excellence. I’m eager to bring my conscientious approach and enthusiasm to your creative, fast-paced environment.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to discuss how my skills align with your needs in more detail, and can be reached on 07123 456 789.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)


How to write an editorial assistant cover letter

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a cover letter in a way that makes you seem like the best candidate for the job.

A well-crafted editorial assistant cover letter should highlight your passion for writing and publishing, your understanding of the hiring company, and your ability to meet the demands of the job. It bridges the gap between your CV and what the employer is looking for.

As a writer and former editorial assistant, I know the power a strong cover letter can have in this competitive field. To give you the best shot at your next editorial position, here are three top tips to keep in mind when writing your cover letter:

1. Hook your reader

The opening line of your cover letter should grab the reader’s attention by addressing their needs and demonstrating your understanding of the role.

Your opening should include the following elements:

  • Target job title
  • Company name
  • A brief reason for applying

And remember, editorial roles are rooted in creativity and communication, so don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through.

Stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform, and as someone who has spent years honing my editorial skills, I was thrilled to see your opening for an Editorial Assistant at [Company Name].

 

This approach is engaging and confident, showing enthusiasm for the craft and alignment with the company’s mission.

You should still reflect the employer’s tone and brand image when writing a creative introduction. Don’t open with something overly casual or zingy if you’re applying for a role at an academic publisher.

2. Show your passion for the field

Employers in publishing want candidates who care deeply about the industry and their specific mission.

In this regard, The best cover letters connect personal experiences to the company’s content or mission:

I’ve long admired your commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in fiction. Your recent anthology, ‘Voices Unheard,’ not only inspired me but solidified my ambition to contribute to work that celebrates diversity in storytelling.

The applicant’s enthusiasm really shines through this example. They are clearly familiar with the company and their mention of its role in inspiring their career adds flavour to the cover letter.

They don’t just claim to be passionate about the job — they prove it.

3. Match your tone to the company

Editorial teams are highly attuned to tone and voice — it’s their bread and butter — so your cover letter should reflect their style.

For example, if you’re applying to a corporate publishing house, keep your tone polished and formal:

I am eager to bring my skills in research, proofreading, and project coordination to your editorial team, supporting the production of high-quality content that aligns with your reputation for excellence.

On the other hand, if the company is a creative indie magazine with a conversational tone, you can afford to show more personality:

Your article on managing the push-and-pull of creativity and deadlines resonated with me — I thrive on that balance and would be excited to bring that skill to your team.

This strategy makes a significant difference. It makes the hiring manager feel like you’re already part of the team. Just be careful to maintain professionalism if you do take a creative angle. Being too casual can harm your application.

Build a standout cover letter in just a few clicks using our cover letter builder.


Seb Morgan
Written by

Seb Morgan

Seb Morgan is a Career Counsellor for CV Genius, where he helps job seekers and professionals get more out of their careers. With over 7 years of experience in business and lifestyle journalism, he's written for a stack of careers-focused publications, including Oxbridge Home Learning, Study International, theHRDirector, and Employee Benefit News, and his expertise includes skill development, interview preparation, and CV and cover letter writing. West Midlands born and raised, Seb has since lived, worked, and studied in 4 countries across 2 continents. He speaks 4 languages and has survived job interviews in 3 of them. He currently also freelances as a travel and culture writer. Reach him at [sebastian] @ [cvgenius.com] or via LinkedIn.