Negative-working imageable element can be used to provide lithographic printing plates. The imageable element has a suitable radiation-sensitive imageable layer and a water-soluble overcoat disposed on the imageable layer. This overcoat comprises at least one poly(vinyl alcohol) having a saponification degree of at least 90%, an alkoxylation product of an alkanol, and either a 2-sulfonato succinic acid dialkylester or an alkoxylation product of a 1,4-butanediol.