When Should You Propose a Journal Cover to the Editors? A Researcher’s Guide

Many researchers dream of seeing their work featured on the cover of a scientific journal.
But a crucial question often comes up:

“When should I propose the cover to the editors?”

Submitting too early can waste effort.
Submitting too late means you miss the opportunity entirely.
And different journals have different policies about when they accept cover artwork.

This guide will help you understand the best timing, strategies, and signals that indicate when to reach out to the editors with your cover concept — maximizing your chance of being selected.

Why Timing Matters for Journal Covers

Cover images are not chosen randomly. Editors usually select artwork based on:

• relevance to the issue
• visual clarity
• scientific importance
• novelty
• aesthetic impact
• space availability
• editorial schedule

If you contact them at the wrong time, even the best artwork may be overlooked simply because the slot has already been filled.

Timing is a strategic advantage.

Three Moments When You Can Propose a Journal Cover

Different journals accept cover proposals at different stages.
Below are the most common and safest timeframes.

1. When Your Paper Is Accepted (the ideal moment for most journals)

For most journals, the best time to reach out is right after acceptance but before the final production stage.

Why?

• The editors know your paper is going to print.
• The cover team is deciding on visuals for the upcoming issue.
• They often invite accepted authors to propose artwork.
• You have a predictable timeline for preparing the image.

At this stage, your manuscript is locked in, and editors are open to visual concepts.

This is the most successful strategy researchers use.

2. During Late-Stage Peer Review (only for journals that allow early proposals)

Some journals — especially those with strong visual cultures — allow authors to send cover ideas during peer review.

Examples include:

• Cell Press journals
• Nature Portfolio journals (varies by title)
• EMBO Press
• PNAS (sometimes)

Why propose during late review?

• Your manuscript is likely close to acceptance.
• Editors may be collecting potential cover ideas early.
• You show initiative and enthusiasm.
• You get ahead of the queue.

However, only do this for journals that explicitly encourage early proposals.

3. When the Editor Asks You Directly

This is the easiest case.
Some journals automatically invite authors to submit cover art once the paper moves into production.

If editors ask you:

• they already think your research is visually compelling
• they are actively seeking art for the issue
• your chances of being selected are significantly higher

When this happens, you should act quickly — sometimes the window is only a few days.

When Not to Propose a Cover

There are several situations where contacting editors is not recommended.

1. Immediately After Initial Submission

This is too early.
At this stage:

• the paper may not pass review
• editors do not know the issue timing
• the cover schedule is irrelevant to your submission
• the journal may consider it premature or presumptuous

Never propose at initial submission unless the journal explicitly invites early artwork ideas.

2. Too Late — After Production Has Started

Once your manuscript enters production layout, it is often too late to influence:

• issue scheduling
• cover selection
• visual planning

By this point, the cover is usually decided.

3. After the Issue Is Already Filled

Some journals fill covers months in advance, especially high-impact titles.

If you wait too long, even perfect artwork will be declined with:
"This issue is already complete, but thank you for offering."

This is why early communication is an advantage.

How to Contact Editors About a Cover Proposal

A simple, polite email works best.

Sample Email You Can Use

Subject:
Cover Artwork Proposal for Accepted Paper

Body:
Dear [Editor Name],
I am writing regarding our accepted manuscript titled:
[Full Title] (Manuscript ID: [ID]).

We would be delighted to propose a cover artwork concept that visually represents the key findings of the study. Please let me know if the journal is accepting cover artwork for the upcoming issue and whether you have any specific guidelines regarding dimensions, file formats, or artistic direction.

I would be happy to share sketches or concept ideas upon request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Institution]

Tips to Increase Your Chance of Being Selected

✔ Prepare sketches early

Even rough ideas help editors visualize your concept.

✔ Match the journal’s aesthetic

Nature, Cell, Science, EMBO — each has a unique style.

✔ Keep the concept simple and iconic

Covers must be striking at first glance.

✔ Ensure scientific accuracy

Editors reject visuals that misrepresent biology.

✔ Work with a professional illustrator

It shows commitment and dramatically raises quality.

✔ Follow all technical guidelines

Dimensions, resolution, color profile, file type.

✔ Offer 2–3 concept variations

Editors appreciate choice.

How I Help Researchers Prepare Journal Cover Submissions

My workflow for cover proposals includes:

✔ understanding your research story

✔ generating sketch concepts

✔ creating a cinematic, scientifically accurate final image

✔ formatting to journal specifications

✔ helping with the cover email

✔ preparing alternative versions if needed

This gives your proposal the best chance of being selected.

Need Help Preparing a Cover Proposal for Your Paper?

If your manuscript is moving toward acceptance or you want to prepare early concepts, I can help you create a visually compelling and scientifically cohesive cover artwork ready for submission.

Send your manuscript summary or main figure, and I’ll provide concepts within 24 hours.