Mississippi Review, a longstanding literary journal affiliated with the University of Southern Mississippi, has opened its annual Fiction Contest for the 2027 Contest Issue, scheduled for Summer 2027 publication. The contest seeks short fiction between 600 and 8,000 words, with no restriction on the number of entries per writer, though each submission requires a separate $16 fee. The journal maintains a rigorous anonymous reading process, ensuring that editorial decisions rest solely on the merit of the work. This call represents a serious opportunity for fiction writers to place their work in a respected literary venue. The contest is open to all writers except current or former employees and students of the University of Southern Mississippi, and those with any affiliation—past or present—with a Mississippi Review staff member. Previously published work is ineligible, as are translations and submissions written primarily in a language other than English. Simultaneous submissions are welcomed, provided the journal is notified immediately upon acceptance elsewhere. The entry window runs from August 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027, with a final deadline of January 2, 2027. While no monetary prize is specified, the primary reward is publication in the Summer 2027 Contest Issue, a distinction that carries weight in the literary community. The journal’s commitment to anonymous reading and its openness to simultaneous submissions reflect a professional and writer-friendly ethos. This is not a contest for those seeking cash awards, but for writers who value placement in a well-regarded journal with a history of publishing distinguished fiction.