the pub
PO BOX 13071
Chicago, IL 60613

GUIDELINES:

Writing

What we’re looking for — As we say in the newsroom, the pub is short for our three primary focuses: the public (long-form journalism, opinion editorials, profiles), the publication (literary fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry), and the pub (work that explores DIY culture, Chicago’s underground scene, or other topics you typically talk about over a beer). Sometimes these themes overlap, and so we don’t deliberately silo pieces into their respective categories if they don’t easily fit into either three, but we do outline these themes because we believe that they encapsulate our larger mission as a publication: to amplify Chicago stories, platform Chicago-based artists, and explore the secret, oft forgotten corners of our city. The pub, more than anything, is grounded in place, often Chicago but not exclusively. We’re more so interested in ideas of home and community, in how we relate to it, and in how we protect it. 

What we accept — We’re excited about long-form, sit-down, magazine-style pieces. We accept news (with a twist), reviews, profiles, opinion editorials, literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. However, be mindful that we only accept one poem an issue, and that our space for literary fiction is extremely limited as well. 

Length — For feature pieces, shoot for 2,000 words. We’ll have wiggle room to determine word count once the first draft is written. For non-feature pieces, we typically say our ideal word count is between 300 to 5,000 words, but send us what you got and we’ll go from there. 

Query letters and pitches — We welcome query letters and pitches that explore our aforementioned themes. However, we can not guarantee publication until we have a first draft to review. 

Payment and Expenses — At this time, we unfortunately do not have the resources to provide financial compensation for your pieces or to reimburse you for any expenses acquired during your writing process. We do, however, invite all of our writers to read their work at our quarterly launch party, where they can pick up a free copy of the pub and get to know everyone that makes up the pub community.

Editing philosophy — All pieces that we receive and accept are subject to editing, and our editors are often deeply engaged in the development of the pieces we publish. However, we believe writing is a collaborative process between the writer and editor, and thus, we highly encourage our writers to raise any and all questions/concerns they have about the piece or the edits they receive with our editorial board. We work to ensure that the writer has autonomy over their craft and a sense of ownership over how their words are portrayed. 

Libel insurance — As Newcity says, “You’re on your own here, so practice good journalism.”

Assignments — Writers who have previously written for the pub will sometimes be asked to follow a lead or work on assignment. If you’re an experienced writer for the pub and are interested in being given assignments, please reach out to thechicagopublication@gmail.com or ruby.haack@thepubchicago.com to be included on our freelancer list.

Bylines and credit — When submitting, please include your name, your pen name (if applicable), and a short bio. Having these materials all ready to go will help us streamline the production process once it’s time to send the publication to print. 

Images

Photography — We are always looking for Chicago-specific imagery—work that tells a story about the city, where it’s been, and where it’s going. All images we receive need to be publishable in print and in black and white. All images must be at least 300 DPI. If they are of any lower quality, we will not be able to include them in our publication. If the photo is too dark to print on news print, we may ask for further editing or adjustments to be made.  

Illustration — We are always excited to publish comics! All images we receive need to be publishable in print and in black and white. All images must be at least 300 DPI. If they are of any lower quality, we will not be able to include them in our publication. Also, if you’re interested in working exclusively on assignment, or contributing to future pub work as a graphic designer for future merch, please send your portfolio to thechicagopublication@gmail.com or ruby.haack@thepubchicago.com to be included on our freelancer list.

Assignment — Illustrators and photographers who have previously contributed to our paper will sometimes be asked to work on assignment, providing images to correspond with written pieces. If you have previously contributed to the pub and are interested in being given assignments, please reach out to thechicagopublication@gmail.com or ruby.haack@thepubchicago.com to be included on our freelancer list.

Payment and Expenses — At this time, we unfortunately do not have the resources to provide financial compensation for your pieces or to reimburse you for any expenses acquired during your artistic process. We do, however, invite our freelance artists to consign with us at our store located on 3801 W. Fullerton, and we sometimes ask to commission pieces for future merch. 

Bylines and credit — When submitting, please include your name, your pen name (if applicable), and a short bio. Having these materials all ready to go will help us streamline the production process once it’s time to send the publication to print.