Writer Cover Letter for 2024 (Example & Template)

Securing a place as a writer can be challenging, but creating a good cover letter can be your ticket to success. If you are passionate about storytelling, entertainment, or data analysis, a writing career can be your calling.

Let us walk you through the must-have cover letter sections and best practices to make your application shine amongst the competition.

In this guide, we cover:

• Examples of different types of writers in the UK

• Tips on how to write each section of your cover letter

• Strategies to ensure your CV and cover letter are applicant tracking systems (ATS)-friendly

• Samples and advice for writers with no experience.

Explore our diverse collection of cover letter templates to help you streamline your application.

Writer cover letter example

Download this writer cover letter sample in PDF

This writer cover letter CV example features Kai Grey, who adeptly presents strong writing skills and career accomplishments through a concise cover letter, positioning himself as a qualified and experienced candidate. He highlights his skills in writing, editing, market research, A/B testing, and cross-team collaboration, which are all valuable for the editor's position Kai is applying for.

• The cover letter uses a modern format and is aligned with the CV example.

• It follows a clear structure, using concise language and a professional font to make a lasting impression.

• The personal details strategically display the candidate's city as the current location and phone number for a hiring manager to schedule a follow-up interview.

• The body of the cover letter walks the recruiter through Kai's relevant work experience and measurable accomplishments.

Ready to kickstart your writing career? Begin your application today and explore our matching writer CV example to help you ace your job application.

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What to include in a writer cover letter?

An impactful cover letter needs to be brief and tailored to your job in writing. Whether highlighting journalism achievements, content creation expertise, or editing skills, it should emphasise how your unique skills align with the job description. Remember to research the company culture beforehand to understand better the job's criteria and keywords you need to incorporate throughout your career documents.

The structure is simpler than you think. Include the following must-have sections for your cover letter content to ensure it aligns with the job's criteria:

• Personal details

• Salutation

• Introduction

• Body

• Conclusion.

• Sign-off.

Explore our writing guide on how to structure your cover letter for more insights into different sections.

A modern writer's cover letter is a snapshot of your experience and accomplishments. It usually follows a chronological format, like your corresponding CV. It offers a quick overview of your writing journey. Writers and authors delve into research for authentic storytelling and create content across various media, such as advertisements, blogs, books, magazines, and scripts for movies, plays, and television.

For more insights on tailoring your cover letter, read our blog on a master vs job-specific CV. Remember that your CV goes hand in hand with your cover letter, so learning strategies to plan your time and arrange different cover letter parts can be beneficial for your success.

1. Introduction: How to kickstart a writer cover letter

The opening paragraph of your cover letter aims to capture the hiring manager's attention. Personalising your cover letter increases the likelihood of making a successful connection with the reader. Emphasise your customer service skills, achievements, and ability to work collaboratively. Express enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company's goals.

• Provide a concise yet impactful overview of your qualifications, echoing the career goals and soft skills outlined in your personal profile on a CV.

• Make a good first impression by writing a strong hook and motivation behind your application.

• State the exact job position you're applying for, such as medical or bid writer

• Address your cover letter to the hiring manager using the 'Dear Mr/Ms (Last name)' format. A simple 'Dear Hiring Manager' also suffice if the name is unknown.

Need more tips? Refer to our article on how to start a cover letter.

Refer to the closely related marketing cover letter example for more examples and tips you can apply to your cover letter.

Here are five examples of top skills employers look for in your CV or cover letter:

• Content creation: Showcase your skill in generating engaging and compelling content tailored to a specific audience.

• Editing: Highlight your meticulous approach to reviewing and refining written materials.

• Project management: Demonstrate your organisational skills by detailing successful management of editorial projects or content calendars.

• Research skills: Showcase your proficiency in conducting thorough research to enhance the quality and accuracy of your writing.

• Adaptability: Emphasise your capacity to adapt your writing style to different audiences and project requirements.

2. Body: How to write the core of your writer cover letter

In the body of your cover letter, delve into why you are interested in the desired role and why you are the ideal candidate. Align your skills, experiences, and career aspirations with the position and the organisation's values. Only include verifiable information and reserve any additional claims for the interview stage.

While cover letters are flexible in structure, we suggest dividing the body into two paragraphs.

Paragraph 1: 

• Present your skills and experience to align with the job description.

• Use strong adjectives such as "creative," "adaptable," and "meticulous" to describe your soft skills.

• If you have no experience, mention your relevant transferrable skills, emphasising their connection with the company's goals.

• Provide a powerful example of a successful project where you demonstrated adaptability in writing different types of content.

Paragraph 2: 

• Emphasise your hard skills and achievements, showcasing concrete examples of your success in previous roles.

• Align accomplishments with the job application, demonstrating how your past performance makes you an ideal fit for the current opportunity.

• Elaborate on your areas of expertise through achievements, projects, or other work experience.

• Highlight qualifications and areas of expertise that make you a strong candidate

Refer to the best skills in a CV article for more insights on incorporating them into your CV and cover letter.

Top 10 skills that make a good writer in the UK:

See below the list of most in-demand soft and hard skills for a writer cover letter in the UK:

For more inspiration, please refer to our related blog article on the top skills employers look for.

3. Conclusion: How to end a writer cover letter

Conclude your cover letter by summarising your enthusiasm for the role and expressing confidence in your ability to contribute to the company's success. Ensure to express gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. Finally, end with a professional sign-off, expressing your eagerness to discuss your application further in an interview.

How to craft a writer cover letter with no experience?

