The Fresh Water Press is seeking submissions for an anthology of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction on the theme of Community & Culture on the Lakeshore. With this project, Fresh Water Press is working to fulfill its mission to elevate local voices, showcase talent from Wisconsin, and support the literary arts. 

Submission Period

We are accepting submissions between October 15 and December 15, 2026. 

Anthology Theme

The anthology’s theme is Community and Culture on the Lakeshore.  

The editors are looking for image-rich work that explores what it’s like to live in this specific area. Draw from your memories, interview an elder, tell about your favorite place to be alone in, a memorable day in school, a significant person, where you like to meet your friends, what you did at recess as a child, the day your baby sister was born, get-togethers with your extended family. Consider subjects such as picnics, fishing derbies, musical failures or successes, the immigrant experience, the integration of neighborhoods, household economics, grandparents, neighbors, experiences at church, in organizations, rural life, one-room schoolhouses. There are many, many potential subjects. 

Eligibility

• Submissions are limited to writers who currently live in or who have spent significant time in (10+ years) Manitowoc County and/or its contiguous counties: Brown, Calumet, Kewaunee, and Sheboygan.
• The editors will favor works that describe the sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and bodily feel of the area.
• We appreciate humor, but it’s not a requirement.
• We’d like to hear from beginning, intermediate, and experienced writers. All ages welcome.
• If you have always had the dream to write and see your work published, this may be your chance. The process of submitting your work for others to read can feel daunting, but it’s an essential part of the writing life.
• Fresh Water Press will partner with students enrolled in Lakeland University’s “Literary Publishing” class on the selection and organization of submissions. Submissions will be read without identifying information.

Genres Accepted & Word Count Limits

Your submissions must be within the word count limits to be considered for the anthology.

• Fiction short stories: Up to 3,000 words
• Flash forms: Up to 3 pieces, each up to 1,000 words
• Nonfiction: Up to 3,000 words
• Poetry: Up to 3 poems, each no more than one page in length

Submission Form

In the submission form below, you will be asked to share more about yourself, including your bio, your connection to the Lakeshore, and how you would help promote the anthology book.

The submission form asks for your contact information, submission details, and a Word document of the submission.

How to Format the Word Document with Your Submission

Please format your Word document in Times New Roman font, size 12, double-spaced.

Rights

Fresh Water Press will retain first-time rights (not serial rights) for all pieces chosen for the anthology.