If you're submitting a manuscript to an APA-style journal, you might think the cover letter is just a formality. But editors often read it first, and a clear, professional letter can set the tone for your entire submission. It's your chance to introduce your work, explain why it fits the journal, and confirm that you've followed the required ethical and formatting guidelines.
APA style is more than just citations and references—it's a framework for clear, ethical communication in psychology and related fields. A cover letter in APA style should reflect that same professionalism. That means being concise, transparent about your study's details, and respectful of the editor's time. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or submitting your first paper, the letter matters.
Below, you'll find six complete sample letters for different situations, from a standard research report to a revision resubmission. Each includes editable fields so you can adapt it to your needs. Use them as templates, but always personalize the content to your specific study and target journal. And remember: while these samples follow common practices, they are not a substitute for the journal's own submission guidelines or professional advice.
Standard Research Report Submission
This is the most common scenario: submitting a new empirical study to a journal. The letter should briefly state the title, the research question, and why the study matters. Mention the journal's scope and confirm that the manuscript follows APA style and ethical guidelines. Keep it to one page.
I am pleased to submit my manuscript, "[Manuscript Title]," for consideration for publication in [Journal Name]. This study examines [briefly state the research question or hypothesis] and provides new insights into [key finding or contribution].
I believe this work is a strong fit for [Journal Name] because [explain alignment with journal scope, e.g., its focus on developmental psychology or its readership of practitioners]. The manuscript follows APA style guidelines, and all authors have approved the submitted version. The study was conducted in accordance with ethical standards, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Thank you for considering this manuscript. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Brief Report or Short Communication
Some journals publish brief reports or short communications that are shorter than full-length articles. In these cases, the cover letter should emphasize the conciseness and focused nature of the work. Highlight why the findings are important enough to warrant a brief format and confirm that the manuscript meets the journal's word limit.
I am submitting a brief report titled "[Manuscript Title]" for consideration in [Journal Name]. This study investigates [research question] and offers a concise, focused contribution to the literature on [topic].
Given the journal's interest in [specific area], I believe this brief report will be of value to your readers. The manuscript is [word count] words, excluding references and tables, and adheres to the journal's guidelines for brief reports. All ethical and APA style requirements have been met.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Email]
Revision and Resubmission
When resubmitting a revised manuscript, the cover letter should acknowledge the editor's and reviewers' feedback and summarize how you have addressed each point. Be specific about changes made and indicate where they can be found in the revised manuscript. Maintain a respectful and appreciative tone.
Thank you for the opportunity to revise and resubmit our manuscript, "[Manuscript Title]," for consideration in [Journal Name]. We are grateful for the thoughtful comments from the reviewers and the editor, which have helped us improve the paper.
In response to the feedback, we have made the following changes:
– [Briefly describe change 1, e.g., expanded the literature review in the introduction]
– [Briefly describe change 2, e.g., added a new analysis to address the concern about statistical power]
– [Briefly describe change 3, e.g., clarified the implications in the discussion]
A detailed point-by-point response to each reviewer comment is included with our submission. We believe these revisions have strengthened the manuscript and hope it is now suitable for publication.
Thank you for your continued consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Email]
Special Issue Submission
Special issues focus on a specific theme, and the cover letter should explicitly connect your manuscript to that theme. Mention the special issue call and explain how your work contributes to the topic. This helps the editor see the fit immediately.
I am writing to submit my manuscript, "[Manuscript Title]," for the special issue on [Special Issue Theme] in [Journal Name]. This study addresses [research question] and directly contributes to the theme by [explain connection, e.g., examining the role of culture in emotion regulation].
I was drawn to this special issue because [briefly state why the theme is important to you and how your work aligns]. The manuscript follows APA style and has not been published or submitted elsewhere. All authors have approved the submission.
Thank you for considering this work for the special issue.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Email]
Student or Early-Career Researcher Submission
If you are a student or early-career researcher, you may feel uncertain about submitting to a journal. The cover letter can briefly note your status and emphasize the mentorship and institutional support behind the work. This is not an apology—it's context that can be helpful to editors.
I am pleased to submit my manuscript, "[Manuscript Title]," for consideration in [Journal Name]. This study was conducted as part of my [degree program, e.g., doctoral dissertation] at [University Name] under the supervision of [Supervisor's Name].
The research examines [research question] and offers implications for [practical or theoretical contribution]. I believe it aligns with the journal's scope and readership. The manuscript adheres to APA style and ethical guidelines, and all authors have approved the submission.
As an early-career researcher, I am grateful for the opportunity to have my work considered by [Journal Name]. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Email]
Cover Letter for a Registered Report
Registered reports are a unique format where the study is reviewed before data collection. The cover letter should emphasize the pre-registration aspect and the importance of the research question. Confirm that the study has not yet been conducted and that you are seeking in-principle acceptance.
I am submitting a registered report titled "[Manuscript Title]" for consideration in [Journal Name]. This proposal outlines a study designed to test [research question or hypothesis] using [methodology]. The study has not yet been conducted, and we are seeking in-principle acceptance based on the strength of the proposed design and analysis plan.
We believe this research is well-suited to [Journal Name] because [explain fit, e.g., the journal's commitment to transparent research practices]. The manuscript follows APA style and includes a detailed pre-registration plan. All authors have approved the submission.
Thank you for considering this registered report.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Email]
These samples are starting points—always tailor your letter to the specific journal and your study. Read the journal's submission guidelines carefully, as some require additional statements about data availability, conflicts of interest, or author contributions. When in doubt, consult a mentor or colleague, or seek professional editorial assistance. A well-crafted cover letter won't guarantee acceptance, but it can help your manuscript get the careful consideration it deserves.