Editor Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide

Your editor cover letter needs a strong lede, an engaging first-paragraph, and enough hard research to get you past the paywall. That starts with knowing the publication and the job requirements. Then, give a glimpse of your past editor achievements to compel them to pick up the phone.

This guide will show you an editor cover letter sample and the best tips on how to write a cover letter for editor jobs step-by-step.

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Editor Cover Letter Sample

That’s a Booker-worthy cover letter sample.

But your resume counts for even more. See our guide: Editor Resume Sample

Looking for other creative or writing jobs? See these guides:

• Editorial Assistant Cover Letter Sample
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• Social Media Manager Cover Letter Sample
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• Cover Letter Sample for Job Application: All Careers

Editor Cover Letter Template

Here’s how to write a cover letter for an editor job application:

1. Use the best editor cover letter format and layout

Here’s what a good cover letter should look like:

• Margins: 1 inch.
• Paragraphs: 3 to 4.
• Cover letter font: Choose a professional font (Didot, Cambria, Trebuchet, Verdana).
• Cover letter line spacing: 1.15.
• Use a modern cover letter template to make your document easy on the eye.

Read more: Cover Letter Outline: Best Examples

2. Write a professional editor cover letter header

• First step: write your address.
• List your name, job title, physical address, phone number, email, and LinkedIn.
• Add a blank line, today’s date, then another blank line.
• Include the manager’s name, title, and street address.
• Design your cover letter header so it matches your resume header.

Read more: How to Address a Cover Letter

3. Write a personal greeting and a gripping first paragraph

• Start with “Dear [Manager Name],”, forget the old-fashioned “To Whom It May Concern” cover letter salutation.
• Name the job title you’re applying for.
• Say something good about the publication with wording from their mission statement.
• Describe the job duties from the ad, so they know you’re on the ball.
• Convey passion for the role.

Read more: Best Ways to Start a Cover Letter

4. Show editorial achievements in your second paragraph

• List a few ways you fit the job.
• Include resume achievements that drive your points home.
• Add numbers to put yourself in the LA-Times-zone.

Not sure what to say? See our guide: What Should a Cover Letter Say?

5. Tell why you want this editor job

• Use the middle part of your cover letter to show you care about this editor job.
• This is the only way to reassure them you won’t get bored soon and move on.
• To do it, tell them how the role would improve your career and skills.

Editor jobs are falling fast, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We lose 340 editorial positions for year in the U.S., so your cover letter can’t be boilerplate.

6. End your editor cover letter with an offer

• Tell them you’d value the interview.
• Promise an engaging discussion about meeting the publication’s goals.
• Don’t mention salary requirements in your cover letter.
• Ask to set up a meeting.

Read more: How to End a Cover Letter

7. Add a professional sign-off at the end

• Finish with, “Best regards,”.
• Include a digitized version of your signature for added professionalism.
• End with your name, title, phone number, and email.

Read more: Perfect Cover Letter for Any Job

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Questions? Concerns? We’re here for you. If you’re still unsure how to write a Chicago-Tribune-level cover letter for copy and content editor jobs, drop me a line in the comments.

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.