Ninth Letter: Web Edition CREATIVE NONFICTION
Overview
Ninth Letter, a literary journal affiliated with the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, operates a distinct web edition that runs parallel to its print publication. This call is for creative nonfiction—essays or flash pieces—that engage with a designated theme. The web edition serves as a digital counterpart, offering a space for work that may differ in form or immediacy from the print journal. The journal has a history of presenting innovative writing and visual art, and this opportunity reflects its ongoing commitment to publishing work that is both intellectually rigorous and formally aware. The submission parameters are precise: one essay of no more than 3,500 words, or up to three flash nonfiction pieces totaling the same limit. A note explaining the work's connection to the theme is mandatory; submissions lacking this note will not be considered. This requirement underscores the curatorial intent: to select work that is in deliberate conversation with the theme, not merely tangential. The web edition is a curated space, and the editorial team seeks writing that demonstrates a clear understanding of the thematic prompt and a thoughtful approach to its execution. There is no submission fee, and the journal accepts files in .doc, .docx, or .pdf via the designated link only. Work sent through other channels—email, snail mail, or the print edition's general submissions—will not be considered for this edition. This exclusivity ensures that submissions are routed to the appropriate editorial team and that the review process remains streamlined. For creative nonfiction writers, this is an opportunity to place work in a respected literary venue with a focused readership, without financial barrier.