ICML Cover Letter

ICML does not use a cover letter for the main track — submission is through OpenReview structured forms (author list, abstract, checklists), not a free-form letter. Use this snapshot only when a cover letter is explicitly required (some workshops, special calls) or when the authors choose to provide one. ICML mirrors NeurIPS for those expectations.

Tone

• Contribution-led, concise.

Opening

• One sentence stating the algorithmic or theoretical contribution.
• Name the track.

Contribution Framing

• Three concise contributions.
• One quantitative anchor traceable to the manuscript.
• For theoretical results: state assumptions briefly.

Journal Fit

• Two sentences connecting the contribution to the ICML scope.

Declarations (Required for ICML)

• Originality and dual-submission compliance.
• Reproducibility statement confirmation.

Length

• Hard ceiling: 400 words.

Common Desk-Reject Triggers

• Dual-submission violation.
• Theoretical contribution with hidden or unstated assumptions.