Dear Geist,

how to write my cover letter for these applications! Do you know where I can find some examples of cover letters? What tone should I use? What opening paragraph would I even use? Help!

Dear Exasperated,

, with input from successful applicants and practical suggestions on length of letter, tone, content and so on. Do read the whole works. You can find lots more by searching “cover letter publishing intern”; the advice is pretty consistent.

is doing and for whom we do it; whose cover letter is simple, direct, professional and idiosyncratic; who clearly reads widely (not just claims to do so)—an applicant who, in other words, has thought about our needs and who tells us exactly how she/he/they will be an asset to our operation.

One more thing: we congratulate you for recognizing that this kind of short, focussed writing is some of the hardest writing you will ever do, and for taking the trouble to do it right!