Emphasise transferable skills gained from coursework, volunteer work, or personal projects. Highlight your enthusiasm for the industry, ability to adapt, and knowledge of writing trends. Showcase any relevant coursework or certifications and express your eagerness to contribute and grow within the writing role.

Think of a cover letter as your personal introduction to potential employers - a one-page snapshot showcasing how you can align with and contribute to the company’s values.

See our article on how to write a CV with no experience for further guidance on how to align your experience with the job's requirements.

Writer cover letter no experience example:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am interested in the Writing Intern position at PenCraft, which I came across on Indeed. Despite not having years of work experience in this role, I am confident that my passion for crafting impactful content along with excellent communication and writing skills position me as an excellent fit for this internship opportunity.

Throughout my studies, I have developed strong communication and creative thinking skills that I deem crucial for a thriving working environment. Through coursework and active participation in group projects, I have developed the ability to articulate ideas clearly and collaborate seamlessly within a team, essential qualities in the publishing industry.

My academic journey at the University of Birmingham presented numerous opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities such as WordCo and newspaper commitees further refining my organisational skills and adaptability. These experiences have underscored the importance of delivering messages and solutions that resonate compellingly with the target audience.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am confident that my proactiveness, creative problem-solving, and eagerness to learn will make a meaningful contribution to your established writing team. I am eager to explore how I can contribute to the success of PenCraft and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy in more detail.

Sincerely,

Marta Nowak

Attached: CV & references

Key takeaways

By adhering to the above guidelines, you should be able to craft a good writer cover letter that enhances your chances of securing your job. Carefully execute each step, ensuring seamless alignment between your CV and cover letter, thereby bringing you one step closer to landing a job interview. Lastly, proofread carefully to ensure your cover letter is not only visually appealing but also clearly conveys your qualifications and enthusiasm for a career in writing.

• Tailor your cover letter to the specific company and address your hiring manager by name.

• Start with a strong introduction that highlights the position and your relevant skills.

• Align your skills and achievements with the job description to demonstrate your fit.

• Use a clear and concise format, keeping your cover letter between 250-400 words.

• Proofread thoroughly and ensure there are no grammar or formatting mistakes

Whether you're eyeing a role in journalism or copywriting, taking that first step and applying for your dream job can be a game-changer.

Next steps?

To help you create an outstanding CV, explore our services below:

• CV Builder: explore one of our professional CV templates to help you create tailored and well-formatted documents.

• Cover Letter Builder: apply for a job with a matching cover letter template, ensuring a clear layout so you can easily personalise and adjust it to your career goals.

• CV Writing service: contact one of our experts for feedback and quick, professional advice on tailoring your CV to a specific job. 

• Blog: see our guides and brief articles to educate yourself on the best strategies to improve your job prospects. 

Explore our diverse cover letter templates and CV examples designed to align with your writing career objectives. For more information, visit CVMaker for more detailed information on all the resources and tools available.

With our cover letter builder you can create a strong foundation in seconds, tailored to your experience and the job you're applying for.

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FAQ

Do you need a cover letter as a writer?

A cover letter is essential to the job application process for any writing role. It provides room to showcase your enthusiasm, elaborate on soft and hard skills, and connect your experiences directly to the needs of the writing role. A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart in a competitive publishing field.

How long should a cover letter for writer's jobs be?

A well-structured cover letter should be between 250 to 400 words, equivalent to half a page to one full page. It consists of three to four short paragraphs designed for better readability and quick scanning of essential keywords. The key to an impactful cover letter is its conciseness, efficiently conveying your interests and highlighting why you are the ideal candidate.

For more tips, refer to our article about the ideal cover letter length.

How do I write a cover letter for an internship as a writer?

Focus on your educational background, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities or projects demonstrating your flair for writing. Highlight your eagerness to learn, adapt, and contribute to the company's writing initiatives. Highlight any transferable skills from your studies that align with the internship requirements, and express your enthusiasm for gaining on-the-job experience in the field.

Refer to our internship CV example for more tips and guidance on which sections to include.

Is a CV or cover letter more important for writers?

Both are equally crucial. Do not underestimate the significance of both career documents, and hold different purposes. A CV aims to provide a concise overview of your work experience, education, and skills. On the other hand, a cover letter allows you to personalise your application and explain how your background and motivation align with the company's goals.

For more inspiration, take a look at our diverse collection of cover letter examples for the UK market to help you streamline your application.

What are the most in-demand jobs for writers in the UK?

A career in writing entails various roles, from content creation and freelancing to technical writing. See below the list of the top 15 most common writing positions in the UK:

1. Content Writer

2. Copywriter

3. Technical Writer

4. Journalist

5. Screenwriter

6. Ghostwriter

7. Grant Writer

8. Blog Writer

9. SEO Writer

10. Social Media Writer

11. Editor

12. Proofreader

13. Creative Writer

14. Scriptwriter

15. Speechwriter.

For more inspiration, take a look at our closely related articles for a journalist CV and journalist cover letter to help you boost your career prospects and secure a role in the media or news industry.

How to create a cover letter as a writer using AI?

Creating a personalised cover letter for each job application can be time-consuming. Fortunately, AI tools like ChatGPT streamlined the process, making the writing process easier and more efficient. While AI can do everything for you, it's crucial to review each suggestion for accuracy, coherence, and tone of voice. AI lacks the human touch and the nuanced understanding of the details that recruiters value. Think of it as a useful collaborator rather than a replacement for your creativity.

For more insights, check out our related blog article AI CV Writing and the Need for Human Intervention.