Be sure you use the proper cover letter format to make your cover letter readable and professional.
Publishing Cover Letter Template (Text Format)
(Your Address)
(Today’s Date)
(Contact Person’s Name)
Head of Publishing
(Company Name)
(Company Address)
Dear Mr/Ms/Mx (Contact Person’s Surname),
I’m writing to express my keen interest in the Publishing Assistant position at LSE Press. With a strong academic background in the social sciences and a passion for open-access publishing, I’m eager to contribute to your mission of advancing open social science practices through high-quality publications.
During my postgraduate studies in (Your Degree) at (Your University), I developed exceptional research, organisational, and analytical skills, which I applied while assisting in the publication of departmental research journals. Coordinating submissions, liaising with authors, and managing deadlines gave me a solid foundation in the publication lifecycle. These experiences honed my attention to detail and my ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
In my role as (Your Previous Role), I provided administrative support to a busy editorial team, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. I excelled in maintaining meticulous records, coordinating communications, and delivering excellent service to contributors and stakeholders. My proactive and adaptable approach, combined with strong interpersonal skills, makes me well-suited to supporting LSE Press’s growing publishing programme.
I’m excited by the opportunity to grow with (Company Name) and contribute to its vision of becoming a leading open-access publisher in the social sciences. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm align with your team’s goals.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
(Your Name)
How to write a publishing 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.
From my experience, hiring managers in publishing look for people who not only have the necessary qualifications but also demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for their work and the industry itself.
As a CV and cover letter expert, I’ve learnt that a well-crafted cover letter sets the tone, shows that you’ve done your research, and helps you stand out in a highly competitive field. It’s not just about stating what you’ve done — it’s about connecting your experience to what the employer values most, in your voice.
1. Tailor it to the publisher and role
The example cover letter’s opening paragraph directly addresses LSE Press’ mission and makes an immediate connection between their work and the candidate’s background.
By referencing their focus on ‘advancing open social science practices through high-quality publications’ the applicant shows that they understand the company’s values and is enthusiastic about contributing to their vision. Mentioning ‘open-access publishing’ highlights not only the candidate’s research but also their awareness of key trends in the field.
This targeted approach is key in publishing, where employers want to know you’re familiar with their specific niche.
2. Showcase industry knowledge
In the second paragraph, the candidate strategically highlights their hands-on experience with the publication process during their postgraduate studies.
Referencing tasks such as ‘coordinating submissions, liaising with authors, and managing deadlines’ positions them as someone who’s already familiar with key aspects of the publishing lifecycle.
This experience shows that they’re not only passionate about publishing but that they’ve actively worked within its framework.
The inclusion of ‘departmental research journals’ also connects directly to LSE Press’s academic focus, proving their relevance to the team. By highlighting transferable skills like ‘research, organisational, and analytical abilities’, the candidate is showing that they’ve already honed the skills necessary for success in this role.
3. Highlight transferable skills
The third paragraph reinforces the candidate’s readiness by focusing on their professional experience supporting an editorial team.
They’ve deliberately framed their responsibilities — such as ‘maintaining meticulous records, coordinating communications, and delivering excellent service’ — in a way that mirrors what a Publishing Assistant at LSE Press would do.
Phrases like ‘seamless day-to-day operations’ and ‘proactive and adaptable approach’ show that the candidate thrives in fast-paced environments.
Rather than describing their previous role generically, they’ve tailored the language to align with the job description. By presenting themself as a skilled administrator with an eye for detail and a collaborative attitude, they’ve made it easy for the employer to see them as an ideal fit for their team.
4. Close with confidence
The closing paragraph of this cover letter strikes a confident and optimistic tone, which is essential in a competitive industry like publishing.
By reiterating their alignment with LSE Press’s vision and expressing excitement about contributing to their open-access programme, the candidate leaves the reader with a strong impression of enthusiasm and commitment.
Phrasing like ‘I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm align with your team’s goals’ is a polite yet confident way of inviting further conversation.
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