A Nature Communications cover letter should be a concise, factual summary of your manuscript’s key findings and their significance, written to convince the editor that your work fits the journal’s scope and is worth peer review. Below is a clear example, followed by a detailed breakdown of what to include, how to structure it, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why the Cover Letter Matters at Nature Communications
Nature Communications is a multidisciplinary journal that publishes research in the natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, biology, health, and Earth sciences. Unlike some specialty journals, its editors handle a very high volume of submissions and make an initial triage decision within a few days. The cover letter is often the only document they read before deciding whether to send your paper out for review or reject it without review. A strong letter can tip that decision in your favor by clearly stating the novelty, significance, and fit of your work. A weak or generic letter can lead to immediate rejection, regardless of the quality of the science.
What to Include in Your Letter
Your cover letter should be a single page, written in plain English, and structured like a formal business letter. The core content should cover these four elements:
- The submission statement: State the manuscript title and that you are submitting it for consideration for publication in Nature Communications.
- The main finding: In 2–3 sentences, describe the central discovery or conclusion of your work. Avoid jargon and make it accessible to a broad scientific audience.
- The significance: Explain why this finding matters. What long-standing question does it answer? What new avenue does it open? How does it advance the field beyond incremental progress?
- The fit: Briefly state why the work is appropriate for Nature Communications specifically, rather than a more specialized journal. Mention the journal’s multidisciplinary audience if that is relevant.
You may also include a sentence confirming that the manuscript is original, has not been published elsewhere, and is not under consideration by another journal. This is standard but often appreciated.
Example Cover Letter (Fictional Sample)
Here is a filled-in example with fictional details. Use it as a structural guide; replace all specifics with your own data.
Dear Editor,
We are pleased to submit our manuscript, “Coral symbionts exhibit rapid thermal adaptation through epigenetic changes,” for consideration as an Article in Nature Communications.
Our study demonstrates that the symbiotic algae living within coral tissues can acquire heat tolerance within a single generation through DNA methylation changes, without genetic mutation. Using a novel experimental evolution approach, we show that this epigenetic acclimation is heritable and can increase coral survival by 40% under simulated heatwave conditions.
This finding challenges the long-held assumption that coral adaptation requires many generations of natural selection. It provides a mechanistic explanation for observed variability in coral bleaching thresholds and suggests new strategies for reef restoration. We believe the work will be of broad interest to ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and climate scientists, and it fits the interdisciplinary scope of Nature Communications.
The manuscript is original, has not been published previously, and is not under consideration by any other journal. All authors have approved the submission.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Smith
Corresponding Author
University of the Pacific
Blank Template for Your Use
Copy the structure below, filling in the blanks with your own information. Keep it to one page.
Dear Editor,
We are pleased to submit our manuscript, “______________________________,” for consideration as a(n) ____________ (Article / Review / Matters Arising) in Nature Communications.
Our work ________________________________________________________ (describe main finding in 2–3 sentences). This is significant because ________________________________________________________ (explain why it matters).
We believe this manuscript is well suited for Nature Communications because ________________________________________________________ (state fit with journal scope).
The manuscript is original, has not been published previously, and is not under consideration by any other journal. All authors have approved the submission.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
____________________
Corresponding Author
____________________ (Affiliation)
What to Avoid in a Cover Letter
Editors read hundreds of letters; certain patterns annoy them and can hurt your chances. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overhyping: Phrases like “groundbreaking” or “revolutionary” are red flags. Let the science speak through clear description.
- Too much technical detail: The editor is not a specialist in your subfield. If they can’t grasp the significance quickly, they may pass.
- Repeating the abstract: The cover letter should be a short, high-level summary, not a copy of your abstract. Use different wording.
- Mentioning reviewers by name: Do not suggest specific reviewers unless the journal explicitly asks. It can appear as an attempt to influence the process.
- Ignoring the journal’s specific guidelines: Always check the journal’s website for any additional requirements, such as statements about data availability or competing interests.
How to Tailor the Letter to Your Manuscript
Every manuscript is different, so your letter should be too. Consider the following scenarios and adjust your emphasis accordingly:
- If your work is interdisciplinary: Highlight how it bridges fields. For example, a paper on a new material for solar cells might emphasize both the chemistry of the material and its potential for renewable energy applications.
- If your work is a negative result: Explain why the null finding is important. For instance, a study showing that a certain drug does not work in a specific population can prevent future wasted effort.
- If your work is a replication or meta-analysis: State clearly what new synthesis or confirmation you provide, and why that adds value beyond the original studies.
- If your work is a technical advance: Focus on the new capability and its potential to enable other discoveries, not just the technical details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I address the editor by name?
If you know the name of the editor handling your area, it is polite to use it. If you don’t, “Dear Editor” is perfectly acceptable. You can find the editorial team list on the journal’s website.
How long should the cover letter be?
One page, around 300–500 words, is standard. Editors read quickly; a concise letter is more effective than a long one. If you have a particularly complex story, you can stretch to 600 words, but never more than that.
Do I need to include a suggested reviewers list?
Nature Communications does not require a suggested reviewers list in the cover letter. However, some authors include it in the submission system separately. Check the journal’s guidelines; if it’s optional, you can leave it out.
Can I mention a preprint?
Yes, it is acceptable to mention that the manuscript is available as a preprint, and some journals actually encourage this. It shows transparency and can help establish priority. Just state it simply, e.g., “A preprint of this work is available on bioRxiv.”
What if my paper was previously rejected from another journal?
You do not need to mention prior rejections in the cover letter. However, if you have revised the manuscript substantially, you can briefly note that you have addressed reviewer comments from a previous submission, which shows you have improved the work.
Is it okay to use a template?
Yes, using a template is fine as long as you customize the content. Editors can tell when a letter is generic, so always rewrite the main finding and significance sections to be specific to your paper.
Final Checklist Before Submitting
Before you hit submit, run through this checklist:
- Is the letter addressed to the correct editor (if known)?
- Does the first paragraph clearly state the title and submission type?
- Is the main finding described in plain English, without jargon?
- Have you explained the significance and why it fits Nature Communications?
- Is the letter free of spelling and grammar errors?
- Have you included the standard originality statement?
- Is the letter formatted as a professional business letter with your contact information?
Taking the time to craft a thoughtful, specific cover letter can make a real difference in how your manuscript is received. It is your first chance to make a good impression, so make it count.