How to write a cover letter for a publishing job
Breaking into the UK publishing industry can be challenging - I’m not going to lie. I have hired well over 20 people, and when I was last looking for a Marketing Assistant, I received over 300 applications in just seven days.
Many of the big publishers now have recruitment programmes that include Q&As and blind assessments - which I prefer. However, some publishers still require a cover letter when applying for a job. Knowing how to craft a strong cover letter is a valuable skill to have in general.
Your cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your passion, skills, and unique qualifications in more detail than your topline CV.
Highlight relevant experience to the job you’re applying for
Too often, I read cover letters that have clearly been copied and pasted from previous applications. Your cover letter needs to be tailored. I know it’s frustrating to edit or rewrite it every single time, but it makes a world of difference.
Your experience should be highlighted in relation to the specific job you’re applying for. If you have a job description - use it! Identify repeated words or key requirements and focus on showcasing your relevant experience that demonstrates those skills.
For example, if the job description emphasises ‘creativity,’ make sure to highlight your creativity in the cover letter with relevant evidence - whether from a previous role, a hobby, or another experience. Since a cover letter should fit on one side of A4, you can probably include 3–4 well-structured paragraphs.
Don’t worry too much about formalities
A lot of advice suggests you should ‘start strong’ with a formal introduction like:
‘Dear {Hiring Manager}, I am applying for the role of XX at XXX company...’
Instead, just get straight into it:
‘As a XXX at XX company, I’m looking to transition into the position of XX at XX because I have experience in XXX...’
Never use ‘Dear Sirs,’ and honestly, I’d recommend skipping the extra formalities altogether, just dive into the content and save yourself a line.
Showcase your passion
Publishing is all about a passion for books and storytelling - we feed off it like vampires. For the best results, convey your enthusiasm for the industry and, more importantly, for the company you’re applying to.
Don’t go off on a tangent about a competitor or talk about your long-term dream to become an ‘Editorial Director.’ Focus on the here and now - why do you want this job?
Explain what draws you to the company and the role, what you hope to achieve in the position, and how your skills, passion, and experience can contribute to its success.
Keep it concise and engaging
Hiring managers don’t have time to read lengthy, rambling cover letters. Keep your writing concise, engaging, and to the point. Avoid repeating your CV word for word, we’ve already got your job history we now need to learn about your strengths and how they would benefit the company in this role.
Use your cover letter to add depth, context, and personality to your overall application. A well-structured, clearly written letter will stand out far more than one packed with unnecessary and/or repetitive details from your CV.
For further information on how to break into publishing, check out my Publishing Hopeful’s Toolkit. Hachette has previously offered advice on how to craft a cover letter.