Passages North, the literary journal housed at Northern Michigan University, maintains a dual submission model: regular submissions remain free, while the Rocket Fuel category allows writers to support the journal with a $3 donation. This is not a contest or a prize; it is a mechanism for sustaining the journal's operations while ensuring that all work—regardless of whether a fee is paid—enters the same reading queue and is evaluated with identical editorial attention. The journal's commitment to keeping regular submissions free reflects a broader ethos of accessibility, and the Rocket Fuel option is framed as a voluntary contribution rather than a pay-to-play fast track. For fiction writers, the guidelines are precise: one story between 1,000 and 5,000 words. There is no thematic restriction, no required aesthetic allegiance. Passages North has historically published a range of voices, from emerging writers to established figures, and the editorial vision favors work that demonstrates formal control, emotional resonance, and a distinctive sensibility. The journal is not looking for trend-driven pieces; it seeks fiction that earns its length and leaves a lasting impression. What writers receive is straightforward: publication in a respected literary journal, a committed readership, and the knowledge that their work was selected on its merits. The $3 donation does not influence acceptance—the guidelines explicitly state that Rocket Fuel submissions are processed at the same rate and with the same consideration as regular submissions. This is a chance to support a journal that has been a fixture in the literary landscape for decades, while placing your work in front of editors who read with care.