Recommendation Letter for Writers and Authors

What a good one includes

• A clear explanation of the recommender's relationship to the writer and the specific capacity in which they have read or mentored them.
• Detailed analysis of the writer's unique literary voice, style, themes, or technical skills in their genre.
• Concrete examples of the writer’s work ethic, particularly their openness to feedback and dedication to the rigorous process of revision.
• Evidence of the writer's contribution to literary communities, workshops, or academic spaces, showing how they support other artists.
• Mention of notable publications, awards, readings, or milestones that validate the writer's artistic momentum.
• A direct connection between the writer's artistic goals and the specific opportunities offered by the MFA program, grant, or residency.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using vague, cliché adjectives like "talented" or "creative" without providing specific examples or analyzing a particular piece of writing.
• Focusing too much on the writer's personality or general academic performance rather than their artistic craft and literary potential.
• Failing to address the writer's specific genre, which can make a fiction writer sound like an academic essayist or vice versa.
• Using a standard corporate reference letter format instead of an evocative, artist-to-artist endorsement that speaks the language of the creative community.

Frequently asked questions