Cooler by the Lake is an online literary review showcasing the voices and perspectives of StoryStudio Chicago® writers. Updated frequently, we publish short fiction, novel excerpts, creative non-fiction, poetry and visual arts from the students, instructors and supporters of StoryStudio Chicago, the center for writing and related arts.
This is a chance to share your story - and get a peek at what other Chicago-area writers are up to!
How To Submit to Cooler by the Lake
Submissions are accepted, reviewed, and published on a more-or-less rolling basis. Work accepted for publication on Cooler by the Lake will remain on the site indefinitely, providing StoryStudio writers the ongoing opportunity to point to published work.
Our purpose is to promote you and your writing so we have no problem with simultaneous submissions. But if you are successful at having the piece also published elsewhere, let us know so we can toot your horn. We also hope to promote conversation among Cooler readers.
Sorry, there is no financial payment for your story. But there is a lot glory!
Guidelines:
Publication of stories and poems is limited to StoryStudio students, instructors and supporters. To submit your manuscript, please follow these guidelines:
• Publication of stories and poems and images is limited to StoryStudio students, instructors and supporters. (you need not be currently enrolled).
• All pieces should be original. Cooler by the Lake will not retain any rights to your work.
• Fiction and nonfiction submissions should be no more than 3,000 words. Novel excerpts are fine. Very short pieces are wonderful.
• Poetry submissions are limited to three at a time.
• Original photos and images must be sent as electronic files and you may send up to three at a time. Please make sure the files are .gifs or jpegs and set for a resolution of 72 dpi and sized no larger than 500 x 500 pixels. Also, please keep the file size as small as possible.
• Submissions should be sent (please send us only one story, essay, or poem selection or image selection at a time) in a single MSWord file attached to your email (or if you must, within the body of the email.
• Email to and make sure to put Cooler Submission in the subject line.
• Definitely send us an Author Bio to include on the site. These should be a couple paragraphs focused on your writing. Cooler by the Lake is a conversation so feel free to include your writing successes and challenges! Maybe another StoryStudio writer will be able to commiserate.
• Lastly, we encourage to Register on Cooler so you may participate in the discussion.
We try to respond asap to submissions. And we expect by January to have an actual publishing calendar. Until then, trust that we’ll get back to you quickly.
