About this template
The Editorial Magazine template is a letter laid out like a magazine spread: oversized GT Sectra dropline, two-column body in Source Serif, kicker labels above each paragraph in small caps. Margins behave like a print art-direction grid — every white space is calculated. The grammar is borrowed directly from premium titles (The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, Apartamento).
Who is it for?
It suits candidates in print journalism (The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Times Magazine, The Guardian Weekly), magazine publishing (Vogue, GQ, Wallpaper*, Monocle, Drift Magazine, Apartamento), cultural editorial, podcast-led media (Serial Productions, Pineapple Street Studios) and book design. Editors-in-chief, art directors, copywriters, long-form journalists and designers used to thinking spread-by-spread — not for tech CVs, ATS portals or finance roles.
How to use it
Keep the two body columns strictly aligned on the baseline — a shift breaks the magazine signature. The dropline (first paragraph in larger body) should hold to 3 to 4 lines maximum, no more. For print-press applications, open on a piece signed at the target outlet (no flattery) and tie your proposition to their editorial line. For magazine art directors, mention two or three signature issues led with their theme. For podcasts, cite the episodes you actually listened to at the target producer and tie them to your craft. Export to high-quality PDF, Source Serif and GT Sectra must stay crisp in two columns. The 'magazine cover letter art director New Yorker Vogue' niche search is small but high-intent.
Frequently asked questions
Do two columns pass ATS?
No, poorly — parsers often convert two columns into a chaotic mix of sentences, making the letter unreadable on the ATS side. But this template is not destined for automated HR portals. It is sent as a spontaneous application to an identified editor-in-chief or art director, as an email attachment. For an application routed through a portal (The New York Times careers via Workday), keep an ATS standard template instead.
Should I attach a deck of signed articles?
Yes, mandatory for journalists: three to five signed pieces in a compiled PDF (web versions or photos of print spreads). For magazine art directors, attach a PDF of led issues (covers + signature pages) instead. For copywriters at an agency, a deck of signed campaigns with brief, execution and result serves as articles deck.
Is the GT Sectra free?
No, GT Sectra is a commercial typeface from Grilli Type, paid for commercial use. For a free substitute, Tiempos Headline alternatives (Klim) are also paid; PT Serif or Caladea offer comparable proportions for free. For a one-off letter to a magazine, an Adobe Fonts trial via Creative Cloud lets you use GT Sectra legally. For regular professional use, the licence is a real investment.
