I'm trying to write a letter of interest for a postdoctoral fellowship, but I have no idea what to say. I don't know how to describe my work without sounding full of it or having too much "industry speak". My doctoral studies hasn't done much but destroy my confidence as a person and a professional. I feel more confident applying to a fellowship rather than a "real job" because I know on paper I'm not qualified to be a professor.

I just don't know how to start. I should probably briefly describe my body of work - like a brief artist statement (I'm a composer), but how do you describe music in words? Especially when you have a huge variety to what you've written? Every artist statement I've looked up is WAY too long and grossly arrogant sounding. The only ways I can think of describing my music just sounds negative or lame. I can't think of the words to spin it right. Not like there's anything wrong with my music...I just don't know how to introduce myself in a way that sounds good.

Besides, I keep wondering what's the point when I don't have access to my university's letterhead and I'm not confident in my ability to counterfeit it. And it probably has no chance without a letterhead. I just don't know what to do at this point.