Should I list upcoming publications in a short story cover letter?

Question

I recently published my first short story in an anthology, and have somehow managed to get another in an upcoming issue of a magazine (contract signed and everything). Finally, I no longer have a gaping hole in my cover letter where publishing history would normally go. The first publishing credit seems pretty lonely on its own, though. Can I just go ahead and list the upcoming piece in my next cover letter, too? For example, "I have been published in X anthology and have an upcoming piece in Y magazine"? Or would that seem presumptuous?

Answer 1

First of all, congratulations- - getting published is a major career milestone and an achievement worth celebrating!

In answer to your question, yes, you should certainly feel comfortable listing your upcoming publication in a short story cover letter, as you have a signed contract in your possession. The way you worded your credit is absolutely valid: "I have been published in X anthology and have an upcoming piece in Y magazine." If it would make you feel more comfortable to be more specific, you could certainly say, "I am honored to have been published in X anthology and am pleased to have a piece under contract with Y magazine as well.'

The fact of the matter is that you are in no way trying to deceive anyone, nor are you operating under false pretenses: your work has been published in an anthology and another organization has given you a legal document confirming their plans to publish your short story. It's all good.

Here's to your continued success!