A cover letter is not necessarily required. However, if you choose to include one, please be brief and professional. Cover letters traditionally include the following:

• Salutation to the editor (Dear Mr. Garrison)
• Statement of reason including title of submitted work.
• Abbreviated citation of recent relevant works, group memberships, and linkage to home pages, etc.
• “Sincerely,”
• Author’s Name

Do not “pitch” the work in the cover letter.