Soundings East has long served as a vital venue for emerging and established voices in contemporary letters. Published by Salem State University, the journal has a distinguished history of presenting fiction that is formally ambitious and emotionally resonant, often bridging the gap between the academic and the literary avant-garde. Its pages have featured work by writers who go on to significant acclaim, yet the journal remains committed to discovering new talent alongside more seasoned contributors. For this reading period, the editors seek short fiction that demonstrates a mastery of craft and a willingness to take risks. There is no fee to submit, reflecting the journal's dedication to accessibility and its belief that financial barriers should not hinder literary discovery. While there is no monetary prize, publication in Soundings East offers writers a reputable platform with a discerning readership, as well as the opportunity to join a community of writers who value precision, originality, and depth. The curatorial vision for this issue is open to a wide range of styles and subjects, but the editors consistently favor work that is attentive to language, character, and narrative tension. Whether realist or experimental, traditional or hybrid, the strongest submissions will be those that feel necessary—stories that could not be told in any other way. The journal's commitment to literary excellence ensures that each piece is given careful consideration by a dedicated editorial team.