“I’ve never seen your magazine, but…” Unfortunately, I can’t count on just two hands the number of times I’ve received a cover letter that begins with these words. No editor wants to know that you haven’t bothered to read his or her publication. In reality, we all know that an author can’t afford to buy a sample copy of every single publication he or she wishes to submit to, but you don’t need to announce your ignorance. If a sample is free or you can afford it, by all means read one before submitting your work. If you can’t afford a sample, review the publication’s website and guidelines, and learn as much about it as you can. If you like something about the publication (selected literature on the website, the fact that it fills a void in the publishing world), mention that in your cover letter. But, as your mother told you, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” When you know little or nothing about the publication you are sending poetry to, stay silent on the subject.
5. Insincere Compliments
While it helps to let an editor know what you like about his or her publication, don’t exaggerate. An editor can discern a genuine compliment from an insincere one, and he or she may actually regard obsequiousness as an insult. And above all, don’t lie. I once received a cover letter in which the author claimed to have read and admired several copies of my magazine. I had never mailed a copy to this individual, and my magazine is available by subscription and mail order only, so I had to doubt his veracity. If you have never seen the publication to which you are submitting, simply refrain from mentioning anything about it. If you want to say something kind, say something truthful. For instance, you might say that you appreciate that the publisher has started a magazine to fill a special niche market of particular interest to you.