Outskirts Literary Journal positions itself at the periphery of conventional literary geography, and its prose submission call reflects that stance: a deliberate openness to work that resists easy categorization. The journal seeks prose—fiction, creative nonfiction, and flash—that operates with formal awareness and an indifference to market-driven trends. With a single .docx file capped at 12 pages, the editors signal a preference for concision and coherence over bulk; the constraint is not arbitrary but curatorial, favoring manuscripts that justify every page. The submission fee of $3.00 (USD) is modest and standard for independent literary magazines operating without institutional subsidy. It does not confer prestige, nor does it guarantee editorial attention beyond the journal's stated review process. What the journal offers is a venue for prose that might otherwise fall between the cracks of larger, more risk-averse publications. The absence of a prize or monetary award is not a defect but a clarification: this is a publication opportunity, not a contest. Writers should submit with the understanding that acceptance means appearing in a journal whose editorial identity is built on discernment rather than scale. The formatting requirements—standard 12-point font, double-spacing unless otherwise warranted, page numbers in the header—are conventional and practical. They suggest an editorial team that values readability and professionalism, not idiosyncrasy for its own sake. Multiple flash pieces are welcome within the 12-page limit, which allows for a cohesive suite of short works rather than a single long-form piece. The deadline is exact: October 4, 2026. No extensions are implied. Writers should treat this as a firm cutoff and plan accordingly.