then maybe I'd just find another magazine to submit to. It's very much like a job application. I still think your work alone should be enough to convince a lit mag to accept you, not an actual cover letter + bio.

person bio, in addition to a polished piece should suffice. That said, lit mag editors are totally within their right to require a cover letter. But at a point, if my writing alone isn't enough to convince them they should accept my work, after I rigidly follow the guidelines and formatting rules,

I've submitted to lit mags before, so I'm aware. I am also a journalist in real life, so am used to this stuff as well. I understand professionalism, but I personally don't believe professionalism needs to be sought with a cover letter - especially if it's not a paid opportunity. A professional 3rd

I know I'm *super* late, but I just posted a short story on my site, that i would love people to check out!
bsky.app/profile/did:...

that's what my fear was...like i want my writing to stand out, and i'm already polishing my short story. to think that i could be passed up because of cover letter makes me sad

yeah like! if that's what they want to do , then let them do it. but i do feel that, as someone already applying for jobs irl, seeing it as a requirement for a lit mag is jarring

oh wow this is itty bitty lol