Free State Review is a literary magazine that positions itself as a space for hybrid and personal nonfiction, explicitly welcoming work that moves 'off road' and across disciplinary boundaries. The journal's call for submissions frames the essay as a vessel for transport—'tell us a story as you ferry us across the river between Earth and the underworld'—signaling a curatorial interest in writing that navigates liminal states, whether emotional, aesthetic, or formal. The stated openness to music and art criticism, as well as the archetype of the 'tragedy queen,' suggests an editorial sensibility drawn to voice-driven, intellectually restless work that resists easy categorization. For this opportunity, writers are asked to submit nonfiction between 1,000 and 4,000 words. The submission fee is $12, and the journal provides feedback on submissions, a practice that distinguishes it from many comparable publications. Upon acceptance, Free State Review acquires First North American Serial Rights and the right to publish the work on its website for up to six months following print publication. All rights revert to the author after printing, with the request that the journal be acknowledged as the original publisher if the work is reprinted elsewhere. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, provided the journal is notified. The journal's description emphasizes a collaborative and transparent approach to publication, balancing the author's retention of rights with the journal's need for exclusivity during a defined period. This model reflects a respect for the writer's ongoing ownership of their work while allowing the journal to present the piece to its readership. The call does not specify a prize or monetary award beyond publication, positioning the opportunity as one of editorial engagement and audience reach rather than financial remuneration.