Want a stronger cover letter?

Use our extensive library of professional cover letter examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Cover Letter Builder simply click, customize and download.

 

Icon

Select

Icon

Customize

Icon

Download

How to Format Your Cover Letter

Visit our helpful cover letter format and writing guide for additional advice on how to customize your application, or read on to find copywriting-related advice. 

how-to-format-resume
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7

  • Contact information:

    • Make sure your professional cover letter header matches your resume for a cohesive look. Include your name, phone number and email. 

  • Date and recipient's mailing information:

    • Visit the company’s directory to research the hiring manager and contact info. Add the date of writing, followed by the manager’s name, job title and professional mailing address. 

  • Greeting:

    • Begin the letter with a professional salutation. We prefer the following formal greetings: “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,” “Hello, Mr./Ms. Last Name,” or the last resort, “To whom it may concern.”

  • Introduction:

    • Add the name of the position and company, how you learned about it, and one copywriting skill or accomplishment to advertise your suitability in this opening paragraph.

  • Body:

    • Use one or two paragraphs to elaborate on one or two accomplishments on your freelance writer resume. The goal is to quantify your training further and prove your proficiency.  

  • Closing statement:

    • In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest and qualifications. Express your eagerness to discuss your candidacy in an interview further.

  • Signature:

    • End the letter with a formal closing followed by your full name and, if applicable, your professional titles or certifications. Acceptable signatures include “Salutations,” “Best,” or “Regards.”

Use skills to personalize your freelance writer cover letter

An influential freelance writer’s cover letter uses the space to market their soft, hard and technical skills. Consider these 15 skills and their related accomplishments to kickstart your draft: 

1
SEO expertise:

Highlight your ability to create SEO-friendly content that ranks well in search engines, driving organic traffic.

2
Keyword research:

Emphasize your analytical skills in researching and incorporating relevant keywords to optimize content for target audiences.

3
Content planning:

Showcase your strategic approach to writing and content creation, including effectively outlining, structuring and organizing topics.

4
Audience segmentation:

Mention your capability to tailor content to different audience segments, ensuring maximum engagement and relevance.

5
Data interpretation:

Highlight your aptitude for interpreting data and analytics to refine content strategies for better performance.

6
CMS familiarity:

Mention your proficiency with content management systems like WordPress or Drupal for seamless content publishing.

7
Editing and proofreading:

Showcase your keen eye for detail by mentioning your ability to edit and proofread your work meticulously.

8
Research skills:

Highlight your knack for thorough research, which allows you to provide accurate and well-informed content.

9
Social media integration:

Emphasize your skill in creating content suitable for various social media platforms to boost online visibility.

10
Copywriting expertise:

If relevant, showcase your ability to craft persuasive copy that drives conversions and engagement.

11
Technical writing:

Mention your experience in explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely, catering to technical and non-technical audiences.

12
Content promotion:

Highlight your marketing skills for content promotion strategies, such as outreach, guest posting and influencer collaboration.

13
Multimedia integration:

Mention your ability to create diverse, engaging materials and multimedia content like videos and infographics.

14
Adaptability:

Showcase instances where you’ve successfully adapted to different niches, industries or writing styles.

15
Project management:

If applicable, mention your capacity to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and communicate effectively with clients.

Free Freelance Writer Cover Letter Example

Dear Ms. Castillo:

Upon review of your posting for a Freelance Writer, I submit the enclosed resume for your consideration. As a detail-driven and highly experienced writer with over 13 years of experience developing and producing original content for various publications, I am confident that I can substantially surpass your expectations for this role.

Success in freelance writing requires a commitment to grammatical excellence, an innate ability to identify and pursue compelling stories and information, and an unwavering adherence to all deadlines and individual publication requirements. My background includes writing short and feature-length articles on various subjects such as news, culture, travel, the arts and business. With my history of publishing success and commitment to cultivating fruitful relationships to encourage future connections and stimulate article ideas, I am ready to extend my record of writing accomplishments with Aim High Magazine.

Highlights of my experience include:

  1. Publishing approximately 325 newspaper articles and 78 magazine articles in various popular titles (please see my enclosed resume for a comprehensive list) and interviewing public individuals and businesses for high-impact reading material.
  2. Creating comprehensive, fresh content for publications while gaining professional training in diverse computer programs such as InDesign, Photoshop and HTML to facilitate expansion into new media.
  3. Forging trusting and loyal connections with peers, publication management teams and community members to drive future partnerships and spark story and contact leads.
  4. Leveraging solid editorial skills to generate flawless copy upon submission, ensuring expeditious delivery from writing to publication.
  5. Holding an MFA with a concentration in Creative Writing from the University of Wisconsin and a graduate certificate in editing.

With my expertise in composing innovative content and my commitment to exploring and expanding upon new story ideas, I can benefit your writing team significantly. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Nicholas C. Randolph

This sample freelance writer cover letter is helpful because it provides a clear overview of the candidate’s qualifications, aligns them with the job requirements and offers specific examples of achievements. It is concise, well-structured and focused on how the candidate’s skills can benefit the potential employer. Let’s break down why this cover letter is effective:

Add a Resume as a Foundational Base

A cover letter helps promote your resume — but your resume acts as an essential building block for your job search. This concise summary helps hiring managers trace your training, experience, skill development and accomplishments. The following help articles, online tools and samples can help you improve your resume. 

Freelance Writer Cover Letter FAQ

What should I focus on when writing a freelance writer cover letter?

Your cover letter must emphasize your writing skills, relevant experience and commitment to meeting deadlines. Showcase your ability to adapt to different topics and writing styles.

 

How long should my freelance writer cover letter be?

Write a concise cover letter around 250-400 words. Highlight your essential qualifications and accomplishments to engage the reader quickly.

 

Should I tailor my cover letter for each freelance writing job?

Yes, customize your cover letter for each job. Address specific requirements and demonstrate your understanding of the client’s needs and industry. Prioritize action verbs and power words to give your cover letter energy. 

 

How can I make my cover letter ATS-friendly for freelance writing gigs?

Use relevant keywords from the job posting, match your skills to the job description, and format the document cleanly to ensure compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS).

 

Is it essential to include samples of my work in the cover letter?

While a cover letter is usually more focused on your qualifications, providing links to a portfolio or mentioning specific relevant work samples can enhance your application’s credibility and show your skills in action.