About this template
The Classic Courier template is a cover letter set entirely in Courier monospace, full-block alignment, no decoration. The visual language of typewritten correspondence — paradoxically modern again because of how directly it cites a pre-digital register. Compatible with ATS pipelines at literary publishers and long-form journalism outlets (NeoGov for foundation journalism fellowships, Greenhouse for modern newsrooms, Workday at Condé Nast, Hearst, Penguin Random House).
Who is it for?
It suits screenwriters, novelists, literary translators, independent publishing professionals, long-form journalists and creative writers applying to literary agents, magazines (The New Yorker, Granta, The Paris Review, n+1, McSweeney's) and writers' rooms (Netflix, HBO, Amazon Studios, BBC Drama). Reads as field-native — out of place in corporate, banking or non-narrative roles.
How to use it
Keep line spacing at 1.5 and line width at 60-70 characters (the manuscript convention). No bold, no typographic italics — for a title, use quotation marks or underline. The subject line stays direct ("Application: Staff Writer — Limited Series"). Mention two or three publications or projects with their outlet. The signature stays typed, no handwritten signature — visual coherence prevails. For a writers' room application, list two scripts already optioned or produced with their format (pilot, feature, limited series).
Frequently asked questions
Courier 12 or Courier New?
Courier Prime or Courier New 12 pt — the screenwriting convention is fixed Courier 12, which yields roughly one page of script = one minute of screen time. For the cover letter, keep Courier 12 for consistency. Avoid Courier 10 which feels too dense for prose.
Is it suitable for a literary-publishing application?
Yes for independent publishers (FSG, New Directions, Graywolf, Coffee House, Catapult). For the Big Five (Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan), it is riskier — the recipient may be surprised. Switch to letter-classic-typeset for those addressees.
Should I attach script excerpts to the letter?
Not within the letter itself. Mention in a postscript the availability of a sample (logline + treatment + 10 pages of dialogue) on request. Literary agents and producers prefer to ask rather than receive an unsolicited submission. WGA registration of the material is advisable before any submission.
