In writing a cover letter accompanying a submission to a literary journal, is listing publications in less well-regarded journals detrimental?

Question

Mostly, I've heard that having previous publication credits to your name is beneficial, but I wonder if listing many publications in journals that aren't particularly well-known or impressive might make a worse impression than just including a small number of publications. I'd appreciate answers from journal editors or from people who have been published in multiple tiers of literary journal and therefore can speak from personal experience.

Answer 1

While not a journalist nor published yet in my field, what I can offer is advice that was provided to me at the beginning of my graduate counseling program: cover letters are designed to capture what isn't offered in your resume. Essentially, you're highlighting WHY you deserve that role instead of WHAT qualifies you. If the publications are listed in your resume, perhaps speak to one or two of them that most closely relate to the specific job/company you're applying for, why those experiences were meaningful to your development, and why you'll be a valuable addition to their team based upon what you gained from those opportunities. Another option could be to mention your multiple publications more generally and focusing on describing what was suggested above as a foundation for why you're motivated for continued growth.

Although in a different professional field, for what it's worth, I've found cover letters to be most impactful when focused on intention rather than attention. Your resume brings attention to what qualifies you, but your cover letter distinguishes why you are an asset because of who you are beneath your professional identity. Regardless of what you ultimately decide to do, if you're able to take pride in feeling that you best represented yourself, that's all that matters.

Wishing you success!