Ninth Letter, a literary journal affiliated with the University of Illinois, has long been recognized for its commitment to innovative writing and design. The Web Edition extends this mission into digital space, offering a platform for fiction that engages with a specific thematic prompt. Unlike the print edition, which operates on a separate submissions track, the Web Edition seeks work that resonates with the announced theme, as articulated in the required accompanying note. This call is for fiction only, with a strict word limit of 3,500 words, whether a single short story or up to three flash pieces totaling that length. The journal's editorial vision for this edition emphasizes thematic coherence and digital readability. Submitters are asked to avoid fully justified text formatting, as the website cannot support it. The requirement for a brief note explaining the work's connection to the theme is not merely procedural; it signals that the editors are looking for intentional, self-aware submissions that understand the context of the call. Work that ignores this directive will not be considered. Accepted pieces will be published online, reaching Ninth Letter's readership and contributing to the ongoing conversation in contemporary fiction. There is no submission fee, aligning with the journal's accessible ethos. The deadline is fixed: November 1, 2026. Only submissions through the designated link will be reviewed; postal or email submissions, or those sent via the print edition's general submissions portal, will be discarded. This is a focused opportunity for writers to place work in a respected digital venue with a clear thematic frame